Tana J. Duncan is a California-based private chef and culinary creative with over 20 years of professional experience spanning fine dining, boutique catering, private chef work, and large-scale events. Her approach to food is intuitive yet intentional—rooted in seasonality, balance, and an instinctive understanding of how people actually live, eat, and gather.
Raised in Montana and shaped by years in professional kitchens, Tana’s culinary path began early and evolved organically. From restaurant work and intimate chef services to leading wellness-driven programs, designing menus for high-level clients, and ultimately building a career that blends cuisine, design, and lifestyle. Her work reflects a deep respect for ingredients, a strong visual sensibility, and an appreciation for food as both nourishment and experience.
She is the founder and creative force behind Salt & Stone Catering, a full service catering and event company serving weddings, private events, retreats, and corporate gatherings throughout California and beyond. While Salt & Stone operates as a full-scale production with a trusted team and long-standing vendor relationships, Tana continues to work personally with choice private clients—traveling as needed for bespoke chef services, intimate dinners, and specialty projects.
In addition to cooking, Tana brings a background in feng shui and spatial design into her work, consulting on kitchen layout, organization, and functionality. She believes the foundation of successful, sustainable eating begins with a space that supports ease, beauty, and rhythm. Where cooking feels natural rather than forced.
Tana lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her teenage son and two golden retrievers, balancing an ambitious, detail-driven business with a deep love of fun, nature, music, art, travel, and time near the water. Equal parts disciplined and playful, she’s known for creating refined culinary experiences without pretense, food that feels elevated yet grounded, thoughtful yet joyful. With a love of laughter, banter and the simple sweet joys of life she leads with personality and confidence with all her undertakings both personal and business related.
At the heart of her work is a simple goal: to make life more delicious, more beautiful, and a little easier—one well-considered meal, space, or gathering at a time.