Experience “Your” Chef
Experience “Your” Chef
Restaurant duo brings hospitality and flavor into your home
Having spent more than half his life working in the restaurant business, Spencer Murray has learned a thing or two about what elevates a meal to an experience. The short answer? “Hospitality,” according to Murray. “Hospitality is my favorite thing in the entire world. That’s what makes me happy - creating great experiences for other people!”
Since he was 14 years old working in a pizza shop, Murray has enjoyed providing delicious meals and memorable experiences for others. His work experience ranges from managing restaurants in the Buffalo area to restaurants located in one of the biggest casinos in the world, Foxwoods Casino & Resorts in Rhode Island.
Most previously, Murray could be found working as general manager of Ellicottville’s Villaggio, where he encountered the cooking talent of Tyler Eggleston. Eggleston, a western New York native, moved to California shortly after graduating from BOCES’ culinary program and cut his teeth at a well-respected organic cafe. Since Eggleston’s return to the area and experience cooking at Villaggio, he and Murray became good friends and are now the duo behind Experience “Your” Chef.
It’s true that the restaurant world faces significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the words of Murray, “There is certainly opportunity in adversity.” He and Eggleston recognized an obvious need in a community that loves to eat great food but can’t necessarily enjoy the traditional restaurant experience. “This area has such a strong culinary base, but no private chef world,” Murray explained. “Right now, all businesses are thinking of different ways to share their products, but at the same time, customers are looking for different experiences as well.”
Experience “Your” Chef, which began in October 2020, combines Murray’s passion for hospitality with Eggleston’s culinary acumen to bring “the best of both worlds” to one’s own home. Whether one is looking for a private dining experience for two, hosting a family dinner, or gathering a small group of friends for a shower or bachelorette party, Murray and Eggleston will work with the host to design a menu and create a delicious, stress-free experience.
“We bring everything to your home,” Murray explained. “We bring our own pots and pans, all of the ingredients, and we do all of the cooking, serving, and the clean-up. The clean-up, alone, is a great feature! Many people love hosting dinner parties, but the clean-up is a lot of work and the last thing you want to do at the end of the night. We take care of it!”
Whether it’s a four-course meal or an appetizer spread, Murray and Eggleston work closely with their clients to create the perfect menu. “Tell me what you’re thinking, and let’s build it!” said Murray. “I’ll tell you what we’re able to do, send menu options, and work with you if there are food allergies, sensitivities or dietary preferences.”
Importantly, Experience “Your” Chef is not a “cookie-cutter” business. “Everything we do, we build with people based on their likes,” Murray said. “Our food will always look pretty, but we’re very homestyle. People want good, hearty food. We're doing that with a little creativity - a twist.” With dishes like Shrimp Caprese Ceviche, Brisket Risotto, Almond Crusted Salmon and Apple Cinnamon Creme Brulee, how could you go wrong?
Before working in their clients’ homes, Murray and Eggleston have their temperatures taken, wear masks, and wash hands and clean surfaces frequently. Murray said, “We understand we’re coming to your home, and we want you to feel comfortable. We do everything that the guests are comfortable with.”
Even those who are interested in eventually hosting larger-scale events can book with Experience “Your” Chef, as Murray has a large network of friends in the area restaurant scene. So far, the pair has traveled to clients’ homes in Rochester, the Jamestown area, Fredonia, and Bradford, Pennsylvania, as well as several homes in and around Ellicottville. “If you’re getting a ski chalet or coming into town for just a week or two, this is a great chance to do something different without worrying about the cleaning,” said Spencer. “Whether it’s dinner for two or a small wedding, we’re happy to cook for you and make it a really great experience!”
Learn more at experienceyourchef.com or call 716-430-8030. For photos and the latest news, follow @experienceyourchef on Facebook and Instagram.
