Private Chef - A Rustic Italian Dinner

I have had the opportunity to enjoy Shawnie’s delicious meals on several occasions. She customized menus that satisfied my vegetarian requirements and my husband‘s tree nut allergy. The meals were crafted with amazing flavor and exceptional presentation. Don’t ever miss dessert … her pastry skills are out of this world. I have also had a chance to take cooking classes with the Chef. I witnessed her being encouraging and patient with people newer to cooking while being able to clearly articulate flavor profiles and techniques to those with more advanced skills. She has given me new skills that I am able to use in my kitchen with my family. I highly recommend Chef Shawnie and look forward to my next opportunity to enjoy her talents.

Working with Shawnie is an unforgettable experience from start to finish. She has a true gift—not only for creating incredibly delicious, standout dishes, but for teaching in a way that feels fun, approachable, and inspiring. Every recipe we learned was thoughtfully curated and packed with flavor, reflecting her deep knowledge of regional cuisines. What made the experience truly special, though, was how she brought each dish to life with stories from her travels. She shared insights into the origins of ingredients, cultural traditions, and cooking techniques in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. Her energy is warm, lively, and genuinely entertaining. She creates an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, she meets you where you are and makes the entire experience enjoyable and memorable. This isn’t just a cooking lesson, it’s an immersive culinary experience that turns any gathering into something truly special. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn, laugh, and enjoy exceptional food all at once.

Chef Shawnie's experience spans multiple cuisines. She loves to share stories about Wanderlust Tours, a boutique culinary travel company she founded in 2008, which takes you on a trip to hands-on villa cooking classes and regional culinary workshops - from teaching pasta-making in Italy to preparing seafood in France. Her friendly and approachable personality are an added bonus to welcome into your home.

I can’t say enough great things about Chef Shawnie! I first met her back in 2017 when she led a private cooking class for me and about 20 friends, and from the moment we met, we instantly hit it off. She has such a warm, engaging personality and an incredible ability to make everyone feel comfortable. What really sets Shawnie apart is how she balances fun and learning. Her classes are lively and entertaining, but never intimidating. She creates an environment where everyone, no matter their skill level, feels welcome and confident participating. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, you’ll walk away having learned something new and having had a fantastic time. Since that first experience, I’ve attended several more of her classes, and each one has been just as enjoyable as the last. She even hosted a private event at my home, where all of my guests got to jump in and be part of the cooking experience. At this point, it’s safe to say I’m a huge fan, and I have no doubt you will be too. If you’re looking for a unique, interactive, and truly memorable experience, I highly recommend Chef Shawnie for your next party or event!

Chef Shawnie is the best – fun, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and all-around chef superstar. I have had the privilege of attending various cooking classes with her and cooked with her side-by-side at a villa in Tuscany, where we made amazing, memorable meals. I make recipes from Shawnie all of the time!

Shawnie is an extraordinary chef and teacher. I've taken multiple cooking classes by Shawnie at 3 different venues over the years and always learned new things and had just a wonderful time. I've referred her to several of my corporate clients looking for a fun activity for their employees. As a social cook and home entertainer, it takes a lot to impress me and I have always been impressed with Shawnie's people and cooking skills!