A lush farm with rows of green vegetables and tomato plants, a red barn, a silo, a white gazebo, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

Who we are

At The Wild Garnish, we create more than meals, we create moments. Rooted in the rolling landscapes of Barron County, Wisconsin, our private chef service brings elevated, in-home dining experiences to clients across the region.

Our philosophy is simple: food should be an experience that feels both elegant and grounded, artfully prepared, seasonally driven, and deeply personal. Each menu is built around the rhythm of the seasons and the abundance of local farms, gardens, and producers in northwest Wisconsin.

Influenced by timeless French technique and rustic Midwestern warmth, our style blends refined plating with bold, expressive flavors. From intimate dinners for two to small gatherings and special celebrations, we tailor every detail to you from the menu to the pace of service.

We believe in slowing down, sourcing with care, and savoring what’s close to home. With every dish, The Wild Garnish brings the spirit of the region to your table fresh, thoughtful, and unforgettable.


𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

From field to flame, each meal begins with care and craft.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling while sitting at a kitchen counter with her chin resting on her hand.

Chef Joy

Founder | Culinary Visionary
The Wild Garnish was founded by Joy Sarbaugh, a classically trained chef with a deep passion for seasonal, locally inspired cuisine. Her culinary journey began in childhood, cooking alongside her mother, and evolved from small-town diners to fine dining kitchens across the Midwest. After earning her culinary degree in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, she refined her craft as a baker and eventually rose to the role of executive chef.

Joy created The Wild Garnish to bring elevated, personalized dining experiences into the comfort of your home. Her menus celebrate the seasons, highlight local ingredients, and are thoughtfully designed to turn every meal into a memorable occasion, where food tells a story and connection is at the heart of every course.

“My goal is to cook meals that feel like memories you didn’t know you had.”
— Chef Joy

A male chef with slicked-back hair and a light beard, wearing a black chef's coat, standing in a kitchen with wooden cabinets and hanging pots and pans in the background.

Chef Curtis

Right Hand in the Fire | Craft & Execution
Sous Chef Curtis Fredricks works quietly behind the scenes, supporting every aspect of the kitchen with care and attention. From careful prep to thoughtful plating, he helps ensure each private dining experience runs smoothly and meets the highest standards. Steady and attentive, Curtis provides the foundation that allows Joy’s culinary vision to shine.

Garden with herbs in the foreground and vegetables with carrots in the background.
Fresh herbs like basil and thyme in a glass jar and a bunch of assorted vegetables including carrots, radishes, broccoli, purple lettuce, and turnips on a wooden surface.
A cozy dining table set for two with placemats, napkins, glasses, and a small candle, located in a modern kitchen and dining area.
Two black plates each with grilled chicken breast, green beans, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and garnished with microgreens on a wooden table.

Inquire

Submit a quick inquiry with your event date, guest count, location, event type, and any dietary needs so we can design a personalized dining experience.