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About
I love to cook and I have been cooking professionally for 17 years - everything from short order to fine dining. My cooking philosophy/ethic is straightforward: seasonal, organic, clean, comforting, from scratch, healthy and is generally within the California/French/Italian/Mediterranean genre. That being said, of course I am flexible and love to cook all cuisines and can accommodate dietary restrictions.
Overview
Hired 36 times
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Background checked
1 employee
6 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
18 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Miriam S.
Nov 14, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I was looking for someone who would come to our home to do a hybrid cooking/knife skills lesson and gourmet dinner to celebrate my husband and I's anniversary, and Mike was amazing at making my idea come to life!
From the beginning, Mike was responsive in communicating and provided a lot of delicious menu ideas. He came fully prepared with everything he needed for the evening. He was very patient in teaching my husband various knife techniques, while also moving things along in the kitchen so we didn't eat too late.
We had such an great time, learned a few tips and techniques, and had a delicious, beautifully presented meal. My husband hasn't been able to stop raving about how great the food was and much fun he had. We would definitely work with Mike again!
Details: 2 people • American • Mediterranean • Southeast Asian • Mexican / Latin • Basic cooking skills • Knife skills • Adult (over 18) • Beginner • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Private Cooking Lessons
Val G.
Sep 13, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Exceptional barely begins to cover it! Chef Mike was with us for 2 nights in Malibu and cooked dinner both nights for 20 people. The group RAVED about his food. One of our friends said the Chef Mike rekindled his love for peaches with the peach salad that Chef Mike created for us. Thanks Chef Mike - can't wait to see you again!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • Meal prepared onsite • A few times per month • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Tolu O.
Jan 17, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
I can’t recommend Mike enough! I took a shot in the dark and it really paid off. From our initial interactions, Mike was super attentive and helpful in helping me craft a personalised menu and was then able to deliver a delicious meal that surpassed even my own expectations as someone who often dines out and loves food! He was very personable and you feel like you’ve known Mike for years. Super clean, super punctual and diligent. Will definitely use Mike again!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Leah M.
Oct 16, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Mike is the best! We booked him for a last minute dinner party and with very little notice, he worked with all of our preferences and ideas and delivered the most delicious food we’ve had in a long time. Fresh ingredients, so good and presentation was awesome. He made a homemade fresh corn ravioli that we are all still talking about, and his chocolate mousse and chocolate chip cookies were amazing. He also made a swordfish dish that everyone was raving about. The apps that he prepared were equally delicious, and it was hard to pace ourselves to save room for the meal because the starters were so good. We will definitely be reaching out to him for our future dinner parties. He’s also just an all around gem of a human being - easy going, friendly and super chill. If you’re thinking about hiring him, don’t hesitate!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Vegetarian or vegan • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Zach J.
Nov 7, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
The experience with Chef Mike was FANTASTIC - from start to finish. He worked with us to create a personalized bespoke menu and handled every detail of the entire process, with great care, passion, and professionalism. Each dish on our menu exceeded all our expectations and everything was beautifully presented. We look forward to hiring Chef Mike again in the future!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Michael Dunne
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I believe my pricing is transparent, competitive and fair. I understand that hiring a private chef can be a luxury saved for special occasions and I take that responsibility seriously. I have never had a client complain about the actual value I deliver for the cost. I have trained and worked for years in the culinary field and I believe “you get what you pay for.”
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Ideally after a brief exchange via **** etc I prefer to send some past sample menus and set up a brief ***** call. I believe talking on the ***** is the quickest and easiest way to establish a connection and answer any questions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor’s in literature and a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu.
