Chef Karen Forrest
Chef Karen Forrest

Chef Karen Forrest

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Desired cooking skills
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Introduction: I spent 6 years as a corporate event planner prior to attending culinary school. I have since worked in many high end restaurants as well as building a career as a private chef and caterer. My services include private dinner parties in your home, catering events (small or large) for every occasion, and teaching cooking classes. I am an avid gardener and supporter of local and sustainable food. Volunteering in the community and finding ways to give back is something that I enjoy participating in as well.
Overview

Hired 8 times

Background checked

1 employee

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Venmo.

Social media

Instagram

Featured Projects

13 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

9 reviews

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Kevin K.
Feb 19, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Regular meal • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • American - casual • Asian • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • French • Meal prepared onsite • Weekly • I travel to the personal chef • The personal chef travels to me

Personal Chef
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Katelyn R.
Feb 14, 2017
I hired Karen to host a pasta making cooking class with dessert at my home for a total of 8 couples. Everything was wonderful from start to finish. Karen came early to tour my kitchen and setup. From there she handled everything! It was so nice to relax, drink, and enjoy the class along with my guests. One guest had a gluten allergy and Karen came completely prepared. Not only did he get to make all the same types of pasta with his gluten free dough, Karen also found gluten free ingredients so he too could make a Tiramisu. Karen kept everyone actively engaged with plenty of hands on instruction, and then plated and served all the food we had cooked together. The food was amazing! We all joked that we couldn't believe we had any part in preparing something so delicious! While I continued to mingle with my guests after we had finished eating, Karen cleared the table and cleaned the kitchen. I don't think hosting friends could have been any more fun or easy! I look forward to having Karen come back to teach many more delicious recipes! Thank you Karen!
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Diana T.
Dec 6, 2016
Karen came to our house to cook us an anniversary dinner. The food was AMAZING. She did five courses which included a delicious dessert. She was very flexible when creating the menu and made great recommendations based on our likes and dislikes. She was extremely professional and we really enjoyed having her in our home. I would definitely recommend for any event.
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Brian K.
Dec 11, 2016
Fantastic french inspired meal. Very professional and price was on point Recommended.
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Cait K.
May 30, 2017
Karen planned and executed my birthday dinner for 12 friends and family. It was EXACTLY how I envisioned it! I absolutely loved the menu Karen came up with, and it accommodated everyone's dietary restrictions, which can be hard to do! The whole party left saying how delicious the food was, and now they are all planning to have Inspired Provisions at their own events. Thank you Karen for a truly special evening! I give my highest recommendation.
Credentials
Background Check

Karen Forrest

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    I try to meet the budget of the client as much as possible. I usually have a set price per person and it is based on ingredients as well as number of people. Sometimes there will be other factors such as travel distance but only occasionally.

  • What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

    I like to find out what foods they are interested in. I love introducing a new approach to these familiar ingredients and bring something new to the table. I offer everything from buffet catering to fine dining plated dinners. The client chooses the format and style of food. There is usually a little back and forth needed to finalize a menu and in the end I am happy cooking food that people enjoy eating!

  • What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

    I have a bachelors degree in Business Communications. I spent 6 years as a corporate event planner and trade-show manager. Following that I received my Associates degree from the Culinary Institute of America. I am trained in classic french and specialize in the following cuisines; Modern American, Italian, & French. Although no expert, I am confident in my knowledge of Asian, Latin American, and Mediterranean food as well.