Chef Tamara Arrington
Chef Tamara Arrington

Chef Tamara Arrington

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Introduction
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 231 times

Background checked

6 employees

37 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

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2019

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2018

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2017

Projects and media

107 photos

Projects and media

107 photos

Specialties
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Reviews

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

Excellent 4.9

150 reviews

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pro avatar
Stewart R.
Jan 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack

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
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Wendi S.
May 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • American - formal • Gluten free or celiac • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Christina r.
Apr 30, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

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
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Patti C.
Apr 11, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The team from Island Chef was simply amazing. The food was perfect for our event: elegant and delicious. The presentation was so artful and thoughtful - gorgeous!! . The staff was wonderful to all our guests, making sure each had plenty to eat and drink. And then our custom cake: beautiful and sooo yummy. Thanks Tamara and Island Chef!! You guys made our wedding day perfect.

Details: Wedding • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Coffee or tea • Non-alcoholic drinks • Dessert • Alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Small bites • Yes, full service • Outdoor venue • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Plates, utensils and glasses • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Paper napkins • Serving and warming equipment • Table décor • Cloth napkins • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering
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Lorraine c.
Jan 19, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

We hired The Island Chef for a special event at my home on Siesta Key. The food was excellent. We didn't have to worry about a thing, all we had to do was have a great time and mingle with our guests.

Details: Dinner party • Dinner • Dessert • American - casual • Buffet • Yes, full service • Office • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering
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Tamara Arrington

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