"There are things you do because they feel right & they make no sense & they make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other's cooking & say it was good"...Brian Andreas
Hello hungry people. I look forward to sharing my decades of experience with you through teaching, good times and great food. I want to share my past with you for you to understand who I am and how I got to be. So, sit back, pour a glass of wine, beer, coffee or whatever you like and enjoy the ride.
My love for food began at a very young age. Being of Sicilian descent, I spent many summers in my grandmother's garden and kitchen. Helping her pick fresh herbs and vegetables to stirring sauces, rolling meatballs, breading eggplant and of course taste testing her amazing food.
I began my career in food service at a very young age in a friend's family-owned restaurant in Woodstock NY. It was the early 80's, in the Hudson Valley and next to the Woodstock Playhouse. It was the gathering place for great performances and great food at the gateway to Woodstock. It was the place to be and be seen. The staff buzzing around, the excitement of meal service, the smells and sounds of a busy kitchen...I was hooked from the start.
I applied at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park NY in 1991. At that time students weren't just enrolled, they had to be accepted. Through my experience, my passion for food and a genuine desire to be a chef I was accepted. While putting myself through school I was also working at America's oldest Inn, The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck NY. I worked under Larry Forgione, who really is one of the first celebrity chefs, has been called the ‘Godfather of American Cuisine’ and truly one of the best chefs I've worked for. I met Wolfgang Puck at Beekman Arms one afternoon following a recording of The Today Show and with Chef Forgione’s help, I secured an externship training alongside Wolfgang Puck at his first and most famous restaurant, Spago, in West Hollywood. This was the best experience ever. Not only did I learn invaluable techniques, but also the importance of using high quality, wholesome, local, organic products simply prepared to allow the ingredients to be the focus. We made everything from scratch, everything. There has yet to be a restaurant that I’ve stepped foot in of this caliber. I loved going to work every day for the shear excitement of cooking the most amazing food and working with the best ingredients. It didn’t hurt our clientele was actors, musicians, comedians, sports stars and everybody in between either. After all it was the Sunset Strip, Hollywood.
Following graduation from The Culinary Institute of America I worked in New York and Connecticut for some time. I gained a lot of hands-on experience working with some great chefs honing my skills in all aspects of food service, even opening a sushi bar.
Fast forward to today and how I came to North Carolina. I can honestly say I was looking for a change of scenery, and less snow and ice. I’ve held numerous jobs here in Wilmington from French bistro to rolling sushi, breakfast, catering, country club and even corporate chef. I most recently opened from scratch an Italian restaurant with the best Neapolitan pizza you’ll find in the county.
I decided recently to make the transition out of the daily grind of the commercial kitchen and into your home. I excel at intimate, fine dining food and am looking forward to giving you the experience of a 5-star rated meal, without leaving the comfort of your own home. I'm wholly devoted to preparing uncomplicated food allowing the quality and care in the preparation of the ingredients to show through in the dish.
Chef's Specialities
Chef Kevin's Menus
Mix & Match Menus
Build Your Own Menu
Starting at$46.00Per Guest
$399Minimum to book
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Kaiseki Experience
Chef Kevin
7 Courses for $100 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
The New England Table
Chef Kevin
7 Courses for $100 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
PIZZA Party!
Chef Kevin
Starting at $53 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
South of the Border
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Scales and Shells
Chef Kevin
Starting at $78 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Family Meal
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Carolina Coast Luau
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
A Trip to Maui
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
A Menu to Impress
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Brunch by the Beach
Chef Kevin
Starting at $46 Per Guest
Minimum $350 to book
A Trip Down the California Coast
Chef Kevin
Starting at $82 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Mediterranean Market
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Lowcountry Cooking
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Mangia Mangia
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
The Garden
Chef Kevin
Starting at $53 Per Guest
Minimum $350 to book
Greatest Hits!
Chef Kevin
Starting at $75 Per Guest
Minimum $399 to book
Reviews
SJ
Sherri Johnson
May 15 2024
5.0/ 5
Menu: Greatest Hits!
Chef Kevin is an absolute culinary genius! My experience with him as our private Chef for a surprise ladies dinner was nothing short of extraordinary. From the first bite to the last, each dish was bursting with exceptional flavors that left us craving more. What truly set Kevin apart was his passion for his craft and his willingness to share insights about the ingredients and preparation techniques, making us appreciate the freshness and quality of every dish even more.
Not only did he impress us with his culinary skills; Kevin brought an infectious sense of humor and kindness that made the evening truly unforgettable. We found ourselves not only savoring every bite but also cherishing every moment of laughter and connection. The only downside? Was not having Kevin with us for the entire week! If you're looking for a private chef who goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, look no further than Kevin!
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
RS
Ryan Schafer
May 06 2024
5.0/ 5
Menu: Greatest Hits!
We had the most amazing dinner with Kevin in Topsail Beach, NC. We arranged a dinner for 10 and it was over the top! The Cobb Salad with his own procured bacon was just for starters. Then the Korean Pork Belly and Crab cakes were still being talked about 2 days later. The whole meal was incredible and highly recommend chef Kevin!
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
PB
Penney Burlingame Deal
January 29 2024
5.0/ 5
Menu: A Menu to Impress
This was an amazing experience, from the conversation to the sublime food. Chef Kevin Vermilyea adds a personal touch to every course, using his own home-grown herbs to fresh lemons from his own garden. He was engaging and we soon realized, from our old stomping grounds in New York. This was for my father’s 96th birthday. It was so much better to enjoy Michelin Star cooking in the comfort of our own home. We so appreciate all that he brought to this wonderful experience. Thank you!
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
KB
Kristin Bingham
December 07 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: A Trip to Maui
We did this for a bachelorette party and it was so much better than going out to dinner somewhere. Kevin’s food was amazing and we had great conversation. Food was better than any restaurants we would have chosen, clearly quality ingredients and an experienced chef.
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
AM
Alan Marks
August 29 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: A Menu to Impress
I'm not normally "review guy", but i have to spread the word on how amazing of a time our group had with Chef Kevin this past weekend. Chef Kevin and team took care of our group of 14 with ease, the food was absolutely amazing, the dinner was timely and efficient, and the hospitality was top notch. Our group particularly enjoyed chatting with Chef before, during, and after the dinner about many topics including the menu itself, sourcing ingredients, and the processes involved in the prepping of the food. I would heavily recommend Chef Kevin for any type of function, and when the time arises, we will be using his services again. Cheers, Alan Marks
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
CW
Craig Wood II
August 07 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: A Menu to Impress
We had the pleasure of indulging in a culinary experience that can only be described as outstanding. From start to finish, every aspect of the evening was a testament to the artistry and passion that Chef Kevin brings to his craft.
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
LW
lisa Weber
August 04 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: Family Meal
We had Chef Kevin come for a birthday celebration. His food was amazing and made more special with his homegrown herbs and vegetables. I highly recommend booking him when you are in Wilmington! Thanks, Kevin!
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
SL
Shelbi Lamothe
August 01 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: Greatest Hits!
This experience was a major highlight of our weekend! Our meal was exceptional, better than we could have imagined. Chef Kevin and his Sous Chef James were so friendly and professional. With there being 11 of us on this bachelorette trip, Chef Kevin did an amazing job at accommodating the groups food allergies and preferences. We felt well taken care of! I highly suggest Chef Kevin to anyone looking for a private chef experience.
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
CD
Cynthia Dirosse
July 30 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: PIZZA Party!
Chef Kevin and staff went above and beyond to make sure all were happy and accommodated all dietary needs. The food was delicious. Chef Kevin grew his own herbs and made everything fresh. Very personable and would highly recommend him. We will be using his services again.
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
GF
Greg Fischer
July 04 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: A Menu to Impress
Chef Kevin prepared a fabulous meal for my parents in the North Myrtle Beach area. He was professional yet personable, and prepared everything from scratch - seared scallops and gnocchi, Caesar salad, filet mignon, and creme brulee. My parents and I highly recommend Chef Kevin!
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
CM
Carlene Massarani
May 23 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: Greatest Hits!
Kevin is very professional and accommodating when it comes to your dining needs. He is also very easy to communicate with. I would definitely use him again.
Rating breakdown
Chef Overall
5
Food Quality
5
Cleanliness
5
Presentation
5
Communication
5
MT
Madison Tuton
January 23 2023
5.0/ 5
Menu: Where There's Smoke There's Fire
I reached out to Food Fire & Knives to have at my 30th birthday and Kevin did an amazing job! Not only was the food delicious but all the girls talked about how professional and nice he was. Would definitely recommend and use again. We had a great time!