Frequently Asked Questions
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Tell me a little about what you're planning, when you'd like to gather, how many people are coming, and anything else you think I should know.
I'd love to hear your ideas. We'll have a conversation, talk through the possibilities, and take it from there.
Let's make a meal of it!
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Once we've discussed your event and established a plan, a deposit of NOK 2,000 is required to secure your date. The deposit is applied to the final cost of your event and can be paid using the available payment methods.
Your final guest count is due seven days before your event. A payment of 50% of the total event cost is also due seven days before the event, with the deposit credited toward the total amount owed.
I'll confirm the payment schedule and agreed terms with you when booking.
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Pricing depends on your menu, the number of guests, and the style of service you choose. I don't charge by the hour or add a separate chef fee on top. My planning, shopping, preparation, and cooking time are built into your event price.
Food costs are itemized separately from my chef services, so you can see how your costs break down. My aim is to offer a personal, from-scratch private chef experience at a price that can be comparable to, or even less than, traditional catering, depending on your menu and service needs.
Additional costs may apply for travel, accommodation, or extra service staff. Everything will be discussed with you in advance.
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When you book a date with Born & Bread, I reserve that time specifically for your gathering and begin planning around your confirmed arrangements.
If you cancel within 14 days of your event, your NOK 2,000 deposit will be forfeited unless I'm able to rebook your date.
The 50% payment is due seven days before your event. Cancellation within this period may also involve charges for committed costs and work already completed, as set out in your booking agreement.
I'll make sure the cancellation and payment terms are clear before your booking is confirmed.
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Your final guest count is due seven days before your event. If you'd like to add guests after that point, please get in touch. I'll do my best to accommodate the change, depending on what's possible.
I purchase ingredients and plan preparation around your confirmed guest count. If individual guests cancel after the final count has been confirmed, their portion of the agreed cost remains payable, as ingredients may already have been purchased and preparations made.
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Born & Bread specializes in private gatherings of 8–30 people. Larger gatherings may also be possible with additional staff.
Whether you're planning a dinner with friends, a family celebration, or a special occasion, I'll create a menu tailored to your gathering.
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I prefer to start with a good conversation, either over the phone or in person, rather than endless back-and-forth emails.
Tell me what you're celebrating, who's coming, and the kind of food you love. From there, we'll work together to create a menu and plan that feel right for you.
The more I know about your gathering, the better I can tailor the experience to your needs.
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I'm currently fully booked until February 2027.
I accept bookings up to eight months in advance.
If you have a date in mind, get in touch early so we can discuss your plans and see what's available.
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My cooking is rooted in American comfort food, influenced by the American South, Southwest, Midwest, and California. Think Tex-Mex, Cajun cooking, slow-cooked comfort food, fresh seasonal dishes, and American classics, all made from scratch with quality ingredients.
Every menu is created around your occasion and the people at your table.
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Absolutely!
Menus are created with your guests' needs and preferences in mind, including vegetarian and vegan options. I take food allergies seriously and follow applicable food-safety guidelines.
Please let me know about any allergies or dietary requirements as early as possible - so we can discuss what's possible.
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Of course!
Family-style dining is relaxed and generous, with dishes served in shared vessels for everyone to enjoy together. I provide the serving dishes and utensils needed for the meal.
For plated dining, each guest receives an individually plated meal for a more traditional dinner-party experience. Additional service staff will be needed for plated dinners, and this will be quoted separately.
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I take care of the food from start to finish, including menu planning, shopping, preparation, cooking, and cleanup of my work area. I also bring the cooking equipment I need*.
My goal is to let you enjoy your guests rather than spend your gathering in the kitchen. You enjoy the people. I'll take care of the food!
*For outdoor cooking during spring, summer, and fall, access to a grill will be needed.
Plates, cutlery, napkins, and tableware for your guests will not be provided.
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I'll bring the cooking equipment I need, along with a large cooler for transporting and keeping ingredients chilled.
You'll need to provide access to a working oven, stove, and suitable kitchen space, including counter space for preparation. Access to a refrigerator is helpful, too.
For outdoor cooking during spring, summer, and fall, access to a grill will also be needed.
You'll provide plates, cutlery, napkins, and the tableware your guests will use. For family-style meals, I'll bring the serving vessels and utensils for the food.
We'll talk through your kitchen setup before the event so there are no surprises on the day.
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Depending on the location of your event, a mileage fee may apply. I'm also happy to travel to holiday homes and other locations, although overnight accommodation may be required for some events.
We'll discuss any travel or accommodation costs when planning your gathering, so you know what to expect before booking.
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Absolutely!
While I don't supply alcohol, I can help you choose drinks to complement your menu.
I also love making American-inspired cocktails, homemade syrups, and garnishes, and we can discuss ideas for welcome drinks and pairings to make the occasion feel extra special.
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That's one of my favorite parts! Whether it's a particular dish you've been dreaming about, a menu inspired by a place you love, a welcome cocktail, or a special pairing, let's talk about it. As an American living in Norway, I love bringing the flavors and comfort foods I grew up with to the table, with my own personal twist.
Every gathering is different, and I'll work with you to create something that feels personal, a little unexpected, and made just for you and your guests.
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No! Born & Bread doesn't have a fixed menu.
I create each menu around your occasion, the season, and the food you love.
The sample menus on my website offer a taste of my cooking and inspiration for what's possible. We can use them as a starting point or take your menu in an entirely different direction.
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I work with one party at a time and take on a maximum of two bookings per week, never on the same day. This gives me the time to plan, shop, prepare, and give each gathering the attention it deserves.
As Born & Bread grows, I hope to bring additional chefs on board. For now, when you book with me, you're booking a personal experience with me from the first conversation to the last plate.
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Depending on your menu and the number of guests, I'll generally arrive four to six hours before serving. This gives me time to set up, finish preparing the food, and get everything ready for your gathering.
A lot of work happens before I arrive, too, from menu planning and shopping to preparation. All of this is included in your event price, so you don't need to worry about an hourly chef fee.
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Born & Bread is all about food made specifically for your gathering. I cook for one party at a time, with menus tailored to your tastes, your guests, and your occasion. There's no mass production and no one-size-fits-all menu.
My cooking brings together the American food traditions I grew up with and the quality ingredients I enjoy working with here in Norway. It's personal, from-scratch cooking with generous flavors and plenty of care.
You get to enjoy your guests while I take care of the food. That's what it's all about!