Hi folks! I am the “Jana” behind Jana Eats: chef, beekeeper, locavore, happy, waterbaby, master gardener, gluten-free eater, champion of getting the world to grow, cook and eat food together around the table. I have been a chef for decades and have owned a Maui-based private chef business for 15 years, specializing in using locally sourced ingredients to accommodate food restricted diets. I make #foodforall and share it through my YouTube Channel, social channels, and this blog. However you discovered Jana Eats, I’m glad you’re here. We’re going to make good food, live well, and share a few laughs…and I promise, you won’t miss the gluten or dairy!

Food Philosophy

I believe that food is powerful: it nourishes, heals, inspires, brings people together.  Quality ingredients make good food. The most beautiful meals are created from simple, fresh ingredients, and I believe anyone can do it. I have been a chef for a long time, but you don’t have to be a professional to make great tasting food that fits your dietary restrictions! That’s where Jana Eats comes in. Jana Eats recipes are created to be easy, accessible, customizable, and inspire you to have fun in the kitchen (without dairy or gluten!).

My interest in food started early… in the kitchen of my parents and at the ovens of my grandmothers. I hope that you, too, will share these recipes with your family. Food is meant to be shared, why not make food everyone can enjoy and feel good about eating? 

Signature Dish

My gift to the world are my sauces. Sauce transforms and defines every dish, the ingredients start the story. Sauce gives the plate a “sense of place”. Sauces are my limitless expressions of delicious-ness. I guess you could say I’m a saucy gal.

Experience

My 20+ years of cooking experience spans from working “in the trenches” under accomplished Colorado chefs in several fine dining restaurants in Denver and Vail, partner in Glorious Food Catering in Maui, Executive Chef onboard the Hawaiian Based, Yacht Kakela, and now to owner of a Maui-based private chef service. 

For over a decade as the Director of Culinary and an Agricultural Consultant at TERI Inc., a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to individuals and families living with intellectual/developmental disabilities like autism, I have worked with hundreds of individuals, caregivers, staff and families that struggle making food that fits into their dietary restrictions, let alone food that tastes good! I have worked extensively with nurses and nutritionists training staff, students, and clients on how to prepare foods around food sensitivities, restrictions, sensory issues, and to assist with meeting behavioral goals. 

I am a degreed horticulturalist and Hawaii Master Gardener, beekeeper, founding board member of Slow Food Maui and a member of Chef’s Collaborative.

How I Can Help

Food Restricted-Diets, Allergies, Autoimmune Diets & Autism-Friendly Recipes

Working with people with autism, developmental disorders, autoimmune issues and more for years I have developed recipes, menus, and shopping lists to accommodate all diets and needs. The recipes here on Jana Eats are made without many allergens and inflammatory ingredients so that you can find delicious food that works for you. Recipes are easy and flexible to accommodate your needs and what you can find in your local grocery store.

Need help with a recipe? Leave a comment on the recipe page and I will give you feedback. Need more assistance with your food restrictions? Contact me using the form below.

Private Chef Services

Over the last 15 years I have provided private chef services all over the country and am based in Maui, Hawaii. I create quality, prepared meals for you and your family  with local, fresh ingredients, wherever you are. Your vacation needs, desires and vision dictates my business, and I can handle special dietary needs with ease. See sample menus and more about hiring me as your private chef on chefjana.com.

Join Me!

Join me here on JanaEats.com for all the gluten- and dairy-free recipes, guides and wellness tips. Subscribe to Jana Eats on YouTube to see every step of my recipes and try new gluten-free and dairy-free products with new videos every week. Plus, you can follow me on social to see what’s coming up next and a few extra recipes I make on the fly in my daily life!

Chef Jana McMahon

Maui-based Private Chef specializing in food-restricted diets, Hawaii Master Gardener, beekeeper, founding board member of Slow Food Maui and a member of Chef’s Collaborative. Director of Culinary & Agricultural Consultant for TERI Inc, a San Diego-based non-profit serving individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities.  Volunteer for Grow Some Good, Maui school garden advocates & educators organization.

Founder of Jana Eats.