We created FOODsmith as a personal chef and private event company focused on creating truly memorable experiences. We intend to create and execute custom meals and gatherings and share our love of ingredients while paying attention to the details that make our meals special. Our personal chef and event services allow you to spend quality time with the people you care about.
We are located in Vail, Colorado, the place we have called home for over 25 years. With over 40 years of combined experience working in acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, New Orleans, Nantucket, Napa Valley, Spain, and France, as well as Sweet Basil, Larkspur Restaurant, the Lodge at Vail, and Avondale here in the Vail Valley, you can feel confident that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and hospitality.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future; thank you for considering FOODsmith.
Sincerely, Allana Smith
-smith
combining form suffix: –smith
denoting a person skilled in creating something with a specified material
Our “specified material” is FOOD.
No matter how modest the meal, create a special place to sit down together… Mealtime is a time for Empathy and Generosity, a time to nourish and communicate. ”
– Alice Waters
-smith
combining form suffix: –smith
denoting a person skilled in creating something with a specified material
Our “specified material” is FOOD.
No matter how modest the meal, create a special place to sit down together… Mealtime is a time for Empathy and Generosity, a time to nourish and communicate. ”
– Alice Waters
Our Meals & Events
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner, or a lavish and refined event with a focus on cuisine, our refreshing hospitality, and thoughtfully created menus will combine to create a positive memory for your group. We understand how difficult it can be to fit handcrafted, healthy, creative meals into a hectic day, especially when you are traveling or entertaining. We utilize time-honored cooking methods to create simple dishes, rich in flavor.
How It Works
First, we communicate – we determine your needs and assist you in planning a custom menu. Please view our sample menus with an open mind, and rest assured that we can provide options for a menu tailored to meet your individual taste and style.
Second, we send you a proposal – this includes all of the details of your meal/event and await your approval and/or menu choices.
Third, we arrive approximately 1 -1 ½ hours before your meal begins, prepare the space and the meal, serve the beverages, and the meal. Afterward, we clean up, pack up, and make every effort to leave the kitchen even cleaner than we found it!
custom menus for your meal
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner with friends and family, or a lavish, refined event with a focus on cuisine (or would just like to have breakfast made for you!), FOODsmith inspires ideas from concept through execution to ensure a memorable experience. We work with you to create and personalize meals that will make your occasion special and memorable. We are experienced at creating menus that accommodate your personal preferences and dietary restrictions as well as exceed your expectations in regards to quality.
delivered meals in the vail valley
As personal chefs, we can also drop off meals at your home (or home away from home.) Our delivered meals are of the same quality as our in-home personal chef meals. The menu has been designed to include easy to re-heat/complete cooking/assemble without too much hassle and consistent, quality results. Our drop-off menus include items as simple as a pan of lasagna, mac, and cheese, or a rack of ribs, as well as complete meals with appetizers, sides, entrees, and dessert. We even deliver hors d’oeuvres, ready to go for a fun and easy cocktail party.
Custom Menus for your meal
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner with friends and family, or a lavish, refined event with a focus on cuisine (or would just like to have breakfast made for you!), FOODsmith inspires ideas from concept through execution to ensure a memorable experience. We work with you to create and personalize meals that will make your occasion special and memorable. We are experienced at creating menus that accommodate your personal preferences and dietary restrictions as well as exceed your expectations in regards to quality.
Custom Menus for your Meal
As personal chefs, we can also drop off meals at your home (or home away from home.) Our delivered meals are of the same quality as our in-home personal chef meals. The menu has been designed to include easy to re-heat/complete cooking/assemble without too much hassle and consistent, quality results. Our drop-off menus include items as simple as a pan of lasagna, mac, and cheese, or a rack of ribs, as well as complete meals with appetizers, sides, entrees, and dessert. We even deliver hors d’oeuvres, ready to go for a fun and easy cocktail party.
AMAZING PRIVATE CHEF!!
Allana and her team added the perfect touch to our tiny wedding in Edwards,CO. The food and service was above our expectations. She helped us through out the menu planning process and even provided a few dinner rentals that matched perfectly with our theme. Also, her husband owns a bakery and made us the most beautiful wedding cake. Working with them was the best decision! I highly recommend FOODSMITH if you’re planning a party or wedding.
Foodsmith got me through Covid holidays!
Thank you Allana and crew for helping me get through the 2020 holidays! With a houseful of family from out of town, Allana dropped many delicious dishes that I could just heat up and serve. Gave me a welcome and delicious break! We have enjoyed Foodsmith’s catering and their creative menus with our POD as well. They make it so easy to entertain!
Delicious Meals
Chef Allana provided prepared meals for our group during our ski week in Vail. This experience ended up being more enjoyable than dining out in restaurants. Why? Simply because Allana’s food is exceptional. She prepared gourmet dinners, BBQ and chili for lunches and breakfasts and desserts for our group. Everything is handmade, including the desserts and ice cream. Every bite was delicious and it was like having our own private chef! Once I found out Allana used to be a chef at one of our favorite restaurants in Napa Valley I knew we were in good hands. Another advantage to using Chef Allana is that it was cost effective for our group. We will definitely use Chef Allana again on our next trip and I highly recommend her!
-Phil B
Best healthy food in the Vail Valley
Shawn and Allana can certainly prepare any type of food, I just prefer healthy as well as fresh local produce. For years they have prepared tailored food for my family that is first of all delicious beyond words but also dairy and gluten free. Shawn is a baker extraordinaire and also makes his own gelato and ice creams that are fabulous ( for my guests and family that eat this). Allana’s salads are always the highlight of the meal for me, as she has many and always with homemade vinaigrettes. They do a fabulous cocktail hour with unlimited choices of appetizers. What I appreciate most is that they will always cater to specific diets and needs of their clients. They are wonderful people that are like family and no summer in Beaver Creek or visit would be as stress free if not for their meals, both catered and delivered.
Dear Allana,
I wanted to thank you for an awesome celebration for Gary’s Medicare birthday! The dinner was absolutely superb!
Although “decadent,” we were all able to experience each course with sheer enjoyment. The meal was amazing as were Sean and Meredith. They were such a pleasure to have in my kitchen; fun, organized, immaculate, sweet, nice as well as professional.
We enjoyed the entire evening and look forward to another evening when we can experience Sean’s delectable dishes once more! Thanks again for a wonderful experience!”
Laurie Kuskin
Vail Resident, February 20th, 2015,
Chef Allana – I just wanted to thank you on behalf of all of us at Exclusive Resorts for the continued partnership and dedication you set forth to our Club’s Members in creating unique memorable experiences. You continue to set the bar in culinary experiences as we hear consistent Member feedback and I just wanted to extend a warm THANK YOU from all of us. I am copying Todd Harris our EVP of Hospitality who is familiar with your company as well.
Attached are some very recent Club Member surveys (Eliason, Syufy, Beall) mentioning your services and commending you on a job well done. This is absolutely awesome. We look forward to a continued partnership ahead!
Thank you for assisting us during this unique time in our years of operating where we look to make an impact on our Member Experience and ensure our Members feel at home and enjoy the luxuries of services we can pair with their time in our destinations and homes. Keep up the great work Chef Allana.
Gregory Ciluzzi
Regional Residence Manager
Hi Allana!
I’m sorry I’m just now writing you…but I wanted to say how much we LOOOOOOOVED the food you brought over! We had some local guests join us for dinner on Saturday and it was perfect to be able to provide a meal for them at the home where we could catch up.
Although we couldn’t take credit for the amazing meal, it was something we were so proud to share. It was so so delicious. We all overate, but that’s never a bad thing with food that good! Thank you for all your help…I will definitely keep you in mind for our future trips! Thank you!
Jessica Andres
Vail visitor, January 16, 2016
Hi, Allana,
Everything was fantastic! From soups to ice creams, to cooking lesson (a fav of kids and grand kids)to catered ‘last night dinner’. Plus Shawn was kind to spend time with our oldest, most curious grand daughter. Thank you thank you.
Will place an order for more soups and goodies to freeze in next few weeks. We will be back mid Jan and look forward to stocking up.
Many thanks and Happy New Year!
cUSTOMER
East Vail residents, December 2017
Hi, Allana,
I have been remiss in not telling you sooner that our 50th Anniversary dinner was delicious; there were many compliments from our guests. And a lot of us enjoyed the dishes again the next day! Byron and I think it was a wonderful occasion and thank you and your assistant (whose name escapes me this moment) for being a big part of it.
We look forward to working with you again—maybe we’ll see you at some event this summer. Sally
Sally and Byron
East Vail residents, June 2018
Hi Allana,
Just wanted you to know how much Jim and I appreciate all you did for us for our brunch. You even left us with some wonderful “left-overs” all carefully put away in the refrig. You incredible food was full of surprises and delights, so fresh, and beautifully served. We thank you so much coming and we will be sampling some “drop-offs” soon.
Hugs, Barb and Jim
Barb and Jim
Edwards residents, June 2018
Whitney and Erin – Don’t have email for Elyse but at noon yesterday, she put me in touch with an in-home chef who, by 6:30 that evening, had thrown together one of the best meals you could imagine! Her name is Allana Smith and her company is FOODsmith and I cannot recommend her more highly for future Inspirato people who are looking for great food in the home. Hope that is helpful!
Trevor Price
Vail visitor, August 2015
Hey Allana,
I just wanted to say that dinner last night was fantastic, thank you for preparing everything so quickly! We have enough leftovers for at least an entire 2nd meal tonight. Everyone was super happy with the food. We’ll definitely write a good review on Facebook after we settle in later. Thanks!
Dan Guido
New York resident, January 2016
This is Maria. We were there a few weeks ago and you cooked for us the most amazing egg Benedict. I would love to have your recipe. Thank you again for the amazing breakfast.
Maria
Vail visitor, January 2015
Allana – Our New Years’ dinner was delicious thanks to you. I managed everything as instructed. Many thanks and happy New Year to you and your family!
Judy & Allan
Edwards residents, Janurary 2018
Hi Allana,
The tenderloin and salmon were hits last night. There was not enough salmon to save (!) and only a few slices of beef. I loved the cheeses – Glad there are a few bites left to nosh on tonight. Would you send me a list of their names at your convenience? I wonder if they are sold locally. Thanks again and it was nice to meet you. Sally
Sally Rose
Vail resident, February 2015
We had such a wonderful experience with the folks of Foodsmith. They delivered to our family house and we had folks from two continents and all over the country visiting. Everyone was elated with the quality, variety and quantity of food provided. If/when we need help with catering in the area we will definitely be calling Foodsmith!
Woodson Spring
Thanks for a wonderful birthday dinner. All of the food was delicious.
When you have time please pass along the soup and lentil recipe. I will attempt the soup this summer once the tomato season arrives. Thanks again.
Tori Eisenberg
Vail visitor March 2015
Thanks for another delicious meal. Great to see both of you looking so good and seeming very happy/ Thanks also for the info! Our dates for next year are July 10-24, 2018. Kids most likely to come between the 12th and the 22nd, but will let you know when they buy their tickets. Until then, be well!
Forever Grateful,
Kathrine
Vail visitor, Summer 2017
Hi Allana-
I want to thank you for the most delicious dinner at my house on Dec 26th. Everyone loved the chicken, and once again, the first-course soup was a huge hit. The dessert was my favorite of all time, though. The warm apple crumble was fabulous!
We missed you in the kitchen, but Shawn was great that night. David too. They did an excellent job of taking care of us, including washing ALL the wine glasses. Was a real treat for me to have a clean kitchen after such a big meal.
All the best to you and your family for the New Year.
Xxo Diane
Ps. The tubs of tomato soup were wonderful. We all had for lunch that week, doctored with your leftover chicken and vegetables.
dIANE
Vail Resident, December 2017
Here’s some comments from tonight’s dinner:
“What’s a squash? Because I think I kinda like it”
“Oh man her kids are so lucky- they’ve got a mom that cooks like this!”
“Don’t eat all the ribs!!!! I want this dinner in my lunchbox tomorrow”
“Man this cornbread is like cake- do you think it would be weird to have this cornbread for my birthday cake next year?”
“Man this Mac n cheese is better than Moe’s. And you know I like Moe’s Mac m cheese ALOT”
“I think Monday’s are going to be my favorite days from now on”…”no offense mom”… None taken son.
“What do you think she’s going to make us next Monday?”
“This was a good idea mom”
“Um…. Is it only Monday’s cuz I was just thinking….”
Guess it was a success! Everyone ate everything- thanks for making me a healthy part too!
I agree with the kids… I wish it could be more than just Mondays.
Moyer family
Eagle resident, February 2015
Let's talk &
organize your event
We are often in the kitchen handcrafting meals. If you cannot reach us by phone, please send us an email and we will get back to you just as quickly as we can.
phone: 970.688.1925
email: allana@foodsmithvail.com
Our Local Vendors
Salami, particularly love the Rosette de Lyon, Basalt & Denver, CO
Crooked Brook
best, made in the USA chef coats, I have purchased all of my women’s chef coats from them for over 15 years
Monterey Seafood Watch Best Choice Striped Bass, San Luis Valley, CO
James Ranch
We mostly buy cheese, but they also raise cattle and sell local produce, eggs, pork, etc. Durango, CO
Greens, herbs and vegetables, Gypsum, CO
Tomatoes, peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines, plums, Palisade, CO
Greens, herbs, and the occasional nasturtium, Edwards, CO
Il Porcellino
Salami, particularly love the Rosette de Lyon, Basalt & Denver, CO
Crooked Brook
best, made in the USA chef coats, I have purchased all of my women’s chef coats from them for over 15 years
James Ranch
We mostly buy cheese, but they also raise cattle and sell local produce, eggs, pork, etc. Durango, CO
LaVenture Farm
Greens, herbs and vegetables, Gypsum, CO
Wynn Farm
Tomatoes, peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines, plums, Palisade, CO
My Backyard Garden
Greens, herbs, and the occasional nasturtium, Edwards, CO
Colorado Catch
Monterey Seafood Watch Best Choice Striped Bass, San Luis Valley, CO
Mountain Flour
all desserts, gelatos, sorbets, specialty cakes, Eagle, CO
Shawn Smith of Mountain Flour creates all of FOODsmith desserts.
Mountain Flour was created in 2001 to fill a need in the Vail Valley for high-quality, fresh, and delicious wedding cakes in this wonderfully gorgeous and popular wedding event location. Since opening, we have gained a reputation for providing the most beautiful and delectable wedding cakes throughout the Rocky Mountains.