CHEF CHRIS NIRSCHEL
AS SEEN ON TV’S “FOOD NETWORK STAR” AND “CHOPPED”
Meet Chef Chris: The Culinary Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold
My culinary journey began not in a professional kitchen, but around my family’s dinner table, watching two hardworking parents navigate their ever-changing relationship with food. Whether they were experimenting with vegetarianism or following strict dietary regimens, I was always the curious one—asking questions, suggesting variations, and eventually convincing my mother to let me try my hand at creating my own recipes. I was terrible in the beginning, but that spark of culinary curiosity would shape everything that followed.
By 15, I was working in restaurants, always finding my way from the dining room to the kitchen, eager to learn from the chefs and push culinary boundaries. Like many young people, I thought college was the expected path, so I studied public relations and marketing while still nurturing my passion for food. After graduation, I found success in fundraising and sales, but my heart wasn’t truly in it. The breaking point came during a trip to the Aspen Food and Wine Festival with my mom—standing among the incredible chefs and tasting extraordinary dishes, I knew exactly what I needed to do.
“Mom, I’m going to culinary school,” I announced. And I did just that, enrolling in an intensive program at the French Culinary Institute.
What followed was a whirlwind journey through the culinary world. I worked everywhere from fast-casual restaurants to fine dining establishments, eventually landing on Food Network Star, Chopped, and several other television shows. But television was just the beginning—what I’m truly known for is creating amazing food experiences that bring people together.
Today, I lead New York Catering Service with over 25 years of culinary expertise and an incredible team that shares my passion for excellence. We’ve built something special here: a full-service catering company that can seamlessly execute events for anywhere from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations of 800 guests. Our expertise spans across New York City, Westchester, and the Hamptons, handling everything from corporate brand activations and elegant galas to food and wine festivals.
What sets us apart isn’t just our culinary skills—it’s our comprehensive approach. We handle every detail, from florals to rentals, ensuring that each event reflects our clients’ vision perfectly. We’ve been featured in prestigious food and wine festivals, earned numerous awards, and built a reputation that speaks for itself through our 103 five-star Google reviews.
But beyond the accolades and recognition, what drives us is our commitment to giving back. During COVID-19, we donated to multiple institutions and charity events because we believe that great food should be a force for good in the community. This philanthropic spirit isn’t just good business—it’s who we are at our core.
They call me the culinary bad boy, but I’m a bad boy with a heart of gold. We’ve been a top caterer in New York City for over 9 years, and now we’ve expanded to Westchester—because that’s where Chef Chris (me) lives with his family. Love and food go hand in hand, so the food has never been better. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a large-scale corporate event, you’re not just hiring a caterer—you’re partnering with a team that brings 25 years of experience, genuine passion, and meticulous attention to every single detail.
At New York Catering Service, we don’t just provide food. We cater to you.
Proud to have been featured in the following Press:
Reader’s Digest – 16 Foods You Shouldn’t Put in the Blender
Forbes – National Grilled Cheese Day: 25 Chefs Share Their Favorites
Forbes – 44 Chefs Share What They Think Makes The Perfect Burger
Eat This, Not That – The Best Way to Cook Eggs in an Air Fryer
Parade – 3 Genius Hacks for Opening a Can Without a Can Opener