Hands On Gourmet is a chef-based organization. Twice a year, Chef Stephen Gibbs along with his team of chefs from diverse cultural and culinary backgrounds creates five seasonal menus. Each highlights fresh and local ingredients and will offer your group a chance to learn professional cooking techniques alongside our award-winning chefs.
When I think of Spain I think of cobblestone roads, hill side villages, fishing boats and community feasts! I think of tomatoes, peppers, olives, smoked paprika, mint, cucumbers, saffron, seafood, spicy sausage, toasted almonds, fried pastry and melted chocolate. I think of a hammock in a pine forest. I think I'm in a dream.
see full menu »
One of those menus that makes everyone happy: crispy pizza pies, super fresh tuna, hand-rolled noodles, stuffed meat and an elegant custardy dessert that will bring the house down. It’s one of H.O.G’S house favorites.
see full menu »
This menu is dedicated to the food of my childhood. Baskets of warm hush puppies, Chesapeake Bay Crabs, Ms. Wilson's tomato patch, North Carolina sweet corn, road side vegetable stands, Pungo strawberries, and hand-cranked ice cream. Long summer nights, rocking chairs, honey suckle and crickets.
see full menu »
Considered one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. Throw in a pinch of Africa, a dash of China, two tablespoons of Italy, 1/4 cup of Japan and a kilo of Inca heritage and you get the food of Peru. Heaps of fresh seafood, indigenes peppers, chicken pastries, grilled beef, potatoes and caramel that makes your lips tingle.
see full menu »
Homemade curries, fresh seafood, grilled meat, tangy dressings and delicate aromatic cakes. Five fundamental taste senses in this flavor packed menu: Spicy, sour, sweet, salty and bitter.
see full menu »
Customize your menu by choosing from dozens of bite-size dishes. Nosh on a bountiful feast with an array of flavors.
see full menu »Hold the duck fat, hate cilantro, allergic to wheat… custom menus don’t upset us! In fact, we will customize your menu just the way you like it. Have a dream dish that you always wanted? Or, perhaps someone in your group doesn’t eat meat OR vegetables? We’ll construct the perfect menu for your group at no additional cost.
“I’ve been buying local for years but really haven’t spoken up until now. I’m getting more vocal because I feel that we’ve been getting farther and farther away from the nuts and bolts of food: the source. When you see the hands of a farmer you know just how much love and hard work went into their crops. We at H.O.G. support local businesses and farms that are sustainable and chemical free. We’ve attached a map to show you where some of the farms that we source our food from are located. Its a good feeling to know.”
- Chef Stephen Gibbs