Karen Wang Diggs
San Francisco
Summary
Accomplished and creative Chef with 15+ years of experience in delivering high-quality culinary experiences across fine dining, hospitality, education, and private chef environments. Expert in preparing delicious health-conscious dishes, adept at in-home service, and skilled in personalized menu design using seasonal and organic ingredients. Proven track record in culinary instruction and recipe development, ensuring exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Chef
Private Household
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Developed personalized meal plans catering to dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Sourced high-quality ingredients from local markets and specialty suppliers.
- Prepared gourmet meals using advanced culinary techniques and equipment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen to ensure safety standards.
Guest Chef Instructor
The Civic Kitchen
09.2018 - Current
- Lead culinary classes on fermentation, gluten-free baking, and specialty classes
- Facilitate corporate team-building events
- Deliver instructions on nutrition and the intersection of food and health, aligning with private chef and nutrition-focused roles
Personal Chef
Private Household
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Prepared sit-down lunches and plated dinners 3 times per week. Focusing on strictly gluten-free dishes for the principal client and family
- Customized menus to accommodate specific dietary requirements
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen environment, free of gluten cross-contamination
Personal Chef
Private Household
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Prepared lunches and dinners 3 days per week for a family of 2 adults, both in-home and as drop-off meals
- Designed menu to meet dietary requirements: no processed foods, low-carb, low-sugar, local, and use of seasonal and local ingredients
- Specializing in traditional food preparations such as homemade bone broth, fermented vegetables, and choice of pastured-raised animal proteins, supporting clients' health goals
Consultant + Recipe Development
Flour Chylde Bakery
09.2019 - 03.2023
- Consulted for a gluten-free bakery, developing recipes and supporting baking and service operations
- Created and tested gluten-free baked goods, ensuring quality and scalability
- Produced visual and text content to promote the bakery on social media platforms
Personal Chef
Private Household
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Prepared wholesome, nutrient-dense dinners and school lunches for a single-parent household with a teenage athlete
- Focused on supporting the dietary needs of a very active teenager through well-balanced meals
- Adapted menus to meet evolving nutritional goals
Chef-instructor for the Natural Chef Training Program
Bauman College
01.2007 - 03.2018
- Developed and delivered class lectures on cooking techniques, world cuisines, and nutrition information for groups of 12 - 15 students
- Led hands-on classes emphasizing sustainable and seasonal ingredients, supporting health-focused culinary education
- Integrated nutrition principles into culinary instructions, aligning with private chef and nutrition service roles
Kitchen Manager
Yan Can Cook (Celebrity Chef Martin Yan)
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Managed the behind-the-scenes kitchen for Martin Yan’s PBS cooking show filmed at the KQED studio in San Francisco
- Developed and tested recipes for cookbooks, ensuring quality and consistency
- Assisted with food styling for cookbook photo shoots, supporting culinary media production
Lead Cook A
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Supervised garde manger, breakfast banquets, bakery retail products, and dessert chef duties for the fine dining restaurant
- Gained experience in a 5-star luxury hotel environment, supporting fine-dining and high-quality food preparation
- Oversaw kitchen operations and contributed to exceptional guest experiences in multiple culinary areas
Education
Liberal Arts -
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HICulinary Arts - Professional Chef Studies
California Culinary Academy
San Francisco, CANutrition Consultant Program - Nutrition Consultant Certification
Bauman College
Berkeley, CAHerbology - Certificate of Completion
California School of Herbal Studies
Forestville, CASkills
- Skilled in cooking a range of authentic world cuisines
- Gluten-Free Baking
- Knife skills
- Wine Pairing
- Communication skills
- Kitchen manager experience
- Menu Design
- Fine Dining Experience
- Customer service
- Restaurant experience
- Food safety knowledge
- Hands-on instruction
Accomplishments
- Author of “[Happy Foods - 100 Mood Boosting recipes],” published by [Viva Editions] in 2014.
Certification
- UC Master Food Preserver August 2023 to Present Certified by the University of California Master Food Preserver program for safe food standards in canning and other food preservation methods.
- Driver's License
- ServSafe
Timeline
Private Chef
Private Household
06.2026 - 08.2026
Personal Chef
Private Household
08.2025 - 11.2025
Personal Chef
Private Household
05.2022 - 07.2023
Consultant + Recipe Development
Flour Chylde Bakery
09.2019 - 03.2023
Personal Chef
Private Household
05.2019 - 08.2021
Guest Chef Instructor
The Civic Kitchen
09.2018 - Current
Chef-instructor for the Natural Chef Training Program
Bauman College
01.2007 - 03.2018
Kitchen Manager
Yan Can Cook (Celebrity Chef Martin Yan)
01.1997 - 01.1998
Lead Cook A
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
01.1990 - 01.1992
Herbology - Certificate of Completion
California School of Herbal Studies
Nutrition Consultant Program - Nutrition Consultant Certification
Bauman College
Culinary Arts - Professional Chef Studies
California Culinary Academy
Liberal Arts -
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Links
http://www.kareniscooking.com
Additional Information
References and letters of recommendation gladly provided upon request.