Meet Shelly Stauber
A love of beautiful food. A passion for helping people enjoy it.
Hello, I'm Shelly, the personal chef and educator behind The Medicinal Gourmet.
I believe that eating well should be a source of pleasure, not pressure. Food brings us together, connects us to our senses and gives us opportunities to care for ourselves and the people we love.
Through personalised cooking, meal planning and education, I help people discover a more enjoyable and individual approach to nourishing themselves.
What I Do
As a nutrition-focused personal chef and food educator based in Naples, Florida, I offer:
Personal chef and weekly meal preparation services
Customised meal plans and recipes
Private cooking classes and demonstrations
Food and wellness education
Pantry and kitchen consultations
Private dining and special-event menus
Every service is designed to reflect your individual needs and preferences.
My Journey Into Food & Wellbeing
My work has grown from a deeply personal interest in food, nutrition and holistic wellbeing.
Over more than two decades of exploring my own wellbeing journey, I've developed a passion for the relationship between the foods we choose, our everyday routines and how we experience life.
Along the way, I've discovered that one of the most meaningful things I can offer is practical support: helping someone feel less overwhelmed by food choices, more confident in the kitchen and genuinely excited about what they're eating.
That philosophy is at the heart of The Medicinal Gourmet.
My Approach: Personal, Compassionate & Delicious
Every person is different, there is no single menu or way of eating that suits everyone. I take time to understand each client's preferences, dietary requirements, lifestyle and personal goals before creating a plan or culinary experience.
Food should be enjoyed. I love combining nourishing ingredients with flavour, creativity and the beauty of a thoughtfully prepared meal. Eating well doesn't have to mean sacrificing the foods or experiences you love.
Connection matters. For me, being a personal chef is about more than preparing food - it's about listening, building trust and offering the kind of individual attention that helps each client feel genuinely supported.
Knowledge builds confidence. Whether I'm teaching a cooking class or developing a personalised meal plan, I want my clients to leave with ideas and skills they can carry into their everyday lives.
The Person Behind the Plate
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing people rediscover the joy of preparing, sharing and enjoying good food.
I love the creativity of cooking, the connection that happens around a table and the opportunity to make someone's day a little easier or more beautiful.
Whether we're meeting for the first time or have been working together for years, my hope is that you'll feel listened to, encouraged and welcomed.
Let's Connect
I'd love to learn about your tastes, your goals and what you're looking for.
Whether you need a personal chef, want to explore a new way of planning meals or simply feel inspired to spend more time in the kitchen, I'd be delighted to help.