Cooking with K was an amazing an unforgettable experience. My fiancé and I were in Asheville for the weekend and I reached out to Marcella after researching many Chefs in the area because I wanted to suprise him for his birthday . She was able to accommodate us for a private dinner at our Air BnB. Throughout the process (which was less than 24 hours) Marcella communicated every detail. After informing her of our likes and dislikes she was able to create a menu within and hour and a half after speaking over the phone. She provided us with a 4 course meal during the 3.5 hour time frame. Every dish was well appointed. Salad, Shrimp Dumplings, Pan Seared Duck and chocolate crème brûlée. There were a few other items that accompanied the meal as well. And the best part everything was made with love from scratch! I can’t say enough great things about her presentation and creativity! Thank you again Cooking with K! All the best!
Simone Ortiz
Marcella is an exceptional host. She is knowledgeable about food, the cooking process, flavors, the whole nine yards. Her background in culinary shows, and the best part is she takes pride in what she does. Worth every penny! She shared with the group that she eats her way through travel experiences. Marcella is a chef I would like to travel with! Oh, and the food was delicious.
Christine Smith
Catering with K catered my 80’s inspired 50th birthday party with absolute precision. The menu was so thoughtful and perfect for the inspired theme. The attention to detail was superb. The food was fun and full of flavor. The budget was set and met. We couldn’t be happier!
Letitia Macfie
My husband and I cannot begin to say enough amazing things about these two! They catered our wedding and they went above the call of duty! We let Marcella know that a few of our guests needed gluten free and vegetarian options and boy did she deliver! She also made sure to clearly mark not only what the food was but if it was GF or veggie. And did I mention she made our wedding cake, that not only was carrot cake, but also GF! The food was made with love and was absolutely DELICIOUS ❤️❤️❤️
Katherine Tarnowski
Stress-free holiday dinner…Cooking With K is the perfect option for magical and stress free holiday dinner. I decided to hire Cooking With K for our Christmas dinner. Best decision ever! I was able to enjoy my family without the stress of preparing the meal. They served Beef Wellington for the entree and it was perfection!
Chad Macfie
This was an excellent cooking class. Marcella is an extremely knowledgeable instructor. The setting was warm and inviting and the food delicious! Can’t wait to take another class.
Dede Dohse
Making pasta from scratch was really fun and easy. Marcella is very knowledgeable about each pasta and sauces we made. Marcella and Jack were both hands on with helping each of us.
Holly Tagner
Our Japanese Delights class was so much fun! I enjoyed the tips and tricks and fun facts that Marcella gave us, and of course the food was delicious. The hands-on portions were perfect.
Brittany Willis
I attended Dinner with Strangers, an event where nine people—mostly strangers—come together to feast like royalty and leave feeling like family. This immersive dining experience takes place right in the kitchen, where Marcella masterfully cooks in real time. She’s the epitome of professionalism, seamlessly preparing, chatting, and plating course after course without missing a beat. Jack, acting as both conversationalist and sous chef, kept the energy and courses flowing beautifully. The food was flavorful, artfully prepared, and utterly satisfying. The evening was lovely, and Marcella and Jack were warm, welcoming, and delightful hosts. 10/10—would absolutely do it again.
Stephanie El-Hajj
I attended one of Marcella’s Dinner with Strangers. The event took place in her lovely home, with guests seated around a large table within view of the kitchen preparations. As the delightful scent of butter, onion, and garlic wafted towards us, our anticipation for the dinner that was to be served grew. Each course was presented with care yet without fuss; the platters were passed around the table family style. Conversation grew as organically as the food set before us. Everything served was simply delicious. We came as strangers, but we all left as friends. If you have a chance to attend one of her meals, either at her home or somewhere else, I can only image it would be as magical.
Susan S
I LOVE everything about Cook With K classes. Everything is so delicious, and I learn so much. My favorite part of the experience is that it is so relaxed and so much fun. Perfect date night, but I also enjoyed it so solo as well. I’m already signed up for another class. Pictures are from Vegan Pasta class. Agnolotti Beet Pasta Stuffed with Butternut Squash. Kale Pasta with Puttanesca sauce. Spinach Orecchiette with Pistachio Pesto.
Pattiejean McTernan
Dinner With Strangers with Cook With K is an amazing experience. I have done two dinners and both the food and “strangers” (not by the end of the evening) were exceptional. Marcella and Jack open their home, hearts and passion to share with 10-12 people at these dinners- what a gift!
Carolyn Hewitt
Chef Marcella and Jack are incredible hosts who do not leave out a single detail. I’ve been to two Dinner with Strangers events and both were delicious, beautifully executed and meeting new people surrounded by amazing food, is the perfect way to spend any evening. It is such a great concept and Marcella and Jack have perfected it! Creative and innovate cooking methods is evident throughout, as well as, a true love of food and culture, and an amazing talent for pairing the most fabulous flavors. They truly care about giving their guests a world-class experience I cannot wait to try the cooking classes next! Congratulations Marcella and Jack for your amazing work! And thank you for bringing these great gifts to our community.
Rosa G
10/10 recommend !! Marcella was amazing!!! The meals were sooo delicious! I ate the arugula salad and pistachio cheesecake so fast that I forgot to take pictures. The scallops were the best scallops I have ever had. Yum !!
Zahira Rosario-Benitez
I had a really good time at this cooking class. I went there by myself, which was definitely outside my comfort zone. But Marcella made me feel super comfortable from the start! The cozy kitchen atmosphere was inviting. From the charcuterie board and mocktail waiting as we arrived, to the family style dinner in the end. We were all made to feel welcomed 🥰 We got to meet mom and dad who were in town for a visit! Added benefit was when her husband came to help out in the kitchen. He helped us make gnocchi and even helped Marcella clean up. Girl you better keep that guy! 😂
Tamela Rich
If I could give 10 stars, I would. Marcella is delightful, efficient, gracious and can cook ! I have taken the dumpling class and attended dinner with strangers. Class is demonstration and hands on, a perfect combo in my opinion. Everything is prepped and measured leaving time to enjoy learning and participating. I say Dinner With Strangers, Leave as Friends ! Again, delicious food, fun and enjoyable. I recommend Cooking with K for any needs or wants you may have !
Michelle Weitzman
What an amazing trip to Italy! Well, the food that we cooked was Italian? We were actually located in a very welcoming kitchen in the Asheville, NC area. This cooking class was a lot of fun and all of us pitched in to create a memorable meal. Chef Marcella guided us and effortlessly brought all of us together. If you have ever desired something to look forward to…something to move your life forward…a new experience? Just contact Chef Marcella and book a cooking class!
Ailene Ross
Marcella was an absolute pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Communication was flawless. We used her services for an intimate dinner party celebration. The food she prepared was top notch. We would highly recommend the Greek meatballs with tzatziki, Spanish garlic shrimp, and Cod Piccata. Orang cake was AMAZING! Creating a menu with her was fun and easy even with some dietary restrictions from a few members in our group. What really set her apart was her. She was kind, fun, and generous. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Marcella. We would highly recommend her and the food she prepares for any type of gathering.
Erica Zagaja
A group of old HS friends hired Marcella to come to the Airbnb and give us a cooking lesson. There were varying cooking skills in the group and she was absolutely the best! A great instructor, chef, had a wealth of knowledge about different cuisines and helped us prepare fresh pasta with 2 different sauces. Absolutely the best part of the weekend! I highly recommend her!
Tracy Zeidler
We hired Marcella for a small dinner party to celebrate a big birthday and couldn’t be more pleased. She exceeded every expectation. She was a pleasure to work with–very professional. The food was magnificent, and she did an excellent job with serving and clean up. You will not be disappointed with Cook with K.
Randy Siegel
This is by far the Best cooking class I have attended in the Asheville area. Chef Marcella is so prepared, and thorough. Her classes start promptly on time. We had plenty of food, and she offered for us to take some home. Something that really stood out was she does Not overbook her classes, unlike another local Chef. She has drinks for everyone, and keeps your glass full. I left her class excited, and ready to try the recipes. What a Yummy meal – and exceptional experience her class was. Oh, the nice lady beside me was an experienced cook – she drives over an hour each way to attend Marcella’s classes. I will be returning very soon. Check out her website and upcoming classes.
Carol B Hensley
We hired Marcella to have dinner at our Airbnb for a bachlorette trip after a day of drinking at wineries and OMG it was the best thing ever. She was so fun and professional. We were a rowdy group and she so sweetly put up with us. Ha Her food literally melted in our mouths. We were so thankful and had so much fun! Thank you so much!!
Risa
My husband and I attended an Italian cooking class last evening and it was so amazing! We loved the intimate environment of Marcella’s kitchen, that delicious food and mocktails! We will definitely be booking more classes in the future!
Amanda Burton
The most wonderful evening and educational. Truly knowledgeable and fun AND we were able to eat her hard work. Highly recommend an evening with Marcella.
Sabrina Cashion
Marcella is a wealth of knowledge and so much fun to be around! She was the perfect host for our group of 8 ladies and we can’t wait to do it again!! 10/10 recommend
Liz Boulos
We did the dumpling class and it was fantastic. Marcella is a great instructor and very welcoming. The food was delicious 😋 and I’d definitely go back.…
Patrick Casale
Brilliant experience. Sharing an excellent meal brings people together and, because we are strangers, there is a welcoming atmosphere. Lots of easy and interesting conversation! Thank you!
Sarah Reincke
My husband booked a private class for my birthday with a couple of friends. fantastic, professional, fun, tasty!! Thanks Marcella, you rock!!
Cortnee Simmers
Always great food and great connections! Lovely setting and relaxing ambience!
Lynda Wood
They catered a weekend retreat I attended and the food was thoughtfully prepared. Accommodated several food allergies and all was absolutely delicious!
K Harry
Amazing experience with the entire team & highly recommend! Learned a ton in a very interactive and social environment, while enjoying some amazing food…
Andrew Kuzmen
Incredibly informative and approachable- highly recommended for someone who is just getting started with cooking or looking to build some skill- will definitely be back!
Heyward Wagner