Grass & Leaves

When you book with Grass & Leaves, you can expect a polished, professional, and fully personalized experience from start to finish. Chef Shan begins by helping you select from her carefully curated menus, designed to highlight the authentic flavors of Southern and Creole cuisine in refined, plant-based form. Each menu has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure balance, beauty, and unforgettable taste.

For private dinners, brunches, and displayed meal experiences, guests choose from these established menus so the focus remains on quality, flavor, and presentation. Custom menus are available for meal prep, cooking classes, and chef-for-the-day services, where dishes are tailored to your specific preferences, goals, and schedule.

On the day of your event, Chef Shan arrives fully equipped with everything needed to create a seamless in-home dining experience. She manages setup, cooking, plating, and cleanup so you can relax and enjoy every moment. Each dish is served with care, artistry, and the warmth of true hospitality.

Chef Shan | Grass & Leaves Personal Chef Services

Chef Daphanie “Shan” Cassel, known as The Plant-Based Diva, is the heart and soul behind Grass & Leaves, a luxury personal chef experience redefining what it means to eat plant-based. Based in Baltimore, Grass & Leaves offers refined, in-home dining experiences inspired by the rich traditions of Southern, Creole, and Cajun cuisine, all thoughtfully reimagined with a plant-based twist.

For Chef Shan, food is more than a meal. It is a story, a celebration, and a way to connect. Each menu is designed to reflect her belief that plant-based food can be both comforting and unforgettable. Whether it is a private dinner, displayed meal, brunch experience, intimate celebration, or custom meal prep, every dish is crafted with intention using vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and the kind of care that turns every bite into a memory.

The Experience
Grass & Leaves is known for creating culinary moments that feel personal and polished, blending Southern hospitality with modern sophistication. Guests can expect elegant plating, attentive service, and the warmth of a true chef-hosted dining experience in the comfort of their own home. From candlelit dinners for two to curated dinner parties and private gatherings, every event is customized to fit your vision and dietary preferences. Chef Shan is also available for hire by the day for clients seeking a dedicated in-home chef experience for multiple meals or ongoing service.

The Cuisine
Chef Shan’s cooking honors her roots while embracing innovation. Signature dishes often feature ingredients like smoky jackfruit, oyster mushrooms, creamy grits, and rich, house-made sauces inspired by Louisiana-style comfort food. Each creation celebrates the balance between soulful tradition and plant-based creativity, showcasing that vegan cuisine can be every bit as indulgent and satisfying as its classic counterparts.

The Chef
Inspired by her late father, who was a caterer and master of Southern flavor, Chef Shan learned early that food could be both love and legacy. Her culinary journey began in family kitchens and evolved into a passion for crafting elevated, health-conscious meals that prove plant-based food can be beautiful, soulful, and full of flavor. Over the years, she has built a reputation for transforming traditional dishes into refined plant-based masterpieces that surprise even the most skeptical eaters.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Shan is dedicated to wellness and community. Through her sister brand, Plant-Based Diva / PBD Health & Wellness, she empowers others to Live Well, Eat Well, and Be Well by offering programs, guides, and classes that make plant-based living simple, accessible, and inspiring.

Why Choose Grass & Leaves
When you book with Grass & Leaves, you are not just hiring a chef. You are inviting artistry, flavor, and heart into your home. Chef Shan brings professionalism, creativity, and genuine care to every client relationship. From the first consultation to the final plate, her focus is on crafting a personalized dining experience that reflects your taste, your story, and your occasion.

Whether you are seeking an elegant dinner party, a luxury brunch, private meal prep, or a dedicated in-home chef for the day, Grass & Leaves ensures that every experience is seamless, delicious, and unforgettable.

Plant-Based. Refined. Unforgettable.

Grass & Leaves provides a fully equipped personal chef experience. Chef Shan arrives with all necessary cooking tools, utensils, and ingredients to prepare and serve your selected menu. A clean, functional kitchen space with working appliances, counter space, and access to running water is required.

For displayed meals and dinner parties, please ensure there is adequate table or buffet space for plating and presentation. If your kitchen has limited space or equipment, please mention this during booking so accommodations can be made.

Chef Shan values cleanliness, professionalism, and respect for your home. Setup and cleanup are included in all services. Clients are only responsible for providing access to the kitchen area, dining space, and any special décor, tableware, or equipment not listed in the selected package.

Electricity and adequate lighting are required for all events. Outdoor setups may require covered space or access to power depending on menu selection and weather conditions.