Private Chef Lexington Ky

Serving Lexington, Louisville, Bardstown, and the surrounding Kentucky Bourbon Trail region

A return to where it all began. Chef Josh brings his five-star private chef experience back to Lexington and Kentucky’s renowned bourbon country, combining a lifelong connection to the region with years of experience crafting bourbon-forward dining experiences. Enjoy refined, restaurant-quality meals designed for your home, estate, or private gathering.

Wagyu and lobster in Gatlinburg

What Our Clients Say

“Josh + team are incredibly reliable, talented, professional! Food is exceptional. Best experience every time!“

Heidi Y.

“Chef Josh is amazing! We are foodies and have eaten at numerous Michelin star restaurants and restaurants operated by James Beard award winners all around the country and Chef Josh rivals the best of the best!“

T Lee.

“Excellent birthday dinner for my husband with family and friends. 5 Star Michelin Experience- we are restaurant owners and foodies. Would recommend Chef Joshua to anyone. The best night ever!!!“

Christine S.

Our Service Packages

The Bourbon Heritage Dinner

  • Chef crafted bourbon themed 5-course menu.
  • Includes chef selected bourbon paired with appetizer.
  • Includes dedicated server, table set up with chargers, linen napkins, and printed menus.
  • Our Chefs will shop for all the locally sourced ingredients.
  • They will prepare, cook, and serve you and your guests in your home.
  • Don’t worry about clean-up, our Chefs do that as well!

Starting At $200/Person
$1200 minimum plus the cost of groceries.

The Refined Evening

  • 4-course plated experience utilizing locally sourced ingredients.
  • Our Chefs will shop for all the ingredients.
  • They will prepare, cook, and serve you and your guests in your home.
  • Don’t worry about clean-up, our Chefs do that as well!

Starting At $125/Person
$750 minimum plus the cost of groceries.

Private Chef Lexington, KY

Chef Josh Champion

Chef Josh Champion is the founder and lead chef of Emerald Coast Chefs, now offering a premier private chef Lexington, KY experience for clients throughout the Bluegrass region, including Louisville and Bardstown. Known for delivering elevated, restaurant-quality dining in the comfort of private homes, estates, and luxury retreats, Chef Josh brings two decades of culinary expertise to every event—now rooted in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon and horse country.

Growing up in rural western Kentucky, Chef Josh developed an early appreciation for gathering around the table with family and friends—an influence that continues to shape every dining experience he creates today. With deep ties to the region and a lifelong familiarity with Kentucky’s rich culinary traditions, including its world-renowned bourbon culture, he brings an authentic perspective that goes beyond the plate.

After attending culinary school, Chef Josh began his career in Kentucky, serving as Executive Sous Chef for one of the nation’s largest microbreweries in Louisville. At just 25, he became Executive Chef of 440 Main in Bowling Green, where he worked closely with master distillers to create bourbon-themed dinners and curated experiences designed to showcase the depth and character of Kentucky’s most iconic spirit. A brief chapter in Nashville followed, working as an Executive and Corporate Chef for high-profile private clients in the music, sports, and film industries.

In 2017, Chef Josh relocated with his family to Florida’s Emerald Coast, where he transitioned into full-time private dining and founded Emerald Coast Chefs. Since July of 2020, he has built a reputation for consistency, professionalism, and exceptional guest experiences—creating hundreds of five-star private dining events for clients seeking a refined, in-home culinary experience.

Now, with an established team of chefs in Florida, a growing presence back in Kentucky and a family farm in Manchester, Kentucky, Chef Josh is returning to his roots—bringing his signature private chef experience to Lexington, Louisville, and Bardstown as well as the surrounding bourbon trail and horse country region. His menus reflect a deep respect for Kentucky’s culinary heritage, with a focus on bourbon-forward dishes, thoughtful pairings, and locally sourced, Kentucky Proud ingredients whenever possible.

Whether hosting an intimate dinner, a special celebration, or a curated bourbon pairing experience, Chef Josh delivers a seamless and memorable evening—combining refined technique with genuine Kentucky hospitality. His goal is simple: to create an elevated dining experience that feels effortless, personal, and deeply connected to the flavors and traditions of Kentucky.

Destin Private Chef Josh Champion, owner of Emerald Coast Chefs
Private Chef Gatlinburg

Serving Gatlinburg, pigeon forge, knoxville, & chattanooga

A Dining Experience Like No Other!

Private chef plated dinner
Private chef for a luxury cabin dinner
Gatlinburg plated dinner
Bacon wrapped quail
Chef Josh cooking in a luxury cabin
Private chef experience in Gatlinburg
Butternut squash bisque
Bourbon bread pudding
Comfort Classics fried chicken
Wagyu and lobster in Gatlinburg
Family style spread<br />
Chef in the Smoky Mountains

Over the past several years, Emerald Coast Chefs has built a strong reputation for delivering refined, five-star private dining experiences along Florida’s Emerald Coast. What began as a passion for elevated hospitality has grown into a trusted name for families, corporate groups, and celebratory gatherings seeking something more meaningful than a restaurant reservation. From multi-course dinners in luxury homes to large group celebrations and wedding-weekend events, our team is known for meticulous attention to detail, seamless service, and thoughtfully curated menus that reflect both seasonality and sophistication.

Our approach has always been rooted in more than exceptional food. We believe a private dining experience should feel effortless for the host and memorable for every guest at the table. From the initial consultation to the final course, each event is carefully orchestrated—customized menus, allergy accommodations, polished plate presentation, and a strong emphasis on flavor, balance, and quality ingredients. Clients return time and again because they know they are not simply booking a meal; they are securing an elevated experience defined by consistency and genuine care.

We are proud to bring that same standard of excellence to Lexington, Louisville, Bardstown, and the surrounding Kentucky Bourbon Trail and horse country region. For those searching for a private chef in Lexington, KY, we offer elevated in-home dining experiences designed for intimate gatherings, special occasions, and curated bourbon pairing dinners that reflect the character and heritage of the region.

In Lexington, luxury dining is rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and connection. It’s about gathering in your home or estate with the people who matter most, enjoying thoughtfully prepared cuisine without the need for reservations, travel, or cleanup. It’s about experiencing the richness of Kentucky—from bourbon-forward menus to locally sourced, Kentucky Proud ingredients—brought together with refined technique and genuine hospitality. The same level of service that defined our reputation on the Emerald Coast is now reimagined for Lexington, Louisville, and Bardstown, delivering a seamless, restaurant-quality experience directly to your table.

Or call us directly at (850) 704 – 9173

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Or You Can Call Us Directly At (850) 704-9173.