If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
We are a proud woman-owned and operated catering business based in the heart of Sebastopol, dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences. By sourcing the finest local and organic ingredients, we honor the beauty and flavors of each season. Our services cater to a wide range of events, from intimate private dinners and rehearsal dinners to after-wedding brunches and corporate gatherings. While we currently do not cater weddings, we focus on delivering memorable meals for all your other special occasions
Please note that our minimum for private events is $1000, and our food delivery minimum is $500.
Overview
Hired 20 times
Serves Sebastopol, CA
Background checked
1 employee
10 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
Services offered
Event type
Additional food/drink
Dessert
Cold beverages (non-alcoholic)
Cold beverages (alcoholic)
Hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.)
Cuisine types
American - casual
American - formal
Italian
Southern
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
16 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Kylee B.
Mar 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Wow wow wow. I had no idea what to expect from a private chef experience, but boy did Chef Melanie deliver!! Her communication was clear & made my planning very straightforward, and her food was absolutely incredible. Everything we ate was clearly made with effort & intention, not only was it delicious, it was also beautiful. Our entire group was blown away, it was a highlight of our trip. Hire Chef Mel!!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Standard (basic ingredients) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Inner Temple Foods's reply
Thank you Kylee!
Personal Chef
Scott W.
Nov 12, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Mel proved a calm strong professional in the kitchen providing our group of 12 with delicious Moroccan dinner. Wonderful memorable food experience.
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Dennis C.
Apr 15, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Melanie was amazing throughout the entire process. From the moment I contacted her, she was extremely helpful in crafting a Classic French dinner menu for my wife’s birthday dinner. Melanie is very knowledgeable and offered several menu options, as well as recommended wine pairings for each course. Her suggestions were creative and thoughtful. On the day of the event, Melanie and her staff were extremely professional and accommodating towards all the guests. All of the courses served were delightful and flavorful. The main dish (Coq au Vin) was excellent in its presentation and execution. All in all, we were very pleased with Melanie, as a person and also in her culinary skills. Excellent! Highly recommended. Would definitely hire again. Thank you , Melanie.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Stephanie K.
May 13, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Mel created an unforgettable send off dinner to our weekend in Sonoma. She was extremely patient and accommodating with menu planning and vegetarian substitutions. With a group of 12 women it’s difficult to please all participants but the whole meal was a pleasure. The bacon wrapped date appetizer was incredible. However, the joy of finding the leftovers neatly packaged and labeled in the fridge for a late snack may have been our highlight! Thank you for cooking up such a memorable evening.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • French • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Anna G.
May 9, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Melanie was a dream! I hired Chef Melanie to cater a special celebratory girls night dinner. She was a prompt and professional communicator who was inquisitive and provided thoughtful suggestions for my event. Her website lists seasonal menu items with detailed descriptions/images of her signature dishes. We collaborated to design a menu suitable to the occasion and my guests tastes. On the night of the event, Chef Melanie was my hero! My oven was on the fritz, but this did not faze her. She immediately pivoted to utilize other cooking methods and the results were fabulous. She was warm and friendly, engaging so well with our ladies night group. We all had so many laughs. As for my favorite dish, I am a sweet lover, so I selected three deserts for the menu. I included the pink lady cardamom cake, the bread pudding and the coconut cake with passionfruit curd. They were all so delicious, but I still dream about the coconut cake with passionfruit curd. If you're undecided on desert, I HIGHLY recommend. Don't hesitate to go with Chef Melanie. I look forward to working with her again!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • French • American - casual • Italian • Southern • American - formal • Barbecue • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Melanie Burkett
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $100 per person for a 4 course private dinner, not including tax or gratuity, and assistant labor when necessary.
My minimum for all private parties is $1000, and $500 for meal delivery services.
Cooking classes are priced at $125 per person for a 3 hour class, at a 5 person minimum
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We can chat on the phone, text or phone call outside of the app if you don't have
