About Us

Chris’s Culinary and Acting Journey 

Chris discovered his passion for cooking at a young age, learning from his mother and grandmother who were exceptional cooks. Growing up, he loved spending time in the kitchen, but his initial career path took him in a different direction—toward theater, film, and television. 

After college in Toronto, Chris moved to New York to study acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. While immersing himself in the craft, he often cooked for his friends and fellow actors, most of whom were unable to afford dining out but shared a deep appreciation for good food. Cooking became both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. 

Chris’s acting career thrived. Over the years, he appeared in 20 feature films and numerous television episodes—you’ve likely seen him on screen! Despite his success in acting, his love for cooking remained a constant, and he often hosted elaborate dinners that left guests suggesting he should turn his culinary talent into a profession. 

In 1990, Chris took that advice to heart and launched a catering company in Los Angeles. Its success inspired him to open his first restaurant a year later, followed by two additional restaurants that same year. His culinary reputation grew, and he had the privilege of cooking for distinguished figures such as George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Chris first visited Taos in 1989 while still working full-time as an actor and operating multiple food businesses in Los Angeles. Captivated by the area’s charm, he eventually relocated to Taos in 1999. There, he opened Momentitos de la Vida, a fine dining restaurant that earned seven consecutive AAA Four Diamond Awards of Excellence before he sold the business in 2005. 

Together with his wife, Valerie, Chris founded Cooking Studio Taos, which began as a cooking school and a separate food products line under the brand Caleb & Milo, named after Maher’s two sons. While the food products line was sold in 2014, the couple now devotes their energy to the culinary school, travel excursions, and private chef services. Over time, Cooking Studio Taos has expanded to include special events such as a monthly "Secret Supper" pop-up, private dinners, and classes. In 2018, Chris and Valerie began to offer culinary travel trips across Europe, Africa, Asia, and other exciting destinations. 

Today, Chris’s primary focus is on the cooking school, culinary travel, and his family—Valerie and their two sons. However, he still occasionally appears on the big screen, balancing his passion for acting with his globe-trotting culinary adventures. 

Valerie Maher, Executive Director 

When asked about running a full-time business with her husband, Valerie shared, “I always wanted to run an inspiring business. Together, with Chris’s extraordinary culinary talents and teaching skills, we’ve created a wonderful collaboration that allows us to do what we love while meeting incredible people along the way. Looking back, I’ve always been drawn to small, couple-owned businesses in creative fields.” 

This connection to entrepreneurial partnerships began in high school when Valerie worked for a fine foods store owned by a South African couple. In college, she assisted a glass artist, and after graduate school, she joined a document translation company run by a German couple. Before moving to Taos, Valerie managed the studio of a renowned fine art photographer and his wife in Dallas, Texas. 

Valerie holds a degree in Business Administration and French from the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she also studied abroad in France. She later earned an International MBA from the University of Memphis, living and working in France. Alongside her fluency in French, Valerie has a working knowledge of Italian and is currently learning Spanish. 

At Cooking Studio Taos, Valerie handles the day-to-day business operations, marketing, and all the behind-the-scenes work that fuels the success of their dynamic culinary business. She partners with Chris to create exceptional cooking and dining experiences. “Although it keeps me running in many directions—from growing organic vegetables and raising chickens to sourcing the finest ingredients and designing ideal culinary events—I couldn’t imagine a better life for my family and me.” 

One of Valerie’s favorite ventures has been the addition of culinary travel excursions, which combine her love of food, travel, languages, and cultural exploration. These trips have allowed the couple to share unique global experiences while infusing her educational background into their business. 

Valerie has called Taos, New Mexico, home since 2003. She and Chris have a son, Milo, who grew up immersed in the family business. When younger, Milo joined them on their travels to remarkable destinations around the world. He is currently studying business at the University of British Columbia, while Caleb lives in Salt Lake City.    

In her rare moments of free time, Valerie enjoys hiking with friends, horseback riding, skiing, reading, and tending to her garden. 

In 1999, Chris relocated full-time to Taos, New Mexico, where he opened Momentitos de la Vida, a fine-dining restaurant that earned AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Award for the nine years it was in operation. In 2005, Chef Chris received recognition from the James Beard Foundation. 

In addition to the restaurant, Chris built a stunning home nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, envisioning it as the future site of a European-inspired cooking school, where classes would take place. 

Chris met his wife, Valerie, at his restaurant during one of her visits to Taos. After the birth of their son, Milo, Chris decided to step away from the intense pace of restaurant life. Together, he and Valerie started a food products company while also running a cooking school. As both businesses grew, the couple chose to focus their energy on what they loved most: the cooking school, culinary events, and travel experiences. Their collaboration was seamless, combining Chef Chris’s culinary expertise and event management skills with Valerie’s business acumen and shared enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences. 

The addition of culinary travel evolved naturally from their mutual love of food, culture, and exploration. These trips have become a cherished extension of their business, allowing Chris and Valerie to connect with people who share their passion for discovery and global cuisine. Together, they host immersive travel experiences, scouting, and planning unique excursions where they invite friends, food lovers, and adventurers to join them in exploring fascinating destinations around the world. 

Bon Appétit! Join us for an unforgettable food adventure with your hosts, James Beard recognized Chef, Chris Maher, and Valerie Maher, Executive Director.  

Contact Us 

P: 575-776-2665 
E: cookingstudiotaos@mac.com