We Create An Elegant, Luxurious, and Memorable Experience You Will Reflect On For Years To Come.
The beginning
Golden State Chefs began after the 2020 pandemic restrictions forced us to go on leave until further notice. We decided to find a different way to share our love of preparing great food and pairing it with exceptional service. We strive to bring a memorable experience to our clients' tables. Food always has a way of bringing people together. We strive to help people celebrate and create memories through unique dining experiences. We look forward to helping you make your event a success
-Nate & Jackie Maeda-Smouse
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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 started my culinary journey in San Diego at Searsucker with Chef Brian Malarkey. After three years, I ventured to Napa Valley, working at renowned restaurants like Morimoto in Napa, where I learned from Iron Chef Morimoto; Bottega in Yountville & Coqueta in S.F., where I collaborated closely with the late Chef Michael Chiarello; three Michelin-starred Saison in S.F.; and the three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in S.F. Working under renowned Chef Dominique Crenn, among others, I gained an appreciation for refinement. But I longed to offer a more personalized and intimate dining experience. That's why we created our business, dedicated to providing just that.
When I am not at work, I am spending time with my wife Jackie, our three kids, four dogs, and three cats. My second passion aside from cooking is lacrosse. I played throughout my youth and, on my time off, coach my children's youth lacrosse team. I also have a passion for animals and foster dogs when possible. I dream of one day running an animal rescue while still running 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 found my passion and went to culinary school in San Diego, where I met my husband Nate. I worked at high-end resorts like La Costa Glen in Carlsbad and was one of the chefs who helped create recipes and menus at Legoland's first Resort in Carlsbad.
For the past decade, I've worked in various wineries and restaurants in the Napa Valley, taking on a variety of roles. I've also helped build nutritional menus and taught kids about nutrition and the culinary arts in the Davis Unified School District. Throughout my career, I've continued to learn and grow as a chef. My husband and I founded our business to give guests a joyful and immersive dining experience that's thoughtful and memorable. When I'm not working, I'm with my husband Nate, our three kids (ranging from preschool to middle school), and our menagerie of pets: four dogs and three cats.
I also homeschool, foster animals, help with our daughter's Girl Scout troop, and help out with our kids' kenpo karate and lacrosse teams.




















