March 17, 2022

A former restaurant owner is taking his skills into people’s homes to create private dinners.

Chef David Ohayon of Papa’s Pub & Eatery in Dell Rapids has started Papa’s Private Dinners.

“It started on a fluke with a friend of ours who’s also a real estate agent,” said Ohayon, who lives in Sioux Falls. “They wanted someone to come in and cook as a client gift. My wife, who’s also an agent, was like, ‘I know somebody who could do that.’”

Ohayon has been building the service through word of mouth and the former restaurant’s Facebook page, which still has a faithful following.

He has cooked dinners as small as a Valentine’s Day meal for a couple up to as large as a gathering for 17 people. Since then, he has set a cap at a dozen guests to keep the plating of entrees manageable.

“It starts with a menu that I create,” Ohayon said. “I’m not so prideful as to say there are things I’m not comfortable making. … But I work with the guests to make the perfect menu for them that’s going to make them happy.”

Popular items so far have included a wild mushroom crostini with a cilantro pesto drizzle and Malbec-braised short ribs with risotto.

The chef noted that he will work with people’s dietary restrictions.

Ohayon prepares the entire meal on-site. Guests are welcome to watch him work or simply enjoy the food when they sit down to eat.

He still has cookware, plates and silverware from the restaurant and can bring those into the home as part of the experience.

To discuss pricing and check available dates, customers can call him at 605-838-7936.

Ohayon’s wife, Rebecca, said they’ll likely explore finding a space they could use for people who would love to have a dinner but say their house isn’t set up for hosting a meal.

But those in-home dinners can be quite special, she said.

“What I want people to understand the most is that it’s all about the experience. I’m sure it sounds silly for some people. We just stay home? But you’ve not having to scream across the table like you might in a crowded restaurant, it’s more comfortable, and you’re relaxed.”

In addition to serving as a personal chef, Ohayon has been working at Chef Jeni & Company, which provides catering and also does Dinner Birdie take-and-bake meals.

And here’s a bit of news that will make Papa’s Pub & Eatery fans happy. The customer-favorite Papa’s spinach and artichoke dip is available now through Dinner Birdie.