Your Personal Chef in Franklin, Nashville, & Beyond – Crafting Exceptional Culinary Experiences

From private chef services to personalized cooking classes, we bring gourmet dining to your doorstep in Franklin, Nashville, and beyond.

About Black Diamond Culinary

Founded in 2019 by Kris McCorkle, Black Diamond Culinary emerged from a passion for culinary arts and a desire to create intimate, memorable experiences. The inspiration for the company came when Kris discovered that her friend, Bob Waggner, a fellow culinary enthusiast trained in Paris, had launched his own cooking class venture, "In the Kitchen with Bob" in California. Intrigued and inspired by Bob's journey, Kris traveled to California to experience his cooking classes firsthand. This experience reignited her love for teaching and meeting new people, leading her to establish Black Diamond Culinary, even after retiring from a 25-year career with a major airline.

Today, Black Diamond Culinary is dedicated to offering fine dining personal chef experiences and teaching European-style classes, allowing participants to feel as if they are cooking in the heart of Europe. What sets the company apart is its commitment to empowering individuals to create dishes they never imagined they could master. Under the expert guidance of Kris, who serves as the sole chef and trainer, clients are invited to explore the art of cooking with confidence and creativity.

Our Mission

Is to help food enthusiasts and busy professionals savor exceptional culinary experiences through personalized cooking classes and personal chef services in Franklin, Nashville, & Beyond.

Kris LaFay McCorkle - Private Chef in Franklin, Nashville & Beyond

Kris LaFay McCorkle, Owner and Chef of Black Diamond Culinary, has been passionately involved in the culinary arts for over 40 years. Her journey began in her grandmother's kitchen, where she first discovered her love for cooking. By the age of seven, Kris was already honing her skills, driven by a family of food enthusiasts and the responsibility of being the eldest of six siblings.

At 16, Kris took her first professional step into the culinary world at an ice cream shop, where she fell in love with pastry decoration. Her talent and dedication soon led her to win first place in a wedding cake competition during her younger years. By 21, she was working at one of the finest bakeries in Memphis, further solidifying her passion for the craft.

Kris's career took an exciting turn when she joined a major airline, which allowed her to travel extensively, particularly to Paris and the Bordeaux region in France, as well as Italy. It was in France that she met her former husband, a talented French pastry chef and chocolatier, with whom she has a son who is now a wine sommelier in France and Switzerland.

Kris LaFay McCorkle - Private Chef in Franklin, Nashville & Beyond

Her travels and experiences abroad have enriched her culinary expertise, particularly in French and Italian cuisine. Now retired from the airline industry, Kris has embarked on a new venture, sharing her love for great food and fostering lasting relationships through personalized cooking classes and private chef services in Franklin and Nashville.

At Black Diamond Culinary, Kris invites you to her kitchen table to experience the luxury of fine dining and exquisite wine pairings, reminiscent of her experiences in Europe. Her personal interests include continuously learning new dishes and perfecting the art of creating simple yet elegant meals. Kris believes that you don't need 25 ingredients to cook a fabulous dish.

Welcome to Black Diamond Culinary, where Kris McCorkle brings the joy of cooking and the art of gourmet dining to life. Join her for a hands-on culinary experience like no other, and savor the best of what life has to offer.

Read Our Culinary Guide Now

Discover the immense value of our culinary guide, designed to enhance your cooking skills and elevate your dining experiences. Seize the opportunity to learn from culinary experts in Franklin and Nashville.

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Experience the Best Personal Chef in Franklin, Nashville & Nearby Areas

At Black Diamond Culinary, we offer unparalleled personal chef services and cooking classes that cater to the unique needs of food enthusiasts and busy professionals in Franklin, Nashville, and beyond. Our services are designed to provide convenience without compromising on quality, ensuring our clients enjoy memorable dining experiences. We understand the importance of personalized and interactive culinary events, allowing our clients to indulge in gourmet meals and enhance their cooking skills.

"Such an amazing experience with incredibly knowledgeable people. We learned a lot of great history, a lot of good food techniques, and have an evening of really lovely company."

- Derek Jackson

"This was a lovely place for a cooking class and I had one of the most authentic meals I can remember. The hosts were so pleasant and the food was delicious – pork tenderloin and fettuccine alfredo! Perfect for a small gathering for work, friends, or family."

- Evan Dorian

"This was such a fun group event! There were almost 20 of us and we all had a great time! Felt like a five course meal experience with a twist of getting to make the main course! I learned a lot about olive oil, balsamic, pasta and so much more! They were very nice and all in all it was such a wonderful time!!"

- Natalie Smith

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Black Diamond Culinary offers cooking classes and personal chef services across Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County, Forest Hills, Green Hills, Germantown, Belle Meade, Spring Hill, Mount Juliet, and the surrounding areas.