TESTIMONIALS
"As a cooking instructor, Deb came into my home and created a profound affect on my confidence as a cook and in helping to get me organized. I now know not only the basics but am excited about my abilities to take it to the next level. Deb was very adept at identifying what sorts of menus and styles of cooking I would be able to absorb. She also was so patient and tireless in getting me through the first steps and opening the door in giving me the confidence to try new things and to expand my abilities beyond what I ever thought possible. As a caterer, Deb was a dream. Here is an incredibly talented woman who wants so much to create the perfect menu and will go out of her way, cheerfully to accommodate any entertaining need. Deb is the real deal. She truly enjoys the PROCESS of cooking. One gets the sense that she almost exercises her skill out of the sheer joy of the experience. I know of no other cooking professional that exudes this kind of aura. Deb's culinary skill and personal touch is evident in all of the dinner parties she has put on for me. More than any other cook that has come into my home, the memories of the dinner continue to be discussed weeks and months later by guests who attended my party. Why? Deb's dinners are delicious, sophisticated without being intimidating, yet so personal. They don't feel "catered". While Deb is the consummate professional, having her in my house is like having a close girlfriend stop by and cook up a storm for you and your friends . Just for the fun of it. It is that kind of experience. Imagine how much fun it is to enjoy one's guests while simultaneously feeling like your sister is in the next room making dinner for all your friends. It is that kind of experience. I cannot recommend Deb highly enough. My only regret is that I don't have more time to throw dinner parties. Always, she is my first call! She is the best of the best!"- Merry
"Incredible cooking classes! Highly recommended! I recently took part in Deb's 3-part Gourmet Series which was broken up into a knife skills class, a pan sautéing class, and a roasting class. Deb was extremely knowledgeable and gave clear instructions when walking everyone through a task. The knife skills class had a range of people with different cooking skills but she was more than willing to take a step back and give anyone extra help who was having trouble. At the end of each class we ate what we had prepared that day. From the herb crusted beef tenderloin with a port reduction sauce, to the filet of fish en papillote with fresh herbs and artichoke hearts, each dish was absolutely fantastic! Even the soup we made the first day when practicing knife skills tasted amazing. Deb had even contacted everyone prior to the classes to check for allergies or if anybody utterly hated a certain food and didn't want to eat it. Deb's classes were not only informational and professionally done, but also quite fun! We spent time trading stories as we cooked and really got to know each other. She gave out all the recipes for everything we made and suggested multiple cook books and computer programs that could be helpful. Again, these classes were incredible and I highly recommend them to anybody interested in cooking!" - Brian M.
"Having Deb come to our home made the experience of learning creative cooking even more comfortable. My good friend and I wanted to expand our knowledge of cooking for quite some time. Deb listened to us and our needs and made it fun as well as informative. We all worked together on ideas that filled our needs. The basic skills we learned from this has made cooking easier, faster and more enjoyable. We feel more encouraged and confident about entertaining and trying new things. We would do it again!" Donna and Sharon
Chef Deb brings to the kitchen a unique blend of culinary skills and teaching talent to deliver a savory dining experience for a family dinner, formal dinner party or large group and, when instructing, to provide an unparalleled learn-by-doing experience for her students. Deb's innate culinary skills have been finely honed by studying under internationally acclaimed chefs. Her teaching skills have been refined over a decade of classroom experience with new and returning students. From her vibrant style of teaching, students at all levels of cooking ability leave her classes with new skills and an appetite for more of her classes and menus. As a fortunate participant in her dinners and classes, I highly recommend Chef Deb as an exquisite chef and superb instructor. Bernie Rosen President, Benrad Enterprises, Inc
Deb is a great instructor. Our students love her energy, her passion for cooking, and her font of knowledge and willingness to share all her favorite tricks and tips in the kitchen. Her food is always excellent, too! Many people sign up for classes just because Deb is teaching. Nancy Milby, Founder and Owner, Laguna Culinary Arts,
"Chef Deb is a gifted chef and a patient (and fun!) teacher! A friend and I both have 13 year-old sons that like to cook, and as a birthday gift, we arranged for two cooking lessons (alternating between our homes) with Chef Deb. The first lesson focused on safe and efficient cooking practices, such as teaching them how to use a knife safely and to chop correctly – even how to sharpen the blade! They also learned about mis en place, hygiene and a myriad of other useful information. By the way, my friend and I did too as we were invited to join the class – which was easy because Chef Deb supplied cutting boards, knives and all the other equipment we needed. In our first class we made a wonderful, healthy soup and salad (and dessert!), and our in our second we learned to make classic sauces, and how to obtain (and cut) great cuts of meat at very affordable prices. We prepared a, literally, gourmet meal and the boys gained a lot of confidence and skill in the kitchen (and so did their moms!). We are grateful for Chef Deb’s thoughtful curricula which was tailored to our needs, her clear instruction and for making it fun, not tedious or pressured. Thank you Chef Deb!" Lisa
"What a great experience I had having you as my cooking coach! I was so intimidated to even use a knife, but my fears were instantly calmed as you slowly demonstrated each & every step of the preparation process. The techniques I learned have made a huge difference and the basic recipes have been a huge hit with my family and friends! I'm actually excited to step in the kitchen now & even entertain! I can't wait to have you back to my home for a BBQ lesson with my husband and friends. Thank you for your invaluable time and support! I not only gained confidence, but I gained a friend! Kathleen
"I love to cook, but hadn't ventured into the kitchen for a while. Thanks to Chef Deb, I'm in the kitchen cooking up a storm! She taught me lots of new cooking tips and techniques that made things easy and fun. My husband and I both thank you!"- Amy
"Deb's cooking classes have been a great way for my teenage children and me to spend some quality time together. My two boys and two girls have enjoyed learning different cooking techniques, and the sense of accomplishment in the delicious dinners they have helped create, and they really like Deb" Pam
"Our family, grandparents, parents, and children/grandchildren experienced a most marvelous evening with Deb in our home, conducting a complete class on barbecue techniques and recipes. Deb was so good with the kids and with all of us on various kitchen techniques, such as the correct way to use and care for one's knives. The recipes were great, the evening was fun and the food was delicious." Nancy
"What a great way to celebrate a BIG birthday - or any birthday for that matter! Deb is a fabulous teacher. We cooked, laughed, and learned to prepare a wonderful dinner. We didn't realize how very talented we are until we sat down and enjoyed every mouthful." Carol
"We were fortunate enough to have Deb prepare dinner for us as part of a surprise birthday/anniversary celebration. Everything was outstanding. The food was all very tasty though I do have to admit that the halibut was my favorite. The presentation was lovely. Anyone would be lucky to have Deb as their private chef. You were such big part of our special evening. You sure know how to do elegant." Arlene
"Deb Buzar makes cooking in the kitchen great fun for children and adults, alike! My 14-year old son has always enjoyed helping in the kitchen and watching cooking shows. Both my son and I learned so much from Deb about cutting skills, food prep, pan sauté methods, etc. Then, at the end of the lesson, we enjoyed a fabulous meal! Thanks again, Deb, for the wonderful lessons. Ryan and I often talk about them as we use the skills you taught us!" Karen
"When I think back on the high-lights of my life; my 60th birthday celebration will certainly be high on the list. Cooking together with dear ones in a gorgeous setting was a dream come true! You were absolutely instrumental in creating and executing a flawless evening on my behalf; I'm truly so grateful. We learned, we laughed, we drank, we ate; we shared an outstanding evening together. All of your hard work, preparation, attention to detail and skill made it an extraordinary experience. The beauty of the night will fill my mind and heart for a long time to come. Simply, thank you!! With love and gratitude," Renay
We had so much fun, thank you so much for a great evening! We were with Sean's parents last night, and we were all still talking about this night! We did order those attachments so we can replicate that menu! My parents are dying to try it!
Sean wrote a testimonial if you would like to use it..
No matter if you go to Chef Deb’s home or she comes to yours, her brand of cooking, personality and pizazz is a 5 STAR EXPERIENCE! My wife and I love to cook, grill and try to new ways to create old favorites. For my birthday this year, she was lucky enough to find Deb who was able to do just that. We had a lot of different dishes to choose from, but making homemade pasta and grilled caesar salad ended up being our ‘go to’ on this late summer’s night. She welcomed us and my parents into her beautiful home and instantly treated us like family. Her kitchen hosted a banquet of tools and stations for us to participate and learn some tricks of the trade, as she taught us the finer details of a simple dish, which was elegant and delicious. And if that wasn’t enough, we insisted on eating this meal with her and her husband, which was a delicacy of great stories and a perfect evening. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience or nicer people, and can’t wait to enjoy another meal with Chef Deb!
Thank you again for everything!!
Sean and Jenna
Thank you SO much for the cooking class! I had high expectations and you still exceeded them. I learned so much in terms of technique and just general best practices in the kitchen. Caroline and I were looking forward to the class for a while and we have already started incorporating some of your tips. The experience was fun, educational, and outside my comfort zone without being too overwhelming. The presentation, the organization, and of course the food were all top-notch! I appreciate you answering all my questions in detail and tolerating my poor taste (pun intended) in jokes! We will be sure to tell our friends about the experience.
Thank you again for the recipes and tell Mike and Gordie we felt welcome in your home!
Mark J.
Deb, you are incredibly talented and an amazing chef. Thank you for teaching me and allowing me to fall back in love with cooking. Thank you for always welcoming me into your home. It warms my heart everytime I visit.
Laura C.
Just wanted to say thank you again for hosting and cooking with Kevin and I this afternoon. You truly exceeded my expectations, and we spent the whole evening talking about how much we enjoyed! If there’s a place to leave a review, I’d be happy to. Thank you again!
Katherine
Cooking lessons with Deb is one of the best things I have done for myself- and my family agrees! I could barely boil water before taking a series of lessons with her. She was so gracious and such a joy to work with. Made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I am happy to say that I am now making elevated dishes for my family! I highly recommend this to anyone who is either a beginner(like me) or anyone looking to hone their already developed skills. Thanks Deb!
Nicole R.
Deb is the most amazing chef and instructor!! Recomend 100 %. Very professional and kind. She taught me the fundamentals of cooking while providing hands-on instructions and delicious recipes. I can cook now without needing a recipe. Can’t recommend enough.
Laura C.
I’ve cooked with Deb a number of times and it’s been a great experience. She is patient, thoughtful and very knowledgeable! I’m looking forward to our next experience in the kitchen!
Mark F.
As a birthday present from my family, my dream experience was to take my cooking skills to the next level with a private chef. My daughters’ research found the perfect match with my dream teacher. Chef Deb was able to meet me exactly at my level of competency in the kitchen, having been raised by wonderful home cooks. We had so much fun together in her kitchen with the menu she carefully curated in line with my interests. A second cooking class with Deb was the only thing I wanted the following year for my birthday- both for the delight of playing together in the kitchen and to continue learning from the depth of her knowledge and experience. I treasure her warmth, generosity and friendship. Chef Deb is a gifted, talented teacher with a passion for cooking and teaching. I feel so very lucky to be able to learn from and cook with her.
Laura S.