We hope you will forgive us the play on words in the title of this blog feature. We interviewed professional chef, Eric Wells, of Skye LaRae’s Culinary Services, and we can’t wait to introduce him to you.

There are tons of options for quick and easy meals to make at home. But what if you are looking for something a little more upscale? What if you want the experience of 5-star dining, but you don’t want to leave your home? Enter, Eric Wells. He will cook you a 6 course meal (yes, 6 courses!!) AND clean up your kitchen after.

Here is a little more about Eric and his company, Skye LaRae’s:

All Events Planned: What inspired you to create Skye LaRae’s? Is there a special meaning behind the name?

Eric Wells: After becoming the first African American to graduate from The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute in Chesterland in 2003, I decided to start a personal chef business. People love to be served and I love to serve. The name, Skye LaRae's, is the name of one of my daughter's.

AEP: Have you always been a chef? What started your culinary career?

Eric: I always enjoyed cooking, especially with my mother. She showed me how to pair spices, herbs and sauces to create wonderful dishes. My mother passed away in 2003. Before she died, she told me to take this gift, that I've been blessed with, to the next level. So my family used my mother's insurance monies to send me to culinary school.

AEP: In your experience working with clients, what is the biggest barrier to cooking more at home?

Eric: We live in a "microwave" world where everything is done in a hurry. Families rarely sit down and eat together. So many of my clients buy pre-packaged meals or fast food for their families. I truly feel that families should dedicate at least one day a week to sitting and having a home-cooked meal with their loved ones.

AEP: Which of your services is the most popular?

Eric: My most popular service would be my Intimate Dinners for Two. I go to a couple's home and prepare a romantic, six-course dinner. I provide everything: food, linens, China, cookware, silverware, flowers, candles, etc. I only use the client's stove and water. And, I clean the kitchen after the dinner. I have done over 1500 of the dinners in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Toledo and Columbus areas.

AEP: What is one of your favorite dishes to prepare, and why?

Eric: Right now, I love my Scallops with Cilantro Butter Sauce. My clients love this dish because the scallops are perfectly seared and the sauce is decadent!

AEP: Are you a "savory" person or a "sweets" person (or both!)?

Eric: I am strictly a savory person. My desserts are good too. But I enjoy cooking savory dishes.

AEP: In your experience/opinion, how can cooking or enjoying a meal together enhance a relationship?

Eric: The common denominator that bring people together is food. It allows a couple to sit back, relax and enjoy each other's company. That experience is heightened when it is done in a romantic setting.

AEP: How have your service offerings changed since the pandemic?

Eric: My service has changed slightly during the pandemic. Of course I wear a mask and gloves if the client requires it. Speaking of the pandemic, my business had its best year ever during the pandemic. Couples celebrating special occasions did not feel comfortable going on vacation or to restaurants, so they hired me to prepare a romantic meal.

AEP: If readers did just 1 thing at home to be better cooks, what would be most important?

Eric: Learn how to use spices and herbs to enhance the flavors of your dishes. This is the easiest way to grow your culinary repertoire.

While I cannot help but disagree with Eric when it comes to savory vs. sweet, I appreciate the benefits that come with enjoying a home cooked meal with your significant other or even the whole family. Bringing everyone together, intentionally pausing from the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day activities; it’s nice to connect and enjoy delicious food (and not worry about clean-up!).

If you need an idea for a fun date night (or a small group event), please visit Skye LaRae’s website. There are several amazing options to choose from, including intimate dinner parties, a private cooking classes, and even some virtual cooking class options.

Thank you so much for “chatting” with us, Eric!