Luxurious, Memorable Dining Experiences You Will Reflect On For Years To Come.
The Beginning
Nate & Jaqueline Maeda-Smouse created Golden State Chefs in Napa Valley, CA, in 2021.
After big changes brought on by big events in 2020, they decided to find a better way to share their passion for creating exceptional food and pairing it with outstanding service.
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.
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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 began my career in San Diego at Searsucker. After three years, I moved to Napa Valley, where I worked at some of the region’s most renowned restaurants. At Morimoto Napa, I trained under Chef Morimoto; at Bottega in Yountville and Coqueta in San Francisco, I learned extensively from the late Chef Michael Chiarello. My journey continued at San Francisco’s three-Michelin-starred Saison and later at the three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn, where I developed a deep 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.
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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 followed my passion for culinary arts and attended culinary school at the Art Institute of San Diego, where I also met Nate. Over the last 15 years, I've worked at various resorts, wineries, and restaurants. I've also had the pleasure of creating nutritional menus and teaching students about nutrition and culinary arts in the Davis Unified School District.
Throughout my culinary journey, I've dedicated myself to continuous learning and growth as a chef while balancing homeschooling and caring for our family. Nate and I founded our business to give guests a thoughtful and memorable dining experience that's full of joy and immersion.
When I'm not working, I recharge in nature, spending quality time with my husband, Nate, our three kids (preschool to middle school), and our beloved pets.
