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VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Stephen

La Quinta, CA, United States

USD
$169-$249 per person

Southwestern cooking class and wine in Palm Springs (La Quinta)

Host offerings
  • House
  • Professional cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Stephen

Although Chef Stephen went to school for audio engineering, food and cooking were a deep passion. He was inspired to become a chef almost three decades ago when his girlfriend Jennifer (and now wife) told him, "You are doing a great disservice to the world if you don't become a chef." He proceeded to get a degree in the culinary arts and has worked in fine dining restaurants for most of his career. Stephen and Jennifer moved to La Quinta to be closer to family where he now works as a personal chef. Chef Stephen enjoys imparting his culinary knowledge with people and is looking forward to sharing pro chef tricks and stories from being in the industry for several years. The experience he offers is perfect for a corporate or team-building event!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-8 guests) COOKING CLASS + BRUNCH: Meet Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for a hands-on Palm Springs brunch cooking class. Start with fresh-squeezed seasonal juice and a snack as he shares stories about his culinary journey. In his modern kitchen, learn chef tips and tricks while preparing a brunch menu through a mix of hands-on cooking and demonstration. A sample menu includes coffee cake, yogurt parfait, roasted vegetable and goat cheese strata, artisan bacon or sausage, and Yukon Gold potatoes O’Brien. Once the cooking is done, sit down to enjoy your creations with freshly brewed coffee and mimosas, followed by a sweet lemon-lime bar. Jennifer, Chef Stephen’s wife, may also join you for the experience when available.

Cooking experience: (2-8 guests) COOKING CLASS + LUNCH/DINNER: Meet your host Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for your hands-on, Palm Springs cooking class. Sip on a refreshing drink and snacks as your host shares stories about being a chef. Then join him in his kitchen, a newly renovated, contemporary space. Learn to cook a Southwestern-inspired seasonal meal during your cooking class that is a combination of some hands-on cooking and a cooking demonstration. A very encouraging chef, Chef Stephen is great at sharing chef tips and tricks including how to plate your meal. You will learn to cook three courses during your cooking lesson and demonstration that lasts about 1.5 hours. After the cooking is done, you will sit down at the table to share the Southwestern meal you helped prepare with Chef Stephen (and his wife Jennifer when she is available). Beer or wine is included in the cost of your experience. This customizable Palm Springs culinary experience is ideal for date nights, families or small groups. Chef Stephen can accommodate gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan diets and kosher diets.

If you're interested in this experience for your corporate or team building event in Palm Springs, please book the "Palm Springs Corporate Team-Building Cooking Class" experience instead.

Notes:
1. Chef Stephen can accommodate dietary restrictions so if you have any dietary requests, please make sure to include it when you create your booking.
2. Please note that the Meal Only experience includes a cooking class and brunch.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Appetizer: Blue corn cake with carnitas or braised chicken with an avocado salsa and pickled red onions
  • Main: Grilled flank steak with roasted peppers and onions served with a pineapple and chili rice
  • Dessert: Peach crisp with oat and nut crumble served with vanilla bean ice cream

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
Chef Stephen was so personable, knowledgeable and fun. Our Southwestern lunch time cooking class was really enjoyable. We watched him make 3 delicious dishes as we sipped on our margaritas as he gave us good tips and tricks every step of the way. I am already planning when I am going to make Carolita’s margarita ice box cake for my friends when I get home. Chef Stephen’s passion and cooking skills made for a memorable birthday activity.
- chris March 06, 2026
Chef Stephen was so personable, knowledgeable and fun. Our Southwestern lunch time cooking class was really enjoyable. We watched him make 3 delicious dishes as we sipped on our margaritas as he gave us good tips and tricks every step of the way. I am already planning when I am going to make Carolita’s margarita ice box cake for my friends when I get home. Chef Stephen’s passion and cooking skills made for a memorable birthday activity.
- chris March 06, 2026
We had a delicious meal with Chef Stephen and learned some new techniques food pairing. Chef has a lovely kitchen and is very personable. Would definitely recommend.
- obin January 04, 2026
We had such a wonderful experience with The Traveling Spoon and Chef Stephen. Visiting his home felt warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The meal was absolutely delicious, and we loved learning a few cooking tips along the way that we’ll definitely use at home. After preparing the dishes together, we sat down and enjoyed a relaxed and tasty dinner with Chef Stephen. It was personal, fun, and truly memorable. Highly recommend!
- Kim November 08, 2025
On a recent girls’ trip to Palm Springs we decided to try our hand at a cooking class hosted by Chef Stephen Moreton, Personal Chef of the Traveling Spoon. Our experience was incredible all the way around. Incredible food (Southwest menu consisting of pork taquitos, chili rubbed chicken carnitas, and tres leches bread pudding), incredible host, incredible conversation! So good. We even got to make guacamole. Upon arriving we were welcomed into Chef Mort’s home and offered our choice of a glass of wine or margarita. Then the fun began. Chef Mort shared a little about how he became a chef while demonstrating how to make the taquitos. Then we were given pre-measured ingredients and, after a brief demonstration on how to prep an avocado, allowed us to make the guacamole. As we happily enjoyed our homemade guacamole and blue corn chips, Chef Mort explained as he demonstrated how he prepped and prepared Course Two of the Chili Rubbed Carnitas and accompaniments. We ate the taquitos as he taught. Once the carnitas were done, my friends and I, along with Chef Mort sat down for an incredibly delicious meal. As we ate, we talked about food and other topics. Prior to sitting down, Chef Mort prepared the Tres Leches Bread Pudding and put it in the oven. It was ready when we finished dinner. Chef Mort added the toppings before he served and, because we were so full from the meal, we only had a little of the dessert so Chef Mort packaged up the leftovers to enjoy at home. On the ride home, we discussed what we liked about the experience and how good, not only, the food but the experience was. Because this was a yearly friends’ vaca, and we never go to the same location twice, we will def be seeking out a Traveling Spoon on our next get together. Thanks Chef Mort and Traveling Spoon for a memorable, educational, and delicious time.
- Maddy October 10, 2025
Read More

Stephen

$169-$249 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $169 $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $249 $209
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $169 $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $249 $209
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Stephen

Although Chef Stephen went to school for audio engineering, food and cooking were a deep passion. He was inspired to become a chef almost three decades ago when his girlfriend Jennifer (and now wife) told him, "You are doing a great disservice to the world if you don't become a chef." He proceeded to get a degree in the culinary arts and has worked in fine dining restaurants for most of his career. Stephen and Jennifer moved to La Quinta to be closer to family where he now works as a personal chef. Chef Stephen enjoys imparting his culinary knowledge with people and is looking forward to sharing pro chef tricks and stories from being in the industry for several years. The experience he offers is perfect for a corporate or team-building event!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-8 guests) COOKING CLASS + BRUNCH: Meet Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for a hands-on Palm Springs brunch cooking class. Start with fresh-squeezed seasonal juice and a snack as he shares stories about his culinary journey. In his modern kitchen, learn chef tips and tricks while preparing a brunch menu through a mix of hands-on cooking and demonstration. A sample menu includes coffee cake, yogurt parfait, roasted vegetable and goat cheese strata, artisan bacon or sausage, and Yukon Gold potatoes O’Brien. Once the cooking is done, sit down to enjoy your creations with freshly brewed coffee and mimosas, followed by a sweet lemon-lime bar. Jennifer, Chef Stephen’s wife, may also join you for the experience when available.

Cooking experience: (2-8 guests) COOKING CLASS + LUNCH/DINNER: Meet your host Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for your hands-on, Palm Springs cooking class. Sip on a refreshing drink and snacks as your host shares stories about being a chef. Then join him in his kitchen, a newly renovated, contemporary space. Learn to cook a Southwestern-inspired seasonal meal during your cooking class that is a combination of some hands-on cooking and a cooking demonstration. A very encouraging chef, Chef Stephen is great at sharing chef tips and tricks including how to plate your meal. You will learn to cook three courses during your cooking lesson and demonstration that lasts about 1.5 hours. After the cooking is done, you will sit down at the table to share the Southwestern meal you helped prepare with Chef Stephen (and his wife Jennifer when she is available). Beer or wine is included in the cost of your experience. This customizable Palm Springs culinary experience is ideal for date nights, families or small groups. Chef Stephen can accommodate gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan diets and kosher diets.

If you're interested in this experience for your corporate or team building event in Palm Springs, please book the "Palm Springs Corporate Team-Building Cooking Class" experience instead.

Notes:
1. Chef Stephen can accommodate dietary restrictions so if you have any dietary requests, please make sure to include it when you create your booking.
2. Please note that the Meal Only experience includes a cooking class and brunch.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Appetizer: Blue corn cake with carnitas or braised chicken with an avocado salsa and pickled red onions
  • Main: Grilled flank steak with roasted peppers and onions served with a pineapple and chili rice
  • Dessert: Peach crisp with oat and nut crumble served with vanilla bean ice cream

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
Chef Stephen was so personable, knowledgeable and fun. Our Southwestern lunch time cooking class was really enjoyable. We watched him make 3 delicious dishes as we sipped on our margaritas as he gave us good tips and tricks every step of the way. I am already planning when I am going to make Carolita’s margarita ice box cake for my friends when I get home. Chef Stephen’s passion and cooking skills made for a memorable birthday activity.
- chris March 06, 2026
Chef Stephen was so personable, knowledgeable and fun. Our Southwestern lunch time cooking class was really enjoyable. We watched him make 3 delicious dishes as we sipped on our margaritas as he gave us good tips and tricks every step of the way. I am already planning when I am going to make Carolita’s margarita ice box cake for my friends when I get home. Chef Stephen’s passion and cooking skills made for a memorable birthday activity.
- chris March 06, 2026
We had a delicious meal with Chef Stephen and learned some new techniques food pairing. Chef has a lovely kitchen and is very personable. Would definitely recommend.
- obin January 04, 2026
We had such a wonderful experience with The Traveling Spoon and Chef Stephen. Visiting his home felt warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The meal was absolutely delicious, and we loved learning a few cooking tips along the way that we’ll definitely use at home. After preparing the dishes together, we sat down and enjoyed a relaxed and tasty dinner with Chef Stephen. It was personal, fun, and truly memorable. Highly recommend!
- Kim November 08, 2025
On a recent girls’ trip to Palm Springs we decided to try our hand at a cooking class hosted by Chef Stephen Moreton, Personal Chef of the Traveling Spoon. Our experience was incredible all the way around. Incredible food (Southwest menu consisting of pork taquitos, chili rubbed chicken carnitas, and tres leches bread pudding), incredible host, incredible conversation! So good. We even got to make guacamole. Upon arriving we were welcomed into Chef Mort’s home and offered our choice of a glass of wine or margarita. Then the fun began. Chef Mort shared a little about how he became a chef while demonstrating how to make the taquitos. Then we were given pre-measured ingredients and, after a brief demonstration on how to prep an avocado, allowed us to make the guacamole. As we happily enjoyed our homemade guacamole and blue corn chips, Chef Mort explained as he demonstrated how he prepped and prepared Course Two of the Chili Rubbed Carnitas and accompaniments. We ate the taquitos as he taught. Once the carnitas were done, my friends and I, along with Chef Mort sat down for an incredibly delicious meal. As we ate, we talked about food and other topics. Prior to sitting down, Chef Mort prepared the Tres Leches Bread Pudding and put it in the oven. It was ready when we finished dinner. Chef Mort added the toppings before he served and, because we were so full from the meal, we only had a little of the dessert so Chef Mort packaged up the leftovers to enjoy at home. On the ride home, we discussed what we liked about the experience and how good, not only, the food but the experience was. Because this was a yearly friends’ vaca, and we never go to the same location twice, we will def be seeking out a Traveling Spoon on our next get together. Thanks Chef Mort and Traveling Spoon for a memorable, educational, and delicious time.
- Maddy October 10, 2025
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $169 $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $249 $209
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $169 $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $249 $209
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.