Jonathan gold, pulitzer food journalist Zacki

Private Chef, Custom Catering & Cooking Experiences in Durham, NC

Zacki’s Culinary Creations is a personal chef in Durham, NC and a catering service for Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and the Research Triangle. Book an in-home chef for private dining experiences, or custom catering built from local ingredients and from-scratch recipes.

At Zacki's Culinary Creations, our mission is to ensure that you feel like a guest at your own table. For over thirty-five years, we have been crafting unforgettable experiences with customized menus that showcase the freshest ingredients from local farms and our own backyard garden. Each of our "from scratch" recipes brings the warmth of home to your table, whether through the familiar flavors of traditional BBQ and cornbread or the inspired tastes of global culinary journeys.

Zacki's Culinary Creations is a tailored catering service, offering "Food that is in harmony with any occasion."

Founder and chef Zacki Murphy, a Hillsborough native and UNC graduate, has pursued a lifelong passion for food, enriched by her travels around the world as a former Ford model.

Our goal is to brighten and delight every palate—one plate at a time.

Here's to making memories!

Book Your Experience

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

I cannot recommend Zacki’s Culinary Creations enough! We recently did another Zoom cooking experience with Zacki and had such a wonderful evening. She guides you through every step of the process and makes it feel like you have a professional chef right in your own kitchen. I love that she provides a detailed ingredient list ahead of time and teaches so many helpful little cooking tips and techniques throughout the class that you would never learn from simply following a recipe.
-Online Cooking Class Client
Chef Zacki gave us a truly memorable experience. I wanted to surprise my fiancé with something special for his birthday and she delivered beyond what I expected. She knew my 7 year old son would be with us as well and really engaged us in a fun activity of making a beautiful board which we then enjoyed while she cooked us a delicious meal followed by a divine and decadent dessert. I highly recommend this experience!
-“Cook in Your Nook” Client
Zacki and her team prepared dinner for a group of friends celebrating our 60th birthdays, and it was magical. We started with mojitos and a huge tasting board featuring garlic shrimp and dips, all beautifully presented. Zacki was engaging and entertaining. She has a fascinating background. She decorated the house with candles and magnolia leaves, and all the food was delicious. Overall, it was a very special evening that we will all cherish.
-60th Birthday Celebration
Chef Zacki and her crew were amazing! We had an Italian inspired dinner that was fresh, delicious, and creative. The team took such good care of us, of our kitchen, and we had a lot of fun! Chef Zacki chatted with us about her background and experience. Overall, it was a very special experience!
-Personal Chef Catering Experience
“Zacki was wonderful to work with. She made things easy and was timely in her communication with me. Since she was not available for our date, she made arrangements for us to use her culinary collaborator. They were great and worked through Zacki. Zacki made the process easy which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend using Zacki’s Culinary Creations!”
-Customized “Cook in Your Nook” Cooking Class
“I had such an amazing experience with Zacki’s Culinary Creations! Spending time with a private chef in her home was not only enjoyable, but incredibly inspiring. I learned so much in a short session—Zacki provides a hands-on experience that makes learning both practical and rewarding.
The food we created together was absolutely beautiful and delicious, and I loved learning new techniques along the way. We even made cocktails and picked up some great entertaining tips that I can’t wait to use at home!
Zacki is also incredibly flexible—she’s willing to come to you and even offers virtual sessions via Zoom, which I think is amazing. I can’t wait to do a virtual cooking class next! She is so knowledgeable and a joy to learn from.
-Customized Cooking Class
“Chef Zacki and her team prepared a lovely dinner themed to match a destination training for Aruba. The presentation of the food was great and tasted good too. I enjoyed the evening and getting to learn about the different foods one could enjoy in the destination. The catering team cared about what they were doing, were food safe, and put their heart into their work. Would definitely recommend to others!”
-Team Building Dinner for Aruba Tourism Authority
“We had the pleasure of hosting Chef Zacki and Gigi in our office for a team-building cooking class, and it was such a treat! They came fully prepared with everything we needed to create two beautiful charcuterie boards. Throughout the session, they shared the history behind several ingredients, offered great tips on how to make our boards stand out, and took the time to answer all our questions. It was a wonderful event — our team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and loved having them in the office!”
-Team Building Event for Epic Games
“I could not have been happier with the amazing meal Chef Zacki & her assistant Nancy prepared in my home for my birthday. The dinner was a gift and Chef Zacki worked with me to choose a menu based on the foods I most enjoy. She did not disappoint in any of the 4 courses. Quality ingredients were used and the presentation was beautiful. Each of my guests was equally impressed with all aspects of the evening. Zacki & Nancy were a huge hit & I highly recommend their services without hesitation.”
-Gift Card Recipient
“The ZCC team prepared a feast to honor my visiting aunt and uncle, explaining each course and our guests loved it! We received thank you notes from everyone, and they all started with “WOW!”
-Happy “Cook In Your Nook” Client
"Thank you for the special lunch…You not only made delicious food, but your attention to detail did not go unnoticed."
-Roy Williams, Former Head Basketball Coach, UNC
“My son and daughter-in-law had a “Celebration of Life” at their home for the family. It was so special because it was casual, and everyone could relax and reminisce. The ZCC team prepared the food and took a personal interest in everyone. So much nicer than a restaurant, where others are close by and you would never be able to visit in private for five hours. Thank you, ZCC!”
-“Celebration of Life” Client
“Zacki and her team catered our small October wedding reception. She was very flexible and accommodating of our concerns about making all of the dishes as Covid-safe as possible. She even individually plated the most beautiful mini-charcuterie boards for our guests. The entrées (one vegetarian and one meat-based) were also delicious. Thank you!”
-Wedding Reception Client
“I contacted four different caterers and Zacki replied promptly and was by far was the best communicator with the most creative suggestions for our specific needs. I highly recommend ZCC for any catering event."
- Bridesmaids Luncheon Client
“I am a doctor undergoing chemotherapy treatment and I was overwhelmed. I explored the options and learned about personal chefs who are more flexible with custom menu options and timing than restaurants. Having had a father who was a doctor, Zacki had enough medical knowledge to understand what I needed, and why I should avoid certain foods. The meals were attractive, delicious, healthy and well-balanced. Thank you, Zacki!”
-Chemotherapy Client
“Zacki made the most beautiful gift basket for friends with local produce, homemade jams and chutney, and cheese. It was beautifully decorated and she hand-dropped it off. She is super talented and creative. Zacki was also communicative, clear and responsive throughout the process. I highly recommend her to you!”
-Gift Basket Reciprocant