Food with personality
Menus should reflect the occasion and the people at the table—not feel copied from someone else’s event.
About Chef Kai
Food is how I create joy for people.
I get to build exciting, adventurous meals for people who want their gathering to feel just as memorable as the occasion.
Founder of Blue Plate Co.
Culinary skill grounded in hospitality.
I’m Kai Smith, a classically trained chef who believes a great meal should make people feel welcomed, cared for and curious about what comes next.
I earned degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Ivy Tech Culinary Institute and hold Certified Culinarian and ServSafe credentials. My hospitality background shapes every part of the experience—from how a menu is planned to how the final plate reaches the table.
Blue Plate Co. began in 2021 as a way to bring my love of cooking and connection together. My style is rooted in the comfort and generosity of Southern food, while drawing inspiration from cuisines and techniques around the world.
I serve private clients, families, companies, retreats and event hosts who want more than food delivery. They want a chef who understands the room, creates with intention and makes the meal feel personal.
Certified CulinarianProfessional culinary training
Culinary ArtsIvy Tech Culinary Institute
Hospitality ManagementService-led event experience
What guides the work
Three things every table deserves.
Warm, thoughtful service
Elevated does not have to feel stiff. Guests should feel comfortable, considered and free to enjoy themselves.
Details that make sense
Every decision—from menu pacing to presentation—should support the experience you actually want to have.
Let’s cook something memorable