Makanai is a Japanese culinary term meaning “family meal.”

I believe that food should be uncomplicated, nourishing, tasty, and sustainable. Most importantly, it should be shared with others.

For me, food is universal in bringing people together and creating healthy, happy communities. I began my career with food in restaurant kitchens and have spent 17 years as a private chef and small scale caterer. I have worked closely with families to install good eating habits and cultivate a healthy, conscious relationship with their food and how it works with our bodies. I love a good dinner party and am at home in any kitchen or garden. I have worked in several restaurants throughout the years including local faves Chai Pani, Biscuithead, and Gan Shan Station as well as Michelin recommended Motor Supply Bistro in Columbia, SC. I have 13 years of private chef experience in Los Angeles, as well as in restaurants and for caterers. I most enjoy creating menus from around the world, especially Asian and the Mediterranean. California was a huge influence on my approach to food and cooking and I was raised in Appalachia, eating and cooking together as a family is in my blood. I source from as many local producers as possible. It's important for me to contribute to a community of people who are as passionate for truly good food as I am. Here in WNC there is no shortage of that!

Testimonials

"Makanai cooked for our Dinner Club and everything was superbly delicious from the appetizer through dessert! Tamara is an excellent chef who will design an evening around your requested taste preferences. I highly recommend her." -Kitty K.

“Tamara, the party would not have been this spectacular without you. You are simply the best. Thank you soooo much. We so love you.” -Vuyo N.

Makanai is as legit as it get. Every time we've worked together she has hit it out of the park. Asian, tacos, pizza....there's nothing she can't do. Always creative and ALWAYS delicious." -Alex P.

“You are the hero of the weekend.  Thank you for your amazing food, care for our children and all your amazingness!" -Wendy S.y

“Tamara helped get my kitchen get in order and stay that way. An enormous help to a mother of two young children, I could not have survived without her help with grocery shopping, maintaining the fridge and pantries and cooking food for the family. Bonus that she loves to help me throw special occasion parties!” -Jennifer N.

"We must have had about 50 people at the Celebration of Life reception following our mother's funeral. She served us a Mediterranean buffet that was so comforting and delicious. The wonderful variety of dishes allowed all ages and kinds of tastes to enjoy and remember our mother with laughter and love." -Chris G.

"Tamara is a true professional, who also happens to make some of the best food I've ever had.  Whatever the occasion she provides that little something special to make every event one to remember.  She can literally do it all, and is amazing to work with. I can't compliment her enough. Incredible." -Mike P.

"Thank you so much for delivering the nourishing and beautiful dinner on Monday. A "Spirit Lifter" for sure!" -Michael B.

"My Mah Jongg group came expecting Papa Johns and were so thrilled to have such a lovely choice of fresh, beautifully arranged veggies, herbs and cheeses...on a pastry crust!" -Judy W.

“Tamara is a professional and organized woman. Her innate ability to construct delicious meals wowed all of my guests. The fact that she is a wonderful person who cares about food reflects in every bite. Plus her steak tacos are seriously the best." -Kaili A. 

“We will so miss Tamara being a part of our lives and the meals she’s created on a daily basis and for all of our special events with friends and family. An absolute super woman.” -Private chef client