About

Welcome to Bespoke Gatherings, where world-class culinary artistry meets the warm, nourishing comfort of a of a home cooked meal. Founded in 2023, This project is the culmination of Chef Aaron’s 18-year journey through the most respected kitchens, wineries, and distilleries on both coasts—and his passionate return to the foundational values of food: community, seasonality, and connection.

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Forged in the Fire of San Francisco's Slow Food Movement

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chef Aaron started his first apprenticeship at the renowned, hyper-seasonal restaurant Nopa at just 14 years old. His days began before dawn at the iconic Ferry Building Farmer’s Market with his mentor, Diane Goodman, a pivotal figure in establishing the slow food movement and a close friend of Alice Waters.

It was there, amidst the vibrant stalls, that a core philosophy was born. Diane and Nopa’s Owner & Executive Chef, Laurence Jossel, instilled in him a relentless passion for impeccable ingredients and the people who produce them. Chef Aaron learned that the secret to great food is, in the words of Laurence: “finding the best ingredients possible and getting them to the plate without messing them up.” To this day, nothing excites him more than the perfect peach at the height of summer or discovering a new cultivar of radish.

These early mornings connected him with culinary legends like Bruce Hill (Bix, Picco), Daniel Patterson (Coi), Mourad Lahlou (Aziza), Elizabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson (Tartine Bakery), leading to further apprenticeships in those storied kitchens, shaping his diverse and unique culinary voice.

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The Art of the Pairing: Napa Valley and Beyond

After finishing his apprenticeships, Chef Aaron’s pursuit of mastery led him to California's famous Napa Valley, where he discovered a parallel passion for wine and craft spirits. Over six years, he immersed himself in the world of small-production wineries and distilleries, earning his WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wine and mastering the art of the cocktail as the Resident Mixologist at Napa Valley Distillery. He became fascinated by the alchemy of pairing—how the perfect combination of food and drink creates an experience far greater than the sum of its parts.

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A Homecoming to the Table

After a period of change that led him away from professional kitchens, Chef Aaron realized his true calling remained at the stove, surrounded by people he loves to nourish. He founded Bespoke Gatherings not just as a business, but as a homecoming. It is a conscious decision to step away from the faceless and grueling world of fine dining and return to the intimate, meaningful world of the home kitchen.

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Our Philosophy: Connection on Every Level

Bespoke Gatherings is built on three pillars of connection:

• Connection to Our Farmers: We are passionately committed to seasonal, farm-to-table cooking. Chef Aaron partners directly with Central Wisconsin’s regenerative farmers and artisans. This ensures your meal tells a authentic story of our local terroir and supports the agricultural practices that heal our land.

• Connection to Your Community: We believe the most memorable gatherings happen around a table. By bringing a restaurant-quality experience into your home, we remove the distractions and foster real conversation, laughter, and connection among your friends and family.

• Connection to You: Chef Aaron crafts personalized menus that do more than satiate—they create moments of joy, conversation, and togetherness. With every detail designed to nourish you and your guests: mind, body and soul. This is where Chef Aaron’s unique history comes to life. Your event is curated with the precision of Michelin-starred service, the knowledgeable pairings of a seasoned sommelier, and the creative flair of a master mixologist—all dedicated to a single purpose: your comfort and joy.

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Bespoke Gatherings is more than a meal; it’s an experience designed to nourish you, celebrate your community, and honor the incredible bounty that Central Wisconsin has to offer.

We invite you to join us at the table.

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