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About
I have over 30 years of experience as a chef. I can do savory dishes and sweet. I am an Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef, Personal Chef, Culinary Instructor and Banquet Chef. I am featured in Florida Magazines as one of the Top Chefs of Polk County..I am professional trained, college degreed and apprenticed at Walt Disney World. Recently competed in a fundraising contest (Top Chef of Tampa Bay and Top Chef of Polk County) where I received best table and table decor award for both contests and Top Philanthropic Chef for Top Chef of Tampa Bay. Most recently I was featured on the front page of the Sarasota Herald teaching a culinary class.
I run a small catering and private event company that is capable of doing big things. We are accomplished in small to large events/dinners. I have no desire to have a large catering operation, I prefer to be selective with my clients and make sure that it is a perfect partnership. I specialize in smaller events which allow my creative ideas to flow and reflect in unique and delicious dishes. I understand the importance of your event matter if it is an intimate dinner for two or two hundred and want to help make it a one in a lifetime experience. Quality over quantity holds true in my business practices. I give all to my clients and their guests.
All of my dishes are fresh and made from scratch. I do not even have a freezer in my commercial kitchen. All of my fruits, vegetables and herbs are fresh and hand picked (mostly organic) from local farmers markets/ farm to table. My meats are hand picked as well. I search for the highest quality of cheeses and make all of our breads from scratch. I have experience with dietary restrictions such as Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegetarian and Lactose Free and can create custom dishes that meets everyones needs. Going the extra mile is what seperates a chef/cook from an excpetional professional. My staff is trained with the idea that anything less than exceptional service is not accepted.
We excel in special events and have a flair for the details and desire to leave the guests in awe of their dining experience that my talents and experience brings to any size table. We are full insured. You can also find us on Facebook.
I have a passion for cooking and believe that a dinner table is where happiness is found and is the foundation to build relationships. Food can be magical!
Overview
Hired 237 times
2 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
6 employees
38 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
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 work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
151 reviews
5
91%
4
4%
3
3%
2
1%
1
1%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Adam W.
Mar 10, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Tamara through Thumbtack to do a “Taste of Miami” dinner for a birthday with 10 people, and she and her assistant did an absolutely incredible job.
Everything was handled from start to finish and they made the whole night easy for us. The food was outstanding. The coconut shrimp and crab cakes were amazing and everyone kept going back for more.
Tamara also made the birthday cake, and it was honestly one of the best cakes we’ve had. It was the perfect ending to the dinner.
What really stood out was how much they went above and beyond to make the evening special. They were friendly, organized, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun for our guests. They also left the kitchen spotless when they were done.
If you’re looking for a private chef, I would highly recommend Tamara. Great food, great experience, and we would definitely hire her again.
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Mexican / Latin American • Meal delivered • Only once • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Personal Chef
Tinisha W.
Jan 19, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
The food was amazing!! Tamara was super sweet and very professional!! Will definitely hire her again the next time we are in the Miami area!!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Breakfast / brunch • Standard (basic ingredients) • American - casual • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Stewart R.
Jan 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Tamara was puntual, prepared, and incredibly attentive. She and her helper Dana were wonderful to work with and creative in not only her dishes but also on resentation. The appetizers and contails were on point, while the salade and main course were superb. The dessert she out did herself, and all of my guests were pleased and full.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Christina r.
Apr 30, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Chef Tamara for a girls night and she was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on the menu and easily offered us delicious options which accommodated all of our allergies. She was absolutely amazing!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Asian • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Diane W.
Apr 4, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
The Island Chef is truly exceptional! Her menu choices were fantastic and eclectic. And the food she cooked was absolutely excellent — the filet mignon was like butter, the salmon so moist, the smoked turkey/brie sliders and Ahi tuna cakes fabulous and the roasted beet, pear, pecan , goat cheese wild green salad just wonderful. And let’s not forget the white truffle mashed potatoes and the black iron skillet coconut cornbread. The birthday cake was a delicious work of art. Everyone at the party kept commenting on how great the food was. Tamera and her crew of 1 was on time and focused on every step of expert presentation. They made everything seamless and did all the clean up and storing of any leftovers. I had nothing to do! And was very happy as I got to spend quality time with my 25 guests. Would recommend her in a heartbeat. 5 Star Excellent!!!
Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Dinner • Asian • Barbecue • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • American - casual • Food stations • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Plates, utensils and glasses • Serving and warming equipment • Standard (basic ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Tamara Arrington
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
NO ..all jobs are priced differently depending on needs and budget of customer. I am excellent in budgeting my time and meal costs so each client receives more than expected.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First phone conversation then asking questions and understanding the needs of customer.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Degreed, professionally trained, apprenticeship at Walt Disney World and 28 years of experience
