I create warm, celebratory dining experiences—because for me, food is love.

Aletha Harden

I bring restaurant-level care to intimate dinners, family gatherings, and unforgettable celebrations.

I’m a well-rounded chef with experience across many kitchen settings—yachts and small ships, catering, hotels, restaurants, and the occasional family BBQ. I love people, and I love celebrating them through the food I create.

I cook for smaller groups and families with children, as well as adults-only events like wine-paired dinners, cocktail gatherings, and garden parties. I also have a pastry and baking background, and I make my own scratch-baked desserts.

Plan my event with you

I sing, play music, and appreciate every ingredient for what it brings to the dish—my kitchen is never silent, because food should be celebrated.

I cook with joy, precision, and a sense of celebration.

Cooking is my happy place

Cooking is my island—a permanent vacation for me. I’ve loved preparing food since I was about eight years old, and when I cook I feel love and peace.

I learned through real kitchens and great mentors

I learned to cook at home, and I was fortunate to have great chef mentors throughout my career who taught me every day. I also studied independently to keep building my skills and knowledge.

I believe food should be celebrated

In my kitchen I sing, play music, and treat every ingredient with respect for its contribution to the dish. I believe a kitchen should never be silent—food is a celebration.

Aletha’s Menus

I offer curated menus designed for everything from intimate dinners to lively gatherings, with bold flavors, seasonal touches, and scratch-made baking when dessert calls for it.

Request a menu and date

Stories and testimonials

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Elena D.

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Elena D.

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Javier S.

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María G.

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Sofía L.

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Sofía L.

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Lucía M.

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Carlos P.

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María G.

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Elena D.

Follow along on Instagram to see what I’m cooking and celebrating next.

@alethaharden

I’d love to cook for you—reach out to plan your meal.

[email protected]
+1 7342764250

Ann Arbor, MI

Chef Aletha Harden

I create warm, celebratory dining experiences—because for me, food is love.

I bring restaurant-level care to intimate dinners, family gatherings, and unforgettable celebrations.

I cook with joy, precision, and a sense of celebration.

Cooking is my happy place

I learned through real kitchens and great mentors

I believe food should be celebrated

Aletha’s Menus

Tour of México

Mediterranean Breaze

Brunch Bae

Guys Night

Stories and testimonials

Follow along on Instagram to see what I’m cooking and celebrating next.