Luxurious, Memorable Dining Experiences You Will Reflect On For Years To Come.

Distorted graphic of a wave with the text 'Golden State' inside.
Intimate Wedding catering- Corona del mar
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Intimate fine dining, inspired by sushi & Asian wood-fired cuisine Malibu, CA
One of our Favorite Hamachi starters, Golden State Chefs, Personal Chefs, was created for a beach vacation in La Jolla, CA
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Golden State Chefs personal Chefs- our dessert for a plated dinner in, Pacific Palisades, CA
Caviar cheesecake. Caviar pairing event. 14 guests for Omotenashi service
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Fine dining catering
Bachelorette chef experience for 12 in Huntington Beach, CA
Assorted sushi pieces on a white plate, including salmon, tuna, and a gunkan-maki with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, and crispy shallots, at our omakase dinner.
Golden state chefs' clients are enjoying a toast with Napa cabernet around a dinner table in a cozy indoor setting.
Chef Nate Maeda-Smouse garnishing Cheesecake, with raspberries, candied pecans, shiso, and edible gold leaf.
Compressed watermelon, salsa maca, shaved onion, micro cilantro and lime.
A black bowl containing a colorful salad with herbs, nuts, and edible flowers, placed on a woven placemat on a white tablecloth, with a floral centerpiece and empty champagne glasses in the background.
Assorted nigiri plate with salmon, tuna, white fish, eel, and tamago, garnished with wasabi, served on a Japanese ceramic plate on sasa leaf.
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Sushi platter with assorted raw fish, topped with black caviar, served on a white plate with chopsticks nearby.
Group of people gathered around a table with food and drinks, celebrating at night.
Spread of breakfast foods including fruits, baked goods, and beverages on a white marble table, with a woman standing at a breakfast bar in the background.
Plates of sushi topped with fish, caviar, and other ingredients, with a jar of condiment in the background.
A dining table set with black napkins, silverware, wine glasses, flower arrangements, small dishes, and a table runner, in front of glass doors opening to an outdoor patio with seating and a pool, overlooking mountains
Group of seven diverse people standing together outdoors under a white canopy, smiling, in a park with trees in the background.
Chef Jaqueline Maeda-Smouse is plating the first course of Blue farmed Ora King Salmon Sashimi at a Catered event for Menlo Ventures Venture Capital in San Fransicsco.
Chef Nate Maeda-Smouse is preparing a sushi-grade fish.

The Beginning

Nate & Jaqueline Maeda-Smouse created Golden State Chefs (Omotenashi) in Napa Valley, CA, in 2021.

After significant changes brought on by events in 2020, they decided to find a better way to share their passion for creating exceptional food and pairing it with outstanding service, shifting from working in restaurants and wineries to creating personal chef experiences.

Our New Home

We are lucky to have many amazing clients who continue to book our experiences. After recently relocating to Arizona, we are excited to call The Copper State our new home. Because many of our California clients trust us to travel with them for destination events, expanding to serve both Arizona and California feels like a natural step. Whether you’re planning a celebration in Scottsdale, Napa, Palm Springs, or beyond, we’re dedicated to bringing an elevated, personalized dining experience wherever you need us.

  • Nate Maeda-Smouse

    Executive Chef & Co-owner

    “My passion for cooking stems from the joy of connecting people over delicious food, captivating stories, and unforgettable moments.”

    I started my career at Searsucker in San Diego, then moved to Napa Valley, where I worked at renowned restaurants. I trained under Chef Morimoto at Morimoto Napa and mentored under Chef Michael Chiarello at Bottega in Yountville and Coqueta in San Francisco. I then worked at 3-Michelin-star restaurants Saison and Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, developing an appreciation for refinement and artistry in cuisine.

    While these experiences shaped my craft, I found myself drawn to a more personal, intimate approach to dining. That passion inspired us to create our own business devoted to bringing elevated, memorable dining experiences directly to our guests.

    When I'm not working, I spend time with my wife Jackie, our three kids, and our dogs. Besides cooking, my other passion is lacrosse. I played throughout my youth and now help coach my children’s team in my free time. We also help foster dogs when possible. My ultimate dream is to run an animal rescue while continuing our personal chef business.

    Executive Chef/owner Golden State Chefs Nate Maeda-Smouse

  • Jaqueline Maeda-Smouse

    Sous Chef & Co-owner

    “My attraction to food began early. I was fascinated by the technique and care taken to create great food and its ability to bring people together.”

    I studied culinary arts at The Art Institute of San Diego, where I met my husband, Nate. I've worked at various resorts, wineries, and restaurants in Napa Valley & San Diego, CA, over the last 15 years. I've also taught students about nutrition and culinary arts in the Davis Unified School District in Davis, California.

    Nate and I founded our business to give guests a more thoughtful and memorable dining experience.

    When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and pets. I also homeschool my kids, volunteer with the Girl Scouts, and help with my children’s lacrosse.

    Co-Owner of Golden State Chefs Jaqueline Maeda-Smouse