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Graduated from NYC's Institute of Culinary Education in 2009
Chef Zaida
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Introduction: Thumbtack Member since August 18, 2016
Chef Zaida is a Personal Chef who expertly prepares delicious meals in the comfort and convenience of your kitchen. Using fresh, local and organic ingredients we craft menus to meet your needs. Gourmet Your Way! Chef Zaida also offers the following services: Romantic Dinners for Two, Dinner Parties, Cocktail Parties, Catering, Craft Services and Food Styling. We serve San Diego and San Diego’s North County. Our goal is to help families and friends sit down to tasty and healthy meals.
For additional reviews please find us on YELP and Facebook!
We enjoy helping people. Do you follow a Special Diet? No problem! Chef Zaida works with different Dietary Restrictions. Chef Zaida researches recipes and nutritional information to ensure you receive a custom menu that meets all your needs. Chef Zaida's current clients include a Diabetic, Vegan, Cancer Fighter, High Protein / Low Carbohydrates and Paleo.
Overview
Hired 15 times
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2 employees
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Reviews
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Michelle T.
Sep 28, 2016
I was searching for a chef to come and prepare meals on location for a film project in San Diego. I searched several culinary websites and reviews on yelp, FB and other places. I narrowed it down to 3 chefs but I knew in my gut that Chef Zaida was going to be the final pick. She immediately saw vision for my project. She understood it and it was immediately in tune to the entire project and all the days and meals involved. We settled on pricing and a meal plan. She was easy to work with and highly accommodating but that was just the beginning.
Chef Zaida and her assistant arrived the first evening well in advance of prep time to ensue everything would go as planned. The 5 star meal was amazing and we were blown away. The following days (I am certain) were a challenge for Chef Zaida as all of our plans were changed due to the filming locations and needs. She was now having to work under major constraints, changes with limitations and still managed to execute BEAUTIFUL and SCRUMPTIOUS meals for our guests, our film crew and our team. Her sensitivity to our project was above and beyond what I could have imagined or expected for anyone in her position. She excelled all expectations. AS A MATTER OF FACT... I had some items that I needed from the store but did not have a vehicle. She did some personal shopping for me. #wow
Lastly, what it all came down to... the meals, the service, the attitude of both she and her assistant were incredible. They prepared meals for up to 15 people at a time and did so with ease. We are so grateful that we will be hiring her on a regular basis for all future projects in the San Diego area. I highly recommend Chef Zaida for ANY occasion!! You will not be disappointed.
OH! And I almost forgot!! What Chef gives you their recipes?? This one. She overheard some of our guests and team raving about certain meals and she sent us those recipes for them to take home!! #awesome
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you. I am looking forward to your next retreat in June and cooking for your group.
Louann O.
Aug 23, 2016
Chef Zaida and her staff prepared two dinners for our family. We were celebrating our 50th anniversary in La Jolla and had rented a home for the week. We all enjoyed our family style and child friendly dinners! The ages of the children were 16 to 1, so it was a challenge to accommodate everyone, but she did it! We all love to cook, so we definitely appreciate great food!! We would highly recommend Chef Zaida!
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you. We enjoyed working with your family and hope you visit us again next summer.
Kristin N.
Sep 23, 2016
Chef Zaida was hired to cook meals for a family with a very ill mother/wife. Chef Zaida worked tirelessly to develop menu's that supported battling the illness and then also cook family friendly nutritional meals for the kids and husband. The family raved about the meals Chef Zaida prepared for them.
Overall I really appreciate how thoughtful and caring she was taking care of this special family. She was patient with the meal planning, professional to work with and makes wonderful food catered to any situation.
I would recommend her whole heartedly if you want a special dining experience.
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you. It was my honor to work with this family.
Shannon W.
Sep 20, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
I have worked with several other Chef's in the past and found this experience to be quite disappointing. Our artichokes and lasagna were undercooked but the most disappointing was the lack of "service". Food was just placed before us, no explanation or interaction and she left without cleaning or picking up the kitchen. We were still eating but appetizer trays were left as is. It felt as though she could not wait to get out of the house. I will say her Pana Cota was delicious.
Chef Zaida's reply
Hi Shannon, I take your review seriously and will make the appropriate changes. In the future, I will bring an assistant and ensure pricing includes additional service. When I know guests are still eating I do not dispose of trays with consumable food remaining and always leave kitchen in the same manner in which I found it. It is my goal to meet deadlines (i.e. time of service) and respect the Host's space and time with their guests. I am happy to hear the Panna Cotta was delicious. Thank you again for your feedback, CHZ
Personal Chef
Cindy P.
Sep 24, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
We lucked out with Chef Zaida. Our Chef cancelled last minute and as we scrambled we ran across Chef Z. Chef Zaida was able to accommodate our Dinner Party of 10.
Her attention to detail goes over and beyond. She served us her modern take on a deviled egg and OH MY, divine. We also had a pork tenderloin with a Dijon sauce I could bathe in. The crème brulee to die for. I am seriously drooling thinking about this dinner.
Chef Zaida and her assistant provided incredible service, serving our 3 course meal on time, cleaned up and even took out our trash.
We definitely will be hiring Chef Zaida and her team again. One of the best. Highly recommend!!!
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you. It was a great night!
Personal Chef
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Heather Zaida