For Chef Denise Bushnell, cooking isn’t just about the food—it’s about connection. After enrolling in culinary school in her fifties, she discovered her true calling wasn’t behind a restaurant line but in the warmth of people’s homes. “I went with the sole purpose of being a personal chef,” she says, “Cooking one-on-one and creating meaningful experiences around the table just felt right.”
Her journey from culinary student to sought-after personal chef took shape naturally. Clients began asking her to host dinners and private celebrations, and Back to the Table was born—a series of intimate chef-led experiences designed to bring people together over memorable meals. “Many of my clients are on the road a lot or simply prefer the comfort of home,” she explains, “They want that restaurant-level meal but with personal touches that reflect who they are.”
Each event begins with a conversation. Bushnell sends guests a brief questionnaire to understand their preferences, dietary needs, and desired atmosphere. From there, she creates fully customized menus—never repeating the same lineup twice. “There’s no set catering menu,” she says, “I design everything around the client.”
Her approach is both creative and intentional, shaped by her time studying in Tuscany. “Some of the most amazing dishes have the fewest ingredients,” she says, “It’s about quality and balance—letting the main ingredient shine.” Her simplicity-driven philosophy has made favorites like her Florentine chicken and a century-old brownie recipe local legends.
Guests often remark on how at ease they feel in her presence. “Meeting clients in their own homes helps me understand their style,” she says, “It allows me to create something special just for them.” From romantic date nights to lively group classes, each gathering feels personal and celebratory.
For Bushnell, the best part of the job is witnessing the joy her food brings. “When a mom tells me her kids liked my quesadilla better than their favorite restaurant, or a husband loves my crab cakes—that means the world to me.”
As she looks ahead to 2026, Bushnell plans to expand her offerings in the Lebanon Wilson County areas. “I’m excited for my Cooking Class Meets Dinner Party experiences,” she says, “It’s wonderful to see people connect, learn, and sometimes even make new friends.” Upcoming themed dinners include paella, tapas, regional Italian, vegetarian, and a cozy Irish Pub Night.
As Luciano Pavarotti once said, “One of the very best things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” Denise Bushnell lives that truth beautifully—one table at a time.
backothetablepersonalchef.com | ChefDeniseBushnell@gmail.com | Instagram @backtothetablepersonalchef
Holiday Hosting Tips from Chef Denise
Bring the sparkle through food, not glitter. Use fresh flowers or seasonal produce as table décor, and let each dish shine on its own. Keep flavors simple, ingredients high-quality, and the atmosphere warm and joyful.