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EmmaLee Gough in her garden holding a wooden salad bowl

Chef ยท Experiential Host ยท Culinary Consultant

FOOD, STORIES
& a seat at the table

A private chef based in Virginia, working wherever
a table can be set. Plant-forward, farm-driven, designed to be felt.

Inquire About a Dinner โ†’ See Recent Work

"My work is plant-forward, farm-driven, and designed to be felt through taste, texture, warmth, and story."

ABOUT ME ยท MEET EMMALEE ยท ABOUT ME ยท MEET EMMALEE ยท
EmmaLee Gough laughing in her garden holding fresh carrots with rain falling

About

Chef, baker,
& storyteller

I believe a meal is never just a meal. It's the smell of something slow-roasting, the way a table looks when it's been set with care, the conversation that only happens when people are finally, genuinely fed.

I'm the founder of The Conscious Table, a supper club and culinary experience company rooted in the idea that cooking is one of the most powerful ways to connect people to place, to seasons, and to one another. I've cooked for intimate dinners, multi-day retreats in Costa Rica and Virginia, farm collaborations, and nonprofit events.

Get in Touch
Charcuterie board with breads, cheeses, pickled onions, radishes, and aperol spritzes on a floral tablecloth

I believe in slow suppers, in setting the table like it matters, and in helping people feel fed โ€” in every sense of the word.

โ€” EmmaLee

Work With Me

What I
offer

Each experience is custom-built around your vision, your season, your people.

01

Private Dining

Intimate seated dinners for 4โ€“20 guests. Menus built around peak season, from milestone celebrations to supper clubs. Every detail considered, every dish intentional.

Starting at $125โ€“$175 per guest

02

Cooking Classes

Hands-on, convivial sessions for curious home cooks, bachelorette parties, and corporate teams. Technique-forward but never intimidating, designed for curious home cooks.

Starting at $95 per guest

03

Retreat Chef Services

Full culinary programming for multi-day wellness retreats and brand gatherings. I've cooked for retreats in Costa Rica and across Virginia, handling concept, sourcing, and every meal.

Starting at $175 per guest per day

04

Dinner Party Consulting

Menu planning, shopping lists, prep guidance, and day-of support so you can be a guest at your own table.

Starting at $250

05

Farm Collaborations

Site-specific dinners on working farms. A signature offering of The Conscious Table, rooted in land and community.

06

Social Media & Creative

Food styling, recipe development, and content creation for food and hospitality brands. Visual storytelling that makes people hungry and curious.

Plan Your Experience

Portfolio

A visual
record

01

Private Dining
& Supper Clubs

Intimate candlelit dinners, seasonal menus built around milestones, supper clubs designed for lingering.

EmmaLee in white shirt serving at dinner
ViewEmmaLee serving at a private dinner
EmmaLee in blue apron at outdoor event
ViewOutdoor winter private dinner
Candlelit supper club table setting
ViewThe Conscious Table ยท Richmond, VA
EmmaLee speaking at string light dinner
ViewThe Conscious Table supper club
Guests at candlelit dinner with string lights
ViewCandlelit string light dinner
Poached pear dessert on gold-rimmed plate
ViewPoached pear dessert ยท supper club
EmmaLee at farm venue with string lights at dusk
ViewFarm dinner ยท Wild Heart Farm, Virginia
02

Farm Collaborations
& Outdoor Events

Site-specific dinners on working Virginia farms, built around the harvest and the people who grow it.

EmmaLee salting purple sweet potatoes on farm grill
ViewPurple sweet potatoes ยท farm grill
EmmaLee assembling strawberry cake at garden dinner
ViewRhubarb strawberry cake ยท garden dinner
Edible flower kale salads at farm dinner
ViewEdible flower kale salads
EmmaLee prepping outdoor appetizer spread
ViewPrepping an outdoor spread
EmmaLee at outdoor summer event
ViewOutdoor summer dinner event
03

Seasonal
& Plant-Forward

Plates built around what is in season โ€” roasted, preserved, fermented, and dressed simply.

Fig tarts on ceramic plates
ViewFig and cream tarts ยท ceramic plates
Orange sorbet in hollowed oranges with marigolds
ViewOrange sorbet ยท marigold flowers
Vegan brie and beet carpaccio farm table spread
ViewVegan brie ยท beet root carpaccio
Butternut squash soup in handmade bowls
ViewButternut squash soup
Roasted root vegetables with tahini
ViewRoasted root vegetables ยท tahini
Hand-folded dumplings in orange sauce
ViewHand-folded dumplings
Intimate private dinner with candlelight
ViewIntimate candlelit dinner

Good to Know

Frequently asked

Do you shop and cook at our home?+

Yes. I handle sourcing, shopping, prep, cooking, plating, and cleanup. You can be a guest at your own table. For larger events I bring help.

How far in advance should I book?+

Four to eight weeks is ideal so menus can be designed around the harvest. For retreats and larger events, two to four months. Last-minute dates are sometimes possible โ€” just ask.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?+

Absolutely. My menus are plant-forward by default and I regularly build around gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and preferences. Share anything relevant in your inquiry.

Do you travel outside of Virginia?+

Yes โ€” I've cooked retreats in Costa Rica and private dinners across the Mid-Atlantic. Travel and lodging are billed separately for destinations beyond a two-hour radius.

What happens after I submit an inquiry?+

I'll reach out within 48 hours to discuss your event, ask follow-up questions, and share a proposed menu and quote. A 50% deposit holds your date.

Featured In

Press & recognition

Upcoming Events

Join the next dinner

Public supper clubs, cooking classes, and farm dinners announced via newsletter first.

Inquire

Let's build
something together

Whether you're dreaming of an intimate dinner for eight or a full retreat experience, I'd love to hear what you're imagining.

I take on a limited number of events each season to ensure each one receives the care it deserves.

Based in

Virginia, working wherever a table can be set

Email

hello@emgough.com

Instagram

@emmalee_gough