I create vibrant, high-end dining experiences with imaginative menus, flawless execution, and joyful hospitality.

Chong Kim Ooi

I bring creative, restaurant-level cuisine to your table—beautifully planned, elegantly served.

For over 18 years, I’ve captivated diners with spectacular, scrumptious dishes fueled by vibrant creativity and a joyful spirit of adventure. I’ve been in the kitchen since childhood, and after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in 2002, I’ve explored everything from classic American comfort food to far-east Asian cuisines.

I’ve cooked in standout Southern California restaurants including Upstairs 2, JiRaffe, Joe’s Restaurant (Michelin one star), L’Orangerie, Mamash, and Ortolan (Michelin one star). Today, I’m among the elite chef features on Airbnb across Los Angeles and beyond, and I’m frequently requested for Luxury Retreats and the Amex Centurion Club. I take pride in surpassing expectations for banquets, weddings, themed parties, and unforgettable private events.

Work with me

My secret is consistency, discipline, and pushing the limits of creativity.

I combine creative planning with precision—so every detail feels effortless for you.

I turn your vision into a seamless experience

I bring your dreams to life through imaginative planning, impeccable attention to detail, gracious service, and beautiful presentation.

I cook with deep training and real restaurant experience

I trained at Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena and built my craft in kitchens like Upstairs 2, JiRaffe, Joe’s Restaurant, L’Orangerie, Mamash, and Ortolan.

I lead with discipline and creativity

I rely on consistency and discipline while I keep pushing the limits of creativity—so every event feels elevated, intentional, and memorable.

Chong Kim’s Menus

I offer curated, multi-course menus designed for celebrations and private dining—each one built around bold flavor, polished presentation, and a smooth guest experience from start to finish.

Request a menu proposal

Stories and testimonials

Chef Kim was absolutely incredible. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a special day. Our guests remarked that this was one of the best meals they ever had, and it was a treat to hear the ingredients and backstory behind each dish. Would 100% recommend and go with him again for any special occasion!

Aline

Outstandingly delicious, every bite. Unobtrusive presence. Friendly. Professional. Would highly recommend for any group that wants a delicious personalized meal. He adjusted to all of our dietary needs without sacrificing anything.

Ted Riley

Chef Kim was great, we had a perfectly tailored menu, the food was delicious and very well done, and our children loved it! He even let our kids watch and learn along with his cooking, my kids were very interested and so happy to watch the process!

Meruert Planul

The Takeachef platform and Chef Kim made it super easy to plan my wife's 40th birthday dinner. Chef Kim prepared an incredible meal for 13 of us. Cooked, cleaned, and served while we sat back and enjoyed our time with our guests. The food was delicious and Chef Kim delivered on every expectation we had. 5-star review, no doubt. Takeachef's platform was easy to use to find a chef for the event and made communication easy coordinate for the big night.

Roy Sherman

Chef Kim was very friendly and the food was delicious. He had everything set up and cleaned up after dinner even taking out the trash.

Rhiannon

Chef Kim was great Had last min 50th birthday he was perfect.

andrea

Had a smaller dinner party for nine for my mother‘s 86th birthday. Communication with take a chef was fantastic. Chef Chong Kim Ooi and his associate Yolanda Magallon were both courteous, professional, and made the evening a success. Highly recommend them for your private party needs.

Michael Seiberg

Chef Kim was amazing! He worked with me on a custom menu for my dads birthday. Did everything from the setup to the clean up which was so helpful. Our food was delicious, presented very beautifully and chef kim created a great experience for us overall. Would highly recommend him for any event!

Alia Singh

Chef Kim was amazing! The food was so delicious. Everyone is still talking about it. Chef Kim was also so nice and accommodating.

Stephanie Gillman

Chef Chong Kim was great! He was responsive, friendly, attentive, and his food was delicious! They cleanup by him + his server was great! Overall, would definitely recommend Chef Kim and will be reaching out to him for future events!

Rayelle Calvert

Our experience with the private chef was great. I was celebrating my birthday and didn’t want to think about cooking or cleaning for breakfast and it was SO worth it. I made a special request and asked the chef to make the omelette from “the bear”. He did it, with potato chip crumbles and everything. It was fantastic and I was definitely a happy camper!

Alyson

Kim was fantastic. Such an awesome experience. Chef Kim made our afternoon a delight. We were able to really enjoy our awesome AirBnB in Joshua Tree and maximizing our rental without leaving the house. This experience has changed the way I feel about dining out. I truly am a food connoisseur and enjoy going to a variety of restaurants however why spend the time while renting a nice home when you can enjoy a high quality meal without leaving the house. Thank you so much for the memorable experience. We will be back! Private Feedback: My only suggestion would be to include a wine or drink option if able. Everything else was perfect. Thank you Kim.

Lee

Excellent food!! Chef was very accommodating and kind

Carie

Very accommodating and extremely thoughtful attention to detail. Everything was outstanding and exceeded expectations. I highly recommend.

Nathan

Excellent at home dining experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. Definitely worth the price!

Hannah

I arranged this as a present for my parents while they are in California for a few months. Coordinating it in advance was very smooth. I was able to work everything out with only a few messages, including dietary restrictions and logistics. My parents said that the chef was extremely friendly, the food was creative and delicious, and that the cleanup job was immaculate. They are planning to book again at some point when they are entertaining next! I would definitely recommend to others too. Private Feedback: Thanks for giving my parents such a special evening!

Becca

Food was amazing! Easy!

Kirsten

Kim made our elopement day even more special. The dinner was delicious, we were all so happy and belly’s so full. It was the best! He was so kind, polite and showed so much gratitude and appreciation. We thank you for making our dinner. ❤️ Private Feedback: Thank you so much. Tonight was everything that I could have ever wanted. You made everything so special and everything so smooth. We are soooo happy.

April

We've done a New Years brunch with Chef Kim two years in a row with our family out in the Palm Springs area and it has been fantastic every year. The food is excellent and he makes accommodations for any dietary restrictions.

Ana

Chef Kim was absolutely amazing! He arrived early, engaged beautifully with the family, and created the best meal I have ever eaten. I am so impressed with his performance and would hire him again in a heartbeat.

Nancy K. Olivas

Follow me on Instagram to see my latest menus, events, and behind-the-scenes moments.

@kooievents

Let’s design an unforgettable meal together—email me to get started.

[email protected]
16262785958

1507 N Park Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA

Chef Chong Kim Ooi

I create vibrant, high-end dining experiences with imaginative menus, flawless execution, and joyful hospitality.

I bring creative, restaurant-level cuisine to your table—beautifully planned, elegantly served.

I combine creative planning with precision—so every detail feels effortless for you.

I turn your vision into a seamless experience

I cook with deep training and real restaurant experience

I lead with discipline and creativity

Chong Kim’s Menus

Italian Basic

Mediterranean Basic

Asian Fusion

French

Mexico

Stories and testimonials

Follow me on Instagram to see my latest menus, events, and behind-the-scenes moments.