Meet the Chef

Keith Sirlin is the sole proprietor of the Golden Chef, a catering company. Chef Keith’s interest in the world of culinary started at age 12, learning basic cooking skills from his parents. When asked what his motivation was to become professionally trained, the answer was easy. He would tell people that as a young boy, not only did he enjoy eating eggplant, but knew how to prepare it.  Now the chef can prepare eggplant at least 12 different ways !

Beginning with college and into his adult life, Keith has delighted friends, family, and co-workers with hundreds of dinner presentations and desserts, from plated meals to barbeques.

While having a successful law practice for 36 years, the chef attended the prestigious Culinary Arts program at Schoolcraft College where he graduated with honors.

From 2014 to 2016, Chef Keith was the Chef de Cuisine for Sabbath lunches at the Woodward Avenue Shul in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he prepared kosher lunches for upwards of 115 people. He has spread his talents in multiple directions that include being a personal chef, cooking lessons, shiva dinners, engagement parties, private dinner parties, and even a latka party on the ocean in Boca Raton, Florida.

Having stamped his imprint on the community early in his career, in 2016, the Chef was recognized by the editors of My Jewish Detroit as one of “Jewish Detroit’s most notable chefs, restaurateurs and caterers.”

The chef’s philosophy is to use the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients combined with an artistic food presentation. Chef Keith is able to prepare a wide variety of cuisines from Italian to vegetarian, grounded in the classic techniques of food preparation. Keith combines a flavorful approach to his food with a fresh, fun personality. His eclectic experience and professionalism insure culinary experiences you’ll find exciting and memorable. Chef Keith takes a classic approach to his food items and menus. He will prepare a chocolate sorbet dessert or a  flourless chocolate cake that is to die for, but never a chocolate – basil frozen dessert or a tahini cake.

In appreciation of the educational experience that he received, Keith has established a scholarship fund at Schoolcraft College in memory of his parents, who were the first to inspire the love of cooking in him. In addition to sustaining the fund,  a portion of the proceeds from every event are donated.

Chef Keith now offers his services to the public, focusing on small dinner parties, shiva meals, special events, holiday meals, and  cooking lessons.

If you are thinking about having a dinner party for that special occasion, or, would like to enhance your own cooking skills with classes, please don’t hesitate to contact The Golden Chef.

SHAVUOT

SHAVUOUT

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Dinner Parties

The Golden Chef specializes in custom dinner parties in your home. He will bring the food, pots, pans, and utensils to your house. All you need to provide is a set table, family and friends, and room in your refrigerator. We will provide a wait person, prepare an unforgettable dining experience, and clean up afterword. You will have a stress free party and have an opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the company of your dinner guests.

Take a Class

Join Chef Keith for a hands on learning experience and bring home tips and pointers to make a perfect meal with an abundance of flavor for your family and friends !!! Classes are limited to a total of 8 guests, last between 2 and 2 1/2 hours, and include all equipment and ingredients. You will be preparing your culinary delights in groups of two.  Enjoy the fruits of your labor in class at your own table, or, you can take it home. Free beverages will be provided. Everyone will take the recipes home with them.  Prices range between $79 and $99 per person (4 person minimum). If you bring seven people with, then you learn and cook for 50% off  !

Don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your home ? Chef Keith will come to your house to give private lessons for that bride (or groom) who needs some guidance in the kitchen, to your child and his or her friends who want to make cookies and cakes, or, to the person in the house that just wants to enhance their cooking skills. Samples include:

COOKIE BAKING 101
Menu – classic chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate sugar cookies, butter cookies

     Class description – This class is for those people (children or adults) who have little or no experience in making cookies. You will learn everything necessary to make you an excellent cookie maker, including creaming techniques, the importance of proper temperatures and mixing methods, and the functionality of ingredients. Each group will be baking approximately 100 cookies and will take home left over batter to make even more !

COOKIE BAKING (ADVANCED)

SUPERFOODS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

    Class description – :

APPETIZERS

      Class description – Originally  introduced by the Athenians more than 2,000 years ago, appetizers, or starters, play an important role at mealtime. Typically, the appetizer is a small portion of food served as a first course used to stimulate the appetite. In this class, you will learn how to dazzle your guests with food that is so wonderful, that you would make the Athenians proud.  The menu may include:

BRUSCHETTA AND CROSTINI (seasonal)

GOURMET SALADS

      Class description – When you think of salad, do you think of iceberg lettuce with a few veggies throw in for good measure ?  Change that thinking forever and learn to create salads that you’ll be proud to serve, including composed salads, entrée salads with your favorite meats, and side salads. We will also learn to make the popular pasta and rice salads too.  An emphasis will be be placed on how to make a variety of vinaigrettes and emulsified dressings.  The menu may include:

DATE NIGHT

PLATED SALADS

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

SALSAS 

Class description – Although most salsas are tomato based, one should not lose sight of the fact that it can also be made with fruits and vegetables, like peach, mango, corn, and avocado. Garlic is an essential ingredient whether freshly minced or roasted.

Menu items may include: red salsa, salsa verde, , peach salsa,  mango/black bean salsa, and chimichurri.


JEWISH COOKING – THE BASIC FOODS

Class description – In the huge world of Jewish cookery, there are those classic dishes that live generation after generation.  There is no better kitchen aroma than sweet and sour cabbage soup simmering on the stove, the smell of yeast influenced chocolate bobka, sweet noodle kugle, and vegetarian chopped liver, the modern substitute for liver.

 SUPERFOODS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

       Class description – It is a well known fact that the Mediterranean diet has many positive influences on health.  Since most foods are prepared with small quantities of olive oil. rather than fat-rich butter, the cuisine is generally more heart-friendly and a healthier alternative to other global foods. The stars of our dishes will be chickpeas, za’atar, tahini sauce, lentils, and eggplant. we  will take the finest ingredients from the Middle Eastern world of cooking and transform them into traditional and timeless dishes loved by the entire universe.  Chickpeas will become hummus, za’atar into a flatbread pizza, lentils will become  a soup, pomegranates into a tasty salad, and eggplant into baba gouoush.  We will taste all of the these delicious menu items and eat better then the Arabic Sheiks of past time.

MEDITERRANEAN DINNER PARTY


OUTDOOR GRILLING (seasonal)

        Class description – Transform your backyard into a successful outdoor party regardless of the weather.  Learn to use fresh herbs to infuse  your own oils and vinegars to prepare unique and flavorful marinades.  The secrets of successful grilling of poultry, seafood, and vegetables will be demonstrated. We will enjoy a sumptuous dinner that will include a variety of salad dishes. Our menu may include :

MASTERING MODERN SAUCES

      Class description – The difference between a dish that’s bland and one that’s bold  ? The secret is almost always the sauce. Learn simple techniques for crowd-pleasing sauces that elevate meals any night of the week. In this class, you will discover essential methods for making a variety of sauces. Try a Vietnamese peanut sauce that’s sure to lend your dishes a rich and creamy flavor that you just can’t get enough of. Plus, we’ll explore creative flavor combinations and find out how to customize recipes to your preferences. Samples may include: Peanut sauce, xxx,xxx marinara sauce, traditional pesto sauce,

BEST OF ITALIAN COOKING – A TASTE OF  ITALY

          Class description – Want to make pasta sauces from scratch, but don’t think that you have the time or patience ? Think again and experience how to make sauces with ease. Our menu may include: Basil pesto sauce, marinara sauce, xxx

THE SECRET OF FRESH HERBS

EGGPLANT

            Class description – When asked what motivated me to study the culinary arts, I would always say the following:  when I was 11 years old, not only did I like eggplant, but knew how to prepare it. Fast-forward 60  years, not  only  do I still like it, but can prepare it 12 different ways at last count. I am not alone in this regard. For centuries, eggplants have been the star of the show in cuisines around the world. In our class, we  will pair the eggplant with both sweet an savory flavors. Some of them will include Eggplant bruschetta,  baba ganoush, eggplant rollatini, eggplant caponata, and miso roasted eggplant.

CHOCOLATE DESSERTS FIT FOR A KING (OR QUEEN)

           Class description –  Some may say that dessert is the best part of the meal. If that’s you, then this class is for you !  The best part of this class is the fact that these recipes will love you back !  Our menu may include:

CHEESECAKES MADE SIMPLE – THE ART OF CHEESECAKES

           Class Description –  In this class, you will unlock the secrets of making a creamy and decadent cheesecake.  We will start with a discussion of the different types of crust that are commonly used and progress to make the culinary masterpieces that you see in the finest bakeries. Working in pairs, select the flavor, in advance, that you would like, from the chef’s compressive list that include Oreo, peanut butter, dulce de leche, lime, butterscotch, Chocolate Godiva, and many more.  You will learn some basic topping techniques including the making and piping of whipped cream and a chocolate ganache.  Because of the time it takes to cool the cheesecake after the baking process, you will be served cheesecake made in advance by Chef Keith, and, you will take home your masterpiece ready to serve to friends and family. Your cheesecake will meet and surpass any others that you have eaten, including those at the Cheesecake Factory.

KITCHEN FUNDAMENTALS

THE ART OF SMOKING AND CURING FISH (seasonal -two sessions)

Class description – Inspired by Chef Brian Polcyn, smoking and curing proteins is a major part of Chef Keith’s repertoire. In this class, you will learn how to smoke a brisket and chicken. We’ll make several barbeque sauces to accompany our final product.  Our fish will have been harvested from one of the Great Lakes. We will transform it into a delicacy unlike the oversalted and dry smoked fish that is commonly sold.

FALL CLASSICS – NEW AND OLD

       Class description –  When autumn arrives, we crave slow-cooked foods that satisfy hearty appetites and warm the soul. Discover how easy it is to prepare comforting dishes using squash, fall fruits, and braised dishes. Our menu may include: squash/parsnip soup, orchard salad, bruscetta with roasted squash, braised ribs,  sweet  potatoes made with apple brandy,  xxx, xxx.

COOKING FOR THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS 

        Class description – Do you feel  intimidated by foods that we consume during the holidays ? Not any more ! Reclaim time honored techniques and ingredients that will produce unbelievable dishes.  By the end of each class, you will cook better than your grandmother ever did. Whether its brisket for Rosh Hashanah, vegetarian chopped liver for Passover, blintzes for Shavuot, or latkes for Hannukah, you will learn to cook like your  bubbe, only better and healthier.  The guests at your dinner table will believe that you have been cooking holiday meals for years. Go ahead and create new memories !

 MEXICAN FIESTA

        Class description – experience making traditional and authentic Mexican food. You will make everything from entrees like enchiladas to seafood to chicken to side dishes and desserts. See and taste the distinctive flavors, variety of spices and ingredients, and colorful decoration of Mexican cuisine. Our may include:

THE ART OF SEASONING AND FLAVORING

          Class description – Learn the classic concept of “building flavor”.  We will take proteins, soups, and salads in their simplest forms and transform them into something special with the use of different forms of seasonings and the use of caramelization.  The chef will introduce the class to the proper use of herbs, spices, and other flavorings to make your food rock with flavor.  This critical skill will enhance your cooking ability to a level that will make your friends and relatives envious.  Best yet, the class will partake in everything that we make ! Our menu may include:


SIDE DISHES WORTH MAKING AGAIN AND AGAIN

       Class description – Building a great meal can sometimes feel like casting a Hollywood movie. It’s easy to pick a starring main dish – it’s finding the supporting cast that can be difficult.  Remedy that situation by learning how to identify the main course, and become more confident in selecting complementary side dishes. Pick up techniques and gain fresh ideas as you roll up your sleeves and audition some show stopping sides ! Our menu may include:

CHICKEN COOKERY

       Class description – Chicken is inexpensive, versatile, quick to prepare, low in fat and high in protein – all good reasons why it winds up in the dinner table more often than any other meat. Whatever cut of chicken you prefer, get tips and tricks for buying, cutting, storing and preparing delicious chicken dishes. Learn how baking, sauteing, roasting and grilling hep bring out the individual flavors of chicken. Bring a new life to a week night staple.  Our menu may include:

COOKING FROM SCRATCH MADE EASY

      Class description –  Dispel the myth that cooking from scratch has to be hard, time consuming, and expensive. Scratch food tastes better,  costs less and usually doesn’t take any longer to make. Learn how to  cook from scratch, and discover what you’ve been missing.

FALL HARVEST – SALADS AND DRESSINGS (seasonal)

      Class description –  Discover the perfect way to make the most of autumn’s bounty by creating fall salads. Take advantage of autumn’s freshest produce, root vegetables warm, pomegranates, spices, tart apples and more.  Learn how to properly mix and marry the colors, sweetness and savory flavors of the cooler months. Top the salad off with a handmade dressing and you may have discovered a new fall comfort food. Our menu may include:

GREAT FOOD ON THE SMOKER (seasonal – 2 sessions)

       Class description –  Did you ever wonder how that  smoked brisket got to be so tender, juicy, and flavorful ?  Tired of paying a small fortune for smoked fish that’s too salty and often too dry ?  When was the last time you had chicken smoked and smothered with a tasty barbeque sauce ?  Then this class is for you. Sumptuous sides will be provided in addition to beverages while you eat what you prepared.  Special pricing $149 per person – 4 person minimum.

DECADENT DESSERTS – SIX DESSERTS THAT EVERY COOK SHOULD KNOW

       Class description – Sweeten your taste buds with some of the favorite desserts known to everyone !

Menu items will include the best chocolate birthday cake known to the world, chocolate chip banana cake, triple chocolate cheesecake, xxx

SPECTACULAR FISH !

      Class description – Using basic cooking principles used for centuries, discover how to prepare fish choices along with sauces, salsas, herbs and more to make unique and delicious meals. Gain the required skill and inventiveness to give your friends and family the seafood they love and will want again and again.

SOUP MAGIC 

     Class description –   Learn notorious recipes to warm your heart and fuel your body. Our menu  may include:

SUMMER SOUPS (seasonal)

EXPLORING CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA DISHES

     Class description –  Join Chef Keith as prepares some of his favorite Italian pasta dishes.

Our menu may include: Pasta alla Carbonara, spaghetti all’ amatriciana, fettuccine alfedo, xxx, xxx.

WEEKNIGHT  MEALS

SUMMER SALADS (seasonal) 

     Class description – Is there anything better than a tangy vinaigrette to prime your palate at the beginning of a meal ? We’ll start this class by learning the basic ratio of acid to oil. Then fresh herbs will be used to infuse unbelievable flavor profiles to whip up classic vinaigrettes and not so classic vinaigrettes.

VEGETARIAN COOKING AT IT’S BEST

BEAN CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

      Class description – Beans are a staple in most every country and a great meal focal point.  these versatile and nutritional dynamos provide the protein that everybody needs, but with none of the cholesterol of meat. Learn about the different types of beans, their nutritional value, how to select, sort soak, cook and combine these mini-wonders in an array of national and international recipes. Our menu may include:

BETTER WITH BOURBON

FROZEN SUMMER DESSERTS (seasonal)

GREEK CLASSICS – OPA !

     Class description –  Greek food is known for its fresh and delicious simplicity. A handful of ingredients exemplify Greek cuisine’s vibrant flavors including : olive oil, lemon, feta cheese, oregano, and thyme.  these ingredients blend well with classic fish, salads, meat vegetable dishes, and desserts. We’ll explore traditional and modern Greek dishes and learn how to bring the benefits of Greek food to your family and friends. Our menu may include:

FALL CLASSICS (seasonal)

VEGAN AND DELICIOUS

WINTER COMFORT FOOD

THE BEST OF GARLIC

Have you ever walked past a restaurant and instantly picked up the scent of garlic ?  In this class you will have that same experience, with the addition of preparing and feasting on your creations. We will cover the gamut of appetizers, oils, soups, and entrees. After tasting your bubba ganoush, you will never order it in a restaurant again. Our menu may include:

ITALIAN DATE NIGHT

      Class description – Prepare yourself for a culinary extravaganza – an 8 course learning and dining experience ! We will make classic Italian dishes and enjoy them with a glass of wine (included).  The menu will include tomato basil bruschetta, minestrone soup, mixed green salad with Italian vinaigrette, basil pesto over linguine, baked lasagna, garlic bread with cheese sprinkle, baked manicotti, and Italian ice. Special pricing $ 249 per couple. 2 couple minimum.  Plan on a culinary experience lasting 4 hours or longer. Be sure to bring your containers to take home the leftovers.

VITAMIX CREATIONS

What you will experience –
Great cooking isn’t about recipes-it’s about techniques. In my classes, you’ll work together with other students in a fun, hands-on environment led by Chef Keith. Classes are 2 to 2 1/2 hours, unless otherwise noted.
8 people in a class max. You will work with another student in groups of 2.

We will work in a sanitary environment at all times. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands on a regular basis.
You will be standing and cooking/baking for most of the class.
Please wear comfortable non slip shoes and have long hair tied back.
You will enjoy a generous taste of every dish and will be taking home the rest of your fare to enjoy at home.  Bring containers to take home leftovers.
Returning students will receive a 15% discount on their next class.

Shiva Dinners

During the difficult time of mourning the loss of a loved one, let Chef Keith bring the warmth of love and good food to the house of mourning. We offer a diverse selection of menu items that you can tailor to your individual needs. The Golden Chef does not offer the standard “deli trays”. Our food is fresh, made with the finest ingredients, and is crafted to meet your highest expectations. We understand that timely delivery is of great importance and will make sure that the family and close friends of the deceased are well cared for.

If you do not see an item on our menu that you would like – no problem. We will accommodate all of your needs to the best of our ability.

  • What People are Saying

    “Your food is superb, from entre to dessert. It is an event of joyful and pleasant memory.
    The thought lingers as to when will we have the opportunity for another epoch journey of great taste ?” Fred M.

    “I call my self very fortunate to have experienced one of the Wonders of the World:
    Keith Sirlin’s Flourless Chocolate Treats. Great for any dietary need or holiday!
    Yummm,” Dr Linda Kaplan

    “We have had the pleasure of eating Golden Chef’s kosher food on many occasions. Each dish is intricately layered for flavor and visual perfection.
    Chef Sirlin pays close attention to the needs of who he is feeding and the proportions are perfectly measured.
    Chef Sirlin understands the intricacies of kosher cooking and uses this knowledge to produce food that is delicious and allowable to eat under Jewish law.” Judy Goldsmith


    “Dear Keith,
    Your culinary skills are amazing!
    Your love for cooking and passion with which you create an evening’s menu is something to behold!
    We are grateful to be included anytime you create a magical evening of edible delights.
    Thank you for including us.
    We look forward to experiencing your exciting creations again soon.” Samuel Gun


    “I have had the pleasure of experiencing Chef Keith Sirlin’s culinary skills on three occasions. The first was when he was training at the Schoolcraft Culinary School, the second when he cooked for a Jewish Bar Association event, and the third when he prepared a post Bar Mitzvah luncheon at The Shul. On all three occasions I found the food to be tasteful, creative, and well thought out. It is obvious that he takes his love of cooking and food very seriously and to a very high level.” Stan Bershad


    “Deborah and I have enjoyed many many delicious meals with Keith. Clearly his passion, perfection and energy are evident in the results of his meticulous efforts to create great meals. I would recommend the GoldenChef team for any occasion whether a small and intimate group or 100 plus. The Gravlax and chocolate mousse are a delight!”     BRAVO!!! David and Deborah Morrison

     

    Keith has a real passion for food!
    “He makes delicious, flavorful dishes – and you definitely can feel the love and care he puts into his craft. We are always delighted to have the opportunity to enjoy a meal from Keith’s kitchen. It never disappoints!”   – Ari and Lynn Kresch

     

    “Being a neighbor to the chef has given me an opportunity to try all of the wonderful baking during the trial phase. Man oh man was it delicious! We will defiantly be back to order some more, especially with the holiday season approaching! ”  W.T.M.

     

     

Rosh Hashanah Menu 2023

A nouveau/traditional feast  !

APPETIZERS
Vegetarian Chopped Liver $9.50 1/2 pint
Sweet & Sour Meatballs with sauce $22.50 doz.
Gravlax Platter (salmon w/Chef Keith’s cure,
garnished w/lemons, capers, red onion, dill) $79.00 serves 10
Smoked Whitefish Dip (D) $12.50 1/2 pint
                 Grilled Eggplant Caponata (V) $11.50 1/2 pint                      Smoked Michigan Lake Trout Mousse (D) $12.50 1/2 pint

HEARTY SOUPS (1 Quart)
Chicken Soup (with pieces of chicken) $11.50
Smoked whitefish chowder $12.50
Lemon Rice $10.50
Mushroom Barley $10.50
Butternut Parsnip Bisque (D or V) $10.50
Lentil Soup (V) $9.50
                                      White Bean (V) $9.50                                                  Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup  $15 

SALADS (V) (serves 12 – 14)
Orchard Salad $47.50
Apple Pomegranate Salad $47.50
Spinach, w/poppyseed or honey mustard dressing $47.50
Tossed Salads, choice of vinaigrettes – fig, black current, pomegranate, tangerine, mango, plum, black walnut, lemon balsamic, strawberry, apple cider $45.00
Homestyle Beet Salad, feta cheese,  $20/$12 qt.                                        Baby spinach, feta cheese, toasted pecans, fresh blueberries with blueberry vinaigrette $49.00

ENTREES
Chicken (roasted w/herbs or grilled w/glaze) $17.50 1/2 chicken
Savory Beef Brisket w/potatoes, carrots, onions $8.00 8 oz. serv.
Salmon (Asian style or herb and garlic) $26.50 lb.
                Vegetarian Lasagna (D) (V) $19.50 9″ x 13” pan                                      Red Wine Braised Short Ribs $35.00 lb.                                    Mujadara (V) with tahini sauce $25.00 quart                                  Apricot chicken breasts $ 7.50 per breast piece Orange                                    Marmalade Chicken $21.50 1/2 chicken                                 Poached Salmon Platter with dill and honey mustard sauces $99.00

SIDES (9” x 13” pan)
Noodle Kugel (D) $28.00 Potato Kugel (V) $28.00
Honeyed Carrots ( V) $22.00
Roasted Butternut Squash w/sage (D) $26.00
Brandied Sweet Potatoes (D) $24.00
Green Beans w/almonds (V) or pesto sauce (D) $24.00
Couscous w/dried cherries and toasted almonds (V) $24.00
Quinoa, Edamame, Vegetables w/tahini (V) $24.00
Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Platter $35.00

DESSERTS
Flourless chocolate cake/chocolate ganache (serves 8)$35.00
Classic Apple Cake $40.00
Assorted Rugala (D) $35.00 doz.
Traditional Mixed Fruit Compote $28/16 qt./pt.
Chocolate Godiva Bundt Cake (D) $40.00
Oreo Cheesecake (D) $62.00
Dulce De Leche Cheesecake (D)(choice of chocolate
                      caramel or vanilla caramel sauce) (D) $62.00                       Chocolate Babka Cake (D) $45.00 Carrot Cake (D)$38.00

(D)- Dairy (V)- Vegetarian

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[email protected]

Bloomfield Hills – Boca Raton

248.420.0361