A little bit about Elsah Payne

Hello!

I am a private chef with more than fifteen years of experience in fine dining, wellness-focused culinary programs, bespoke catering, culinary media, and retreat cooking. My work has always centered on honest food, seasonal ingredients, and creating meals that help people feel cared for.

My career began in restaurants where technique and quality mattered every day. I led programs at Wild Fish Pacific Grove and Bon Appétit Management Company, where I cooked organic, coastal California cuisine and built strong relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and specialty purveyors. These early experiences shaped my commitment to clean, ingredient-driven food.

Through my company, Tin Roof, I created intimate dining experiences for private clients, retreats, and small gatherings. I designed hyper-seasonal menus, handled sourcing and logistics, and made sure every experience felt warm, personal, and elegant. I also cook comfortably for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and wellness-driven menus that still feel full of flavor and beauty.

My media work strengthened this even further. I developed recipes and styled dishes for ShopHQ and HSN, where clarity, technique, and presentation were essential. These projects helped refine how I approach food visually and how I connect with people through storytelling and cooking.

In my leadership role at the YMCA of the East Bay, I transformed meals for a multi-building retreat campus into scratch-made, farm-forward dining for youth, families, and adult groups. I designed menus focused on nutrition, allergens, and clean ingredients, and maintained a calm, organized kitchen that supported the entire community.

All of these experiences come together in my private chef work today. I love creating meals that bring ease, nourishment, and elegance into someone’s home. My intention is simple: to cook thoughtful food, offer a sense of comfort, and create a kitchen environment that feels seamless and welcoming.