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Graduated from NYC's Institute of Culinary Education in 2009
Chef Zaida
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About
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
Background checked
2 employees
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
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Services offered
Event type
Wedding
Birthday or anniversary party
Dinner party
Corporate event
Meal
Breakfast or brunch
Lunch
Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres
Dinner
Drinks and dessert
Dessert
Non-alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Coffee or tea
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Very good 4.5
10 reviews
5
60%
4
30%
3
10%
2
0%
1
0%
Read reviews that mention:
Matt D.
Nov 11, 2016
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Zaida was awesome. We had her come in for two nights and it was great food and fun. Her culinary knowledge and presentation was the best. I would easily recommend her services to anyone.
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you! You and your friends were the best. I look forward to your next retreat.
Personal Chef
Cindy P.
Sep 24, 2016
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
Esther B.
Dec 8, 2016
Hired on Thumbtack
Heather was very prompt in replying and accommodating for my mom's surprise 60th dinner party. She pulled it all together fairly last minute and a few of the dishes were fan favorites (i.e. My mom wanted the recipes to duplicate another time)! The food was high quality and they even did a few demos upon my request.
A few notes:
There simply wasn't enough food. She cooked chile rellanos as one of the dishes and there weren't enough for one per person. We ran out of tortillas, chips, etc. I ended up paying extra for toddlers that didn't really eat, and there still was not enough. Also, I was called away during the meal a few times, to tend to my baby and got back, having not gotten to even taste a few of the dishes. Also, please note when booking, if you ask for a 6pm start time, that is when appetizers will begin. Eating dinner more like 7:30. With little ones, this was an oversight on my part. I didn't ask and it was never specified.
Chef Zaida's reply
Esther, Thank you. I am glad your mother enjoyed her birthday celebration. I have taken your notes to heart and will ensure communication is clear with future clients regarding proper serving sizes and start times. We pride ourselves on punctuality and meeting deadlines. Thank you, Chef Heather Zaida
Personal Chef
Jeff n.
Oct 2, 2016
Hired on Thumbtack
Our dozen family members were excited to have a private chef for the 90th birthday celebration. Chef Zaida & assistant arrived promptly, eager to get started. They were friendly & professional. Appetizers were timely and very good. Dinner was delicious. Next time we'll ask for plated service. Yes, we will be hiring Chef Zaida again! Thank you!
Chef Zaida's reply
Thank you! I loved being part of such a special celebration.
Personal Chef
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.
Credentials
Background Check
Heather Zaida