Chef Nicole Velkov
I’m a personal chef based in Seattle with a passion for soulful, globally inspired food rooted in my Eastern European heritage. Born to Russian and Ukrainian parents and raised in Cleveland, I grew up surrounded by the rich, hearty flavors of Eastern European cuisine — flavors that still define much of my cooking today. I believe that nourishing, flavorful food is the foundation of a good life.
Originally, I planned to become a doctor, earning my degree in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University. But during my final year, everything shifted. I found myself constantly in the kitchen — checking out stacks of cookbooks from the library, baking two cakes a day, and falling in love with the process of cooking.
With no formal training, I landed my first kitchen job at a restaurant known for its hyper-local, top-quality ingredients. After a year of fast-paced learning and late nights, I was promoted to sous chef — and I never looked back.
Since then, I’ve worked under a Top Chef alum, explored Asian culinary techniques, and served as head chef at a wine café, where I refined my personal cooking style and deepened my love for food and wine pairings. I've catered intimate private events, from multi-course winemaker dinners to literary-themed tasting menus that match the story of a book.
I also spent a month in France cooking for a grape harvest team, where I picked up new techniques and inspiration that continue to shape my menus today.
My move to Seattle was inspired by the region’s fresh ingredients and natural beauty. Whether I’m catering a private dinner, creating a seasonal menu, or crafting a personalized culinary experience, my goal is always the same: to bring people together through delicious, meaningful food.