The Dinner Belle

$50/person

starting price

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Introduction: Having grown up in the kitchens of my Grandmother and Father, I discovered a love for cooking at a young age. My path to becoming a personal chef has been fueled by a passion for creating diverse and flavorful food. I weave together a tapestry of cultural influences, drawing inspiration from my love of fine dining and different culinary traditions. With an unwavering belief that food brings people together and creates lasting memories, I am ready to make your next special occasion unforgettable. I offer a wide variety of cuisines and am very experienced with dietary restrictions. I have been an at home chef for 20 years and finally decided to turn my talents into a business. I was a personal/private chef in Dallas and Austin for the last 10 years. I’ve just moved to Washington and am excited to use the abundant seafood available! I love to learn about new techniques and ingredients and am excited for everything the Northwest has to offer. The best part of my job is hearing about how much my clients enjoy the food I've created for them and seeing the delight on their faces.I am very accommodating and easy to get along with.

Overview

Hired 11 times

Serves Washougal, WA

Background checked

1 employee

9 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo.

Featured Projects

50 photos

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

12 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Eddie S.

3 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ellen was very responsive and helpful, she was professional, and was great addition to our gathering (leaned in to help when needed, then cooking and cleaning up in the background for a seamless event)! The food was incredible and she was able to create a menu that was not only delicious, but was also able to accommodate some dietary restrictions. We would highly recommend Ellen and her extraordinary culinary skills!

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Dinner • Italian • Plated meal • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Brigitte O.

Jan 18, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

The Dinner Belle was outstanding in every way! She was a delight to have in my kitchen and I’m already planning my next event with her. She showed up right on the button and went to work in my kitchen. She prepared large, crab cakes, with pure Dungeness crab. Not a bunch of bread crumb filler. They were served with a delicious sauce that included capers and tarragon . Lemon slices provided beautiful color and tartness. Just perfect. For the main course she created a lovely braised veal shank for making Osso Buco for our party of 5. The accompanying sauce and risotto Milanese were divine. Her portions were generous! And beautifully presented! Everyone raved about their leftovers! Dinner was followed by a dessert of Amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding to which she even included a candle for my birthday celebration. Thank you! The Dinner Belle was courteous and fun to get to know. She left my kitchen spic and span! I can’t wait to have her in my home - next time for a rehearsal dinner for #24- where she can show off her culinary and presentation skills. It is evident that she loves what she does as she’s simply amazing! Thank you again Dinner Belle for making my day extra special!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Stephanie G.

Dec 19, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Ellen for our holiday home party was more than I could have ever hoped for. She proposed a unique, sophisticated menu based on my favorite foods. She and her assistant arrived on time and stayed preparing and serving our guests until everyone was fed and happy. Guests raved about every dish, and how friendly and approachable she and assistant were. One mentioned that Ellen and assistant added to the party, rather than being separate from it. We wanted guests to feel special, and Ellen was the best choice we could have made. We all applauded them as they packed up and left. Their work and craft were truly exceptional. I hope to work with her again.

Details: Holiday party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • American - formal • Italian • Asian • American - casual • Food stations • I'm flexible • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Serving and warming equipment • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Victoria T.

Nov 24, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ellen was given the task of setting up a dinner following a memorial service, all alone. We arrived to a lovely visual presentation of the appetizers/ hors d'oeuvres followed by serving dishes of the most exquisite lamb shanks, vegetables and salad. She left our kitchen immaculate and attended to the many elderly guests and their needs. Ellen is Vancouver/Portland's gain and a loss for Texas from wince she recently arrived.

Details: Funeral • Dinner • American - casual • Buffet • I'm flexible • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Serving and warming equipment • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Elaine D.

Oct 23, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ellen was fabulous to work with from start to finish! I had to organize a memorial service from out of town so I did not get to sample her food ahead of time. The food was better than I could have imagined and many guests commented on the food and asked for her card. She is so kind and easy to work with both over email and in person. I had never done this before so she helped me by reaching out to the facility and making sure all the necessities were covered without any stress on my side. You will not be disappointed if you hire Ellen. She is amazing!!

Details: Funeral • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Non-alcoholic drinks • Dessert • American - formal • American - casual • Food stations • No, drop off only • Community center • Yes, partial kitchen (fridge and sink only) • 30 - 39 guests • Paper napkins • Table décor • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Credentials

Background Check

Ellen Norton

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is about 35-50person/meal. But, it varies depending on the complexity of the dishes and time spent at the venue.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to talk with them about their needs first. Then, I have a series of questions I ask to customize a service just for them. We then work out the details and discuss pricing options.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've worked in restaurants with great chefs for many years. I don't have classical training, but I've taken many cooking classes and workshops.