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About
With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the Restaurant Industry, Custom Eats is committed to elevating your special events through exceptional culinary creations and personalized service.
Driven by a passion for food, Chef Michael believes that exceptional dining experiences should not be limited to restaurants but should also be available in the comfort of your own home.
Overview
Hired 25 times
Background checked
2 employees
2 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
30 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Marissa S.
Apr 29, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I cannot recommend Chef Michael enough! We have worked with Michael for two parties and he was amazing! I love that he works with you to create a menu and his culinary vision is amazing! I almost didn't want to write this review so that I can selfishly keep hiring Michael!
Details: Regular meal • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Standard (basic ingredients) • Gluten free or celiac • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Ryan S.
Oct 4, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Michael and his team were 5 star. The communication and preparation to plan and support our preferences was excellent. He came on time and went above and beyond to help set up tables, plates, and food prep. He and his team operated professionally, announcing dishes and bringing them out timely. They did a lovely appetizer, salad, 10 oz. Filet mignon charcoal grilled, and an outstanding dairy free chocolate birthday cake for 30 of our guests. Everyone was blown away by the quality. Michael and his team did all the dishes, cleaned up and packaged left over food for us to enjoy. They even helped to pour the wine. We could see they truly cared and we would recommend them to anyone.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Barbecue • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Kenny T.
Oct 7, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Firstly, I’d like to thank Michael and his assistant chef for providing immaculate service from our very first message to the day of preparation and service of the food. The catering and invoicing process was extremely easy and he’s extremely professional and efficient (he was cooking and literally cleaning at the same time), which made for an easy transition into the remainder of the night for my fiancés birthday. We ate incredible food and created an amazing private experience for our closest friends and for an even better day for my favorite lady. Thank you, Michael! We look forward to celebrating with you again soon! See photos of the incredible dishes we devoured the moment it touched the table lol.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • American - formal • Mexican / Latin American • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Oscar R.
Aug 17, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had the pleasure of hiring Chef Michael for our event, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. The menu was thoughtfully crafted, and every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. Chef Michael was professional, punctual, and attentive to every detail, making the entire evening stress-free. Guests were impressed not only with the food, but also with the warm hospitality and engaging personality. It truly felt like a fine dining experience brought right into our home.
I highly recommend Chef Michael to anyone looking for a memorable culinary experience
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • American - formal • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Becky A.
Jul 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We were in Oceanside for a week to celebrate my parents’ 50th Anniversary and wanted to have a chef prepare a special celebration meal. I found Michael here on Thumbtack and he was so responsive and easy to work with. He worked with us to create a 4-course menu which he prepared and served at our Airbnb. Everything was absolutely delicious and he left our kitchen spotless. Fabulous experience! I would highly recommend Michael and would absolutely hire him again the next time we are in town!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Michael Rodriguez
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Upon reviewing the cuisines that you’d like to have, and answering some brief questions, I will customize a menu that is in line with your preferences along with pricing. Once you approve the menu, you will receive an invoice for the service and you are all set. We will add you to our calendar.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I really enjoy connecting with people through food. Oftentimes in restaurants, as a Chef, you do not get to talk to the guest as you are busy dealing with multiple tasks.
I create unique experiences for the guest based on my vast amount of experience.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I enjoy doing multiple course dinners so there’s always something different for the guest to try.
