We believe that food and eating well can be a respite in a world that demands so much of us. Let us take care of your needs so you can spend time taking care of yourself.
Hi, I’m David
I am the founder and chef at Gather Round Cooking. I have had a long and ever-deepening relationship with food and all that it entails. Starting at a young age in my grandmother’s kitchen on the Lower East Side of New York, tippy toes on a step stool and a weathered wooden spoon in hand, stirring a pot of her lip-smacking split pea soup. From there it was pizza shops, cafes, fine dining, and finally my own business where I am able to collaborate directly with clients to cook dishes tailor-made to their dietary specifications and preferences. Over the years I have gotten a good sense of what food can share with us–an appreciation of the earth, each other, and ourselves. I am diligent and persistent about bringing smiles to people’s faces–cooking, eating, and connecting over a table is a warm way to feel joy in the world. It is this interpersonal intimacy with people and food that brings me back to the kitchen every day.
OUR CORE VALUES
Food as Healing
Food is love. We specialize in meals that support healing—whether postpartum, managing your health, or seeking genuine nourishment. Food holds the power to impact not just physical health but also mental well-being and overall balance.
Healing isn’t just about responding to stress; it’s also about grounding and well-being. Food connects us to mindfulness, gratitude, and the present moment. Eating should be a time to slow down, tune in, and nourish both body and soul—something we all need more of.
Food as Seasonal
We embrace the rhythms of Western North Carolina, sourcing from local farms to create meals that reflect the land and seasons. Eating seasonally isn’t just delicious—it aligns with our bodies' natural cravings.
Summer brings grilled veggies and sweet watermelon, autumn invites warming spices and roasted squash, winter calls for hearty soups and stews, and spring awakens us with tender greens and bitter flavors. Eating with the seasons deepens our connection to food, body, and place.
Food as Community
Eating is a holistic experience—whether alone or shared, it’s an intimate and nourishing ritual. A warm meal can uplift the spirit, and sharing it with others makes it even richer.
Gather Round Cooking is built on community. By working closely with local farmers and growers, we act as a bridge between those who cultivate our food and those who enjoy it. We hope you will become a part of this community of eaters, growers, and food lovers.
Our Roots: From Sweet Potato Tooth to Gather Round Cooking
I originally began serving our WNC mountain community under the name Sweet Potato Tooth. Sweet potatoes are a staple food in American cuisine and a year round crop in North Carolina. The sweet potato offers the nourishment, comfort, and nutrients that make it a perfect food. A food that brings us to the earth in appreciation and to the table for us to feel at home. Eating food like sweet potatoes can give us long-term satisfaction, rather than a quick fix. The name Sweet Potato Tooth is a reflection of where we call home and is an appreciation for the mountains that we tuck in to.
As our kitchen has grown, Sweet Potato Tooth has beautifully evolved into Gather Round Cooking. Same heart, same deep appreciation for this place, and the exact same dedicated personal chef, postpartum, and retreat catering services across Asheville, Burnsville, and WNC.
