Chef Tamara Arrington
Chef Tamara Arrington

Chef Tamara Arrington

$100/person
starting price


Scheduling
Budget per person

Responds within a day

Introduction: I have over 30 years of experience as a chef. I can do savory dishes and sweet. I am an Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef, Personal Chef, Culinary Instructor and Banquet Chef. I am featured in Florida Magazines as one of the Top Chefs of Polk County..I am professional trained, college degreed and apprenticed at Walt Disney World. Recently competed in a fundraising contest (Top Chef of Tampa Bay and Top Chef of Polk County) where I received best table and table decor award for both contests and Top Philanthropic Chef for Top Chef of Tampa Bay. Most recently I was featured on the front page of the Sarasota Herald teaching a culinary class. I run a small catering and private event company that is capable of doing big things. We are accomplished in small to large events/dinners. I have no desire to have a large catering operation, I prefer to be selective with my clients and make sure that it is a perfect partnership. I specialize in smaller events which allow my creative ideas to flow and reflect in unique and delicious dishes. I understand the importance of your event matter if it is an intimate dinner for two or two hundred and want to help make it a one in a lifetime experience. Quality over quantity holds true in my business practices. I give all to my clients and their guests. All of my dishes are fresh and made from scratch. I do not even have a freezer in my commercial kitchen. All of my fruits, vegetables and herbs are fresh and hand picked (mostly organic) from local farmers markets/ farm to table. My meats are hand picked as well. I search for the highest quality of cheeses and make all of our breads from scratch. I have experience with dietary restrictions such as Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegetarian and Lactose Free and can create custom dishes that meets everyones needs. Going the extra mile is what seperates a chef/cook from an excpetional professional. My staff is trained with the idea that anything less than exceptional service is not accepted. We excel in special events and have a flair for the details and desire to leave the guests in awe of their dining experience that my talents and experience brings to any size table. We are full insured. You can also find us on Facebook. I have a passion for cooking and believe that a dinner table is where happiness is found and is the foundation to build relationships. Food can be magical!
Overview

Hired 221 times

Serves Key Largo, FL

Background checked

6 employees

36 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2019

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2018

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2017

Featured Projects

116 photos

Specialties
Cuisine types

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Reviews

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

Great 4.8

134 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:


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Diane W.
Apr 4, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The Island Chef is truly exceptional! Her menu choices were fantastic and eclectic. And the food she cooked was absolutely excellent — the filet mignon was like butter, the salmon so moist, the smoked turkey/brie sliders and Ahi tuna cakes fabulous and the roasted beet, pear, pecan , goat cheese wild green salad just wonderful. And let’s not forget the white truffle mashed potatoes and the black iron skillet coconut cornbread. The birthday cake was a delicious work of art. Everyone at the party kept commenting on how great the food was. Tamera and her crew of 1 was on time and focused on every step of expert presentation. They made everything seamless and did all the clean up and storing of any leftovers. I had nothing to do! And was very happy as I got to spend quality time with my 25 guests. Would recommend her in a heartbeat. 5 Star Excellent!!!

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Dinner • Asian • Barbecue • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • American - casual • Food stations • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Plates, utensils and glasses • Serving and warming equipment • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering
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Nicole B.
Mar 19, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Tamara went above and beyond. Exceeded my expectations. Food, presentation, professionalism all 10/10. The Mediterranean table scape was as delicious as it was beautiful. Tamara worked with me to design a full menu for a dinner cruise for my moms 60th birthday. We ran into unexpected mechanical issues on our charter yacht and had to switch boats midway through. Chef’s handle anything and everything demeanor made this transition seamless. I cannot recommend her and her services enough. Thank you for an incredible evening. It was perfect.

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - casual • American - formal • Southern • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Jessica T.
Nov 29, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Tamara and her staff were great! Very responsive and reasonably priced. Would definitely work with her again. Delicious food :)

Details: 21 - 35 guests • Lunch • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • American - casual • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Chad B.
Apr 16, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Tamara and team were such a pleasure to deal with. Accommodating above my expectations with every request. Highly recommend!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Patti C.
Apr 11, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The team from Island Chef was simply amazing. The food was perfect for our event: elegant and delicious. The presentation was so artful and thoughtful - gorgeous!! . The staff was wonderful to all our guests, making sure each had plenty to eat and drink. And then our custom cake: beautiful and sooo yummy. Thanks Tamara and Island Chef!! You guys made our wedding day perfect.

Details: Wedding • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Coffee or tea • Non-alcoholic drinks • Dessert • Alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Small bites • Yes, full service • Outdoor venue • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Plates, utensils and glasses • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Paper napkins • Serving and warming equipment • Table décor • Cloth napkins • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check

Tamara Arrington