Chef Tom Coughlan
​
About Me
A chef with a passion for creating delicious and unforgettable dining experiences, I've been immersed in the culinary world since childhood. As the grandchild of restaurant owners, I grew up in the heart of the kitchen. I honed my skills at culinary school and refined my palate working in a diverse range of New York City restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to beloved local eateries and bustling cafe chains.
Beyond my professional kitchen experience, I'm dedicated to sharing my love of cooking with others. I've taught hundreds of students in hands-on cooking classes, empowering them to create delicious meals at home.
A lifelong learner, I embrace a playful approach to cooking. I believe that experimentation, trial, and error are key to culinary growth. Cooking and food should be fun and enjoyable!
While I appreciate the rich traditions and complexities of international cuisines, I never try to replicate them but rather strive to create my own unique interpretations. I love working with seasonal, local, and unique ingredients to craft dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
Currently, I'm primarily a stay-at-home parent to three young children. However, I'm excited to re-emerge into the culinary world through pop-ups, private events, hands-on classes, and other exciting opportunities.
Ashley D., Brooklyn, NY
“[Tom] was my teacher for a 5 class series [at CookSpace] in 2019. Years later after staying in touch, Tom began to offer cooking lessons “at home” and I quickly jumped on the opportunity to bring a few couples together (convincing one of my friends who has a larger kitchen and dining table to host), to have a fun night in. Tom asks what you’d like to focus on in terms of new skills to learn, and any food preferences and allergies, then curates TWO menus for you to choose from. We work together to make sure the hosts have the cooking pans/tools/basics and he brings the rest. It’s a balance of learning tips and tricks for any recipe (like knife skills or fixing mistakes in the moment) to learning the actual dish you are making. We’ve made a few fish dishes, handmade ravioli, fantastic desserts and more. I even had 10 people join for my recent birthday as a birthday party. Tom is the perfect balance of being a teacher while also just being a fun guy to hang out with and have dinner with. If you’re thinking of something fun to do with a few friends for a unique night in, I can’t recommend enough having Tom do a private lesson!"
Rachel T., Brooklyn, NY
"I would highly recommend an in-home cooking class with Chef Tom! My boyfriend cooks a lot and I have absolutely zero cooking experience, and Chef Tom came up with a class that was accessible and fun for both of us at vastly different levels. I'm typically very intimidated by cooking, but Tom made me feel comfortable and confident. And of course, the food was absolutely delicious - I've been raving about the class to my friends and family ever since! No matter your level of experience in the kitchen, Tom will provide an experience that fits your skills, your preferences, and your home. "
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect!