ooking was always a passion for Bruce Linden, founder of The Elegant Chef, a New York catering company. During the years he lived abroad in the Middle East and Europe, he spent much time exploring local food markets and discovering wonderful regional produce and exotic spices and herbs. This in-depth knowledge of ingredients influenced the menus he created after he left the corporate world to form The Elegant Chef in 1989.

        Linden believes that superb food can gratify the soul as well as being one of the easiest ways to appreciate other cultures. His culinary style combines elegance with ethnic diversity. While complementing East and West, his catered dinners and parties throughout the New York metropolitan area have become memorable events.

        Linden's kitchen has wonderful recipes which he learned from his hosts abroad and refined for the American palate, as well as original culinary creations of his own.

        In 1994 Linden established Meals by Design to complement his catering business. This service provides home or office delivered nutritionally-balanced heart-healthy lunches and dinners for people who prefer not to eat out on a daily basis and want to eat well at home but don't want to cook. Developed in cooperation with a registered dietician, each meal meets special nutritional or dietary requirements.

        The Elegant Chef is not the caterer for everyone. Linden's ideal client is one with discerning taste who appreciates creative regional American fare and sophisticated international menus, someone who wants the best when entertaining. Perhaps that describes you?