Personal & Private Chef in Pittsburgh, PA
Private Chef Frank Tokach CPC
Unleash Your Inner Chef.
Learn Side By Side With Private Chef Frank.
What Do You Want to Learn? We’ll Build a Custom Cooking Class Around It
Whether you're planning a fun night out with friends, a unique date idea, or a team-building experience that doesn’t feel corporate, Private Chef Frank’s private cooking classes in Pittsburgh offer something memorable. With over 20 years of experience, Private Chef Frank blends professional technique with a laid-back, engaging style that makes learning in the kitchen fun — not intimidating. These aren’t your typical cookie-cutter cooking classes. Every lesson is designed around your group’s preferences, skill level, and goals. Want to learn how to make pasta from scratch? Curious about plating techniques or mastering sauces? You’ll get step-by-step guidance and insider tips — no matter your experience level. Whether you're a couple looking to bond over something new, a group of friends planning a culinary night in, or a company searching for a more creative team activity, Private Chef Frank’s classes deliver more than just good food — they deliver a truly interactive experience.
Dietary
Needs
From gluten-free and dairy-free to halal, vegetarian, vegan, or keto — Private Chef Frank customizes classes to respect all dietary needs and lifestyles. You’ll learn how to make flavorful, inclusive meals without sacrificing taste or quality. These aren’t substitutions — they’re full experiences.
Skill
Levels
Never picked up a knife? No problem. Want to level up your plating game? Let’s go. Private Chef Frank adjusts his teaching style and complexity to fit your skill level, whether you’re starting from zero or already confident in the kitchen.
Cuisine &
Techniques
Craving Italian, Mediterranean, or Latin flavors? Curious about pasta, grilling, or sauce building? Each class is tailored to the flavors and techniques you want to master. From scratch-made to chef-level shortcuts, you’ll cook the food that excites you most.
Class Format
Prefer a relaxed, social night with friends or a step-by-step masterclass with lots of guidance? Classes can be interactive, demo-style, or a mix of both. Private Chef Frank adapts to your energy and your goals — whether it’s fun-first or technique-focused.
Private Cooking Classes Tailored to You
Private Chef Frank doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all classes. Every cooking class is custom-built around you — your preferences, your experience level, and your goals in the kitchen. Whether you want to roll fresh pasta, perfect your grilling game, or simply have fun as a couple or group, Private Chef Frank will guide you through it all. No set packages. No pressure. Just personalized instruction, real technique, and restaurant-quality results.
Looking for a date night that’s hands-on, personal, and way better than another reservation? Private Chef Frank offers custom couples cooking classes built around your favorite foods and your comfort level in the kitchen. Learn new skills, cook together, and enjoy an unforgettable evening that ends with a meal made by you — with a little help from the chef.
Couples Cooking Classes
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Perfect for friends, birthdays, reunions, or just a night of something different, group cooking classes combine great food with shared fun. Private Chef Frank leads your group through the process step by step, teaching real culinary technique while keeping things relaxed and interactive. Cook, laugh, learn, and eat — it’s all part of the experience.
Group Cooking
Classes
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Bring the flavors of Italy into your home. Private Chef Frank, trained in classical Italian cuisine, teaches everything from pasta making and homemade sauces to regional dishes and seasonal specialties. Learn how to knead, roll, grill, and simmer like an Italian nonna — all in a private, personalized setting.
Authentic Italian Cooking Classes
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Want to master sauce making? Learn knife skills? Grill the perfect steak? This class is designed for those who want to build specific skills in the kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up, Private Chef Frank creates custom sessions to help you grow — including technical lessons taught in the same style he brings to his students at CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County).
Specialty Skills & Technique
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Have something special in mind? Private Chef Frank offers fully custom cooking classes built around your preferences, ingredients, and goals. Whether you want to recreate a family recipe or host a themed culinary night, Private Chef Frank will design a one-of-a-kind experience just for you.
Create Your Own Cooking Class
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Cooking Classes Designed Around You
Private Chef Frank doesn’t teach out of a textbook — he teaches you. Every class is built from the ground up based on your goals, tastes, and preferences. Whether you’re learning to cook for the first time or want to tackle a new cuisine, every step is tailored. From dietary needs to cultural dishes and even class format, this is culinary education made personal.
What’s Included in Every Private Cooking Class
When you book a cooking class with Private Chef Frank, everything you need is taken care of. You don’t need to prep, plan, or stress — just show up hungry to learn and ready to have fun. Whether it’s a two-person date night or a ten-person group event, the same care and structure go into every experience. Here’s what’s always included in every private cooking class:
Custom Lesson Plan
Designed around your goals, cuisine, dietary needs, and experience level.
Ingredient Sourcing
All groceries and supplies are handled for you.
On-Site Teaching
Private Chef Frank comes to your home or venue and teaches live, step by step.
All Equipment Provided
Professional knives, tools, and supplies. (unless using yours is preferred.)
Interactive Cooking & Learning
Learn, cook, taste, and ask questions in real time.
Cleanup Support
Your kitchen is cleaned to a professional standard - no mess is left behind.
Flexible Format
Choose between hands-on, demo-style, or a blend of both.
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Meet your Cooking Class Instructor | Private Chef Frank CPC
USPCA Certified | Featured On CBS
Private Chef Frank isn’t just a chef — he’s also a teacher at heart. With over two decades of professional culinary experience and years spent teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), he knows how to make cooking approachable, educational, and genuinely fun for everyone. He’s worked in top-tier kitchens like Caesars Palace and led culinary teams at award-winning restaurants, but what he enjoys most is helping people feel confident in their own kitchens. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Private Chef Frank brings patience, humor, and pro-level knowledge to every class he teaches. Students and clients alike describe his style as warm, relaxed, and hands-on — with just the right amount of structure. You’ll walk away with new skills, a few chef secrets, and a full stomach. Whether you’re cooking for fun or looking to grow your abilities, Private Chef Frank is the guide you’ve been looking for — right here in Pittsburgh.
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Externship at Caesars Palace in Lake Tahoe. Upon graduating 3rd in my class at Pennsylvania culinary, I started out as a line cook at the Sheraton station square. After months of hard work and determination I was promoted to Executive Chef of the restaurant, Pittsburgh Rare, 6 months after opening, won best new restaurant
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Executive Chef/Owner Redwood Cafe
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Executive Chef/Owner Private Chef Frank
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Executive Chef of Greensburg Country Club
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Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director of the prestigious Pittsburgh Athletic Association
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Executive Chef for Nordstrom
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Executive Chef of PNC Park-Created dishes that were featured in Food & Wine magazine for Aramark
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Executive Sous Chef of St Clair Country Club
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Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director of the prestigious Pittsburgh Athletic Association
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Instructor of culinary arts at CCAC
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Instructor of cooking classes at Crate on Greentree Rd.
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Verified Google Reviews
See why home cooks and food lovers keep coming back for more — and why they call Private Chef Frank’s cooking classes the best in Pittsburgh. From beginner-friendly basics to gourmet-level techniques, our students have a lot to say — and we’re proud to let their words speak for themselves.
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Chef Frank turned lunch for our company's two day event into a first-class experience.In addition to a beautiful presentation, the deliciousness of the food exceeded expectations. I cannot recommend Private Chef Frank enough. He will add an unmatched level of class to any event. Click to read more
Jamie De Rosa
Pittsburgh, PA
We hired Chef Frank for my mom’s 60th birthday dinner. The entire experience was amazing and exceeded all of our expectations!!My family can be a tough crowd, but every single one of them were amazed by the meal made for us as well as the experience!! Not one criticism in the entire group. Read more
Rachelle Mathieson
Pittsburgh, PA
Chef Frank is not only an amazing chef - he creates an experience that we will be talking about for weeks! Thank you for making our family dinner so special. Click to read more
Kate Cole
Pittsburgh, PA
Joann
Pittsburgh, PA
Chef Frank Tokach ,
He made my girlfriends and I the most incredible Coq Au Vin!!! , I’ve ever had in my life!!! ! 🥘😍 🥳🥂
Angela C.
Pittsburgh, PA
We hired Chef Frank for my mom’s 60th birthday dinner. The entire experience was amazing and exceeded all of our expectations!! The process was seamless, the communication was quick and efficient, the food was phenomenal... Click To Read More
Rachelle M.
Pittsburgh, PA
Chef Frank cooked an amazing dinner for our 40th Anniversary! I can’t say enough about the filet and crab cakes, the detail to the twice baked potatoes, the dipping sauce, bruschetta too!
Carmella N.
Pittsburgh, PA
Amazing evening with Chef Frank…Each dish was better than the next, and I have leftovers. I highly recommend him for your next dinner party.
Stephanie T.
Pittsburgh, PA
I had Chef Frank come to my house last night for my wife’s 40th. We had about 18 people present. I was highly impressed with our meals. Click To Read More
Thomas F.
Pittsburgh, PA
Had Private Chef Frank provide a birthday dinner for my wife. I was lucky enough to book him on short notice and was glad he was available. My wife chose her own menu... Click To Read More
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James G.
Pittsburgh, PA
FAQ's
Not at all. Private Chef Frank works with everyone from total beginners to confident home cooks. Whether it’s your first time holding a knife or you’re looking to refine advanced skills, every class is tailored to your experience level. You'll learn at your pace in a pressure-free, supportive environment.
All classes are private and take place in your home or chosen venue. Private Chef Frank travels to you with everything needed — so you can learn in the comfort of your own kitche
Just your kitchen and some counter space! Private Chef Frank brings the ingredients, tools, and equipment. If you'd prefer to use your own cookware or utensils, that’s perfectly fine too — just let us know in advance.
Yes — all necessary ingredients are included unless you prefer to source your own. Private Chef Frank handles the grocery shopping, prep, and ensures everything is fresh and ready to go when the class begins.
Most classes run 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the number of dishes and your pace. The timing is flexible and will be discussed during planning to make sure it fits your schedule and goals.
Yes! Family-friendly and kids' cooking classes are available. These sessions are designed to be fun, safe, and age-appropriate — making them a great option for birthdays, homeschooling activities, or quality time in the kitchen.
Yes — every class is fully customized. You can request a specific dish, cuisine, or skill focus (like pasta-making or sauce building). Private Chef Frank will build the lesson around what you want to learn.
Absolutely. Couples cooking classes are one of our most popular offerings. They’re fun, personal, and make for a great date night, anniversary celebration, or even surprise gift.
No problem at all. Private Chef Frank frequently designs classes for vegan, gluten-free, halal, dairy-free, low-carb, and other dietary needs. Just let us know in advance and your class will be planned accordingly.
Yes. Private Chef Frank teaches culinary arts at CCAC and is happy to work with more advanced students. Whether you're interested in sauces, knife work, plating, or advanced prep, we can create a more intensive class tailored to your interests.
Definitely. From holiday baking to summer grilling or pasta nights with wine pairings, themed classes can be built around your event or favorite food season. Private Chef Frank loves to get creative — just bring your ideas!
Yes — and it’s a fantastic idea. You can purchase a gift class for a couple, a group, or a single individual. We'll work with you to make it a surprise if needed and handle the details to create a memorable experience.
