merkatö
merkatö

merkatö

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Introduction: Breaking bread will always bring people together. Food is a wordless conversation spoken in a language we all understand. I endeavor to use that language to tell stories, share space, invite partnerships and raise awareness of the farm-to-table process.  I believe food can take people beyond all barriers. Food demands that we safeguard the land & waters that provide it. Food empowers the lives of the people that produce it. Food should empower others to feel connected to their food systems.  I approach my work and my community with humility. I believe in sustainability and infuse it in all that I do. I respect ingredients, in recipes and in people. Everyone is unique and deserves a personalized experience. I foster transparency in my work because I am proud of my ingredients, my partners & my achievements. Everyone is welcome at my table. No exceptions.
Overview

Hired 46 times

Background checked

8 employees

8 years in business

Payment methods

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

Social media

Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2021

Featured Projects

105 photos

  • Personal Chef - La Jolla 2022

    Personal Chef

Specialties
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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

25 reviews

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pro avatar
Carla S.
Jul 30, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

It was an amazing experience! Taylor was great and he made our anniversary dinner so so special! The food was catered to exactly what we said we wanted and everything tasted so so delicious! I will definitely hire him again and would definitely recommend him to anyone!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dessert • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • French • Asian • Italian • American - formal • Gluten free or celiac • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

merkatö's reply
Carla! Thank you so much for having me. It was an absolute delight to cook for your families special occasion. Let me know when we get to do it again!
Personal Chef
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Laura m.
Oct 3, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Chef Taylor was wonderful. Every part of the process, beginning with a personalized curated menu including wine pairings to the actual private chef dinner experience was stellar. Each course was unique, complex and overall an unforgettable experience. After the meal, the kitchen was left pristine. Could not recommend him more, thank you so much for an amazing evening and dinner.

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

merkatö's reply
Thank you for the kind words Laura. It was such a great Sunday evening for us. Let me know when we can do it again!
Personal Chef
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Melissa W.
May 29, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Taylor was amazing!!! He prepared a 5 course meal for my girlfriends and me, and it was spectacular. He has such a good handle on local and fresh ingredients, and makes the most inventive dishes. Would highly recommend!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • American - formal • French • Asian • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

merkatö's reply
Melissa! It was an absolute pleasure serving you and your friends. Im so grateful for the kind words. Let me know when we can do it again!
Personal Chef
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Paul O.
Feb 15, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Taylor is an outstanding chef. Each course of the 5 course meal he made for my dinner party was absolutely delicious. The level of food was akin to a Michelin star restaurant. He was also incredibly flexible regarding the menu and helped with suggestions and options. He’s also very easy to work with. He and his server discussed plating and utensil options then set the table and provided an elegant table service dinner party. He also provided a brief description of each course as it was served. I could not be happier. Hire him now before he gets so popular you won’t be able to book him!

Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

merkatö's reply
Paul your words are beyond kind. The company for the night including yourself was an absolute delight to cook for. Let us know when we can make it to the hills & do it again!
Personal Chef
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Cindy B.
Dec 24, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Taylor gave us an exceptional meal for our four person holiday dinner party! First, his responsiveness to my request on thumbtack was extremely quick but the more impressive part was how he collaborated with me on the menu, food allergies and was so receptive to my feedback. He wanted to ensure he got it right and that I was happy. We decided on the final menu: Berkshire Pork Belly preserved lemon salsa verde + carrot soubise + roasted wild mushrooms Chicory Greens Salad poppy seed creme fraiche + shaved pumpkin + anchovy crouton + citrus + parmigiano reggiano Wagyu Ribeye salt roasted fingerling potatoes + winter squash puree + charred beet bordelaise Olive Oil Cake With lavender cream It was FANTASTIC!!! Everything was amazing and we would not have changed a thing!!! He bought high-end ingredients and brought out the best in them. He was clean, engaging and professional. We will hire him for future events. FIVE STAR AND HIGY RECOMMEND!!

Details: Holiday meal (Mother's day, Valentine's day, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Lunch • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • French • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

merkatö's reply
Thank you so much Cindy! You guys welcomed me with open arms the moment I walked through door. It was family at first sight. Have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll see you guys in the New year😉
Personal Chef
Credentials
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Taylor Elam

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