I’m a gourmet personal chef and small business owner with over 12 years in business, specializing in unforgettable private dining and event catering. Every menu is custom-tailored to you—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a family vacation, romantic evening, wedding, corporate event, or special gathering.
I love infusing different cultures, spices, and ingredients to create dishes that delight everyone at the table—from picky eaters to adventurous food lovers. Food is my passion, and I stay current on techniques and trends so each experience feels fresh, thoughtful, and memorable.
As a solo chef, I personally handle every detail and value building real relationships with my clients, even if we only work together once.
If you can’t cook, won’t cook, or simply don’t want to cook, let me be your solution. Reach out to start planning your custom menu.
Overview
Hired 209 times
Background checked
1 employee
12 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
Services offered
Event type
Date night
Brunch
Holiday meal
Shower
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.
Very good 4.6
116 reviews
5
87%
4
3%
3
3%
2
1%
1
6%
This pro's rating is a combination of reviews posted by customers both on and off of Thumbtack. Thumbtack cannot verify external reviews.
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Read reviews that mention:
Murfee J.
Mar 31, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Vivian was a joy to work with and cooked some of the most delicious Greek food I’ve ever tasted! She provided the custom menu I gave her for 11 girls as part of a bachelorette trip in Fort Lauderdale. Highly recommend booking her for any personalchef services!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Linda J.
Nov 2, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Vivian was incredibly talented! A professional Chef who greatly enhanced our dinner party/murder mystery night for 8 guests. From early communication to clean-up Chef Vivian was everything we could have asked for. I chose an Asian inspired theme and added blinis and caviar, shrimp cocktail and dumplings for appetizers. The quality, display and flavor of the food was amazing. Highly recommend this chef for your next event! Linda and Jeff
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Standard (basic ingredients) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
June B.
Nov 3, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Vivian was a whole vibe!! From the conversation to the food, presentation-EVERYTHING!! She’s worth every dollar!! We enjoyed the time spent with her and was even more grateful that she was available on such short notice! If you want a real treat, book Vivian!!
Details: Regular meal • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • American - formal • Southern • Meal delivered • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jennifer Z.
Feb 22, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Vivian was terrific. We hired her for a week while on vacation in Miami She made suggestions, responded 'no problem' to changes we made on the fly and was happy to pick up a few extra things we needed even though it wasn't being used in the meal she was making. Most importantly, her food was delicious and her price was reasonable. She also cooked a wide variety of dishes. Excellent communication too. Will definitely use her again!
Details: Regular meal • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • A few times per week • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Chris R.
Jan 18, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Vivian was exactly what we were needing for a last minute chef to provide very delicious items for a family catered event. We didn’t need all the services but she was flexible to work with us. Very easy to work with and very communicative. She answered about questions at any time while in preparation. The price was a little high but it was worth it so that we did not have to worry about anything. I will definitely recommend her to my friends.
Details: Dinner party • Dinner • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • Family style • No, drop off only • Home • No kitchen • 30 - 39 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Vivian Dodson
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing includes food cost pp (your budget for each guest according to the menu choosen), gourmet services of $70.00 an hr minimum of 8 hrs, this is shopping, driving time, preparation/cooking, set up and clean up, and serving) and a traveling fee of $65.00 (fuel to and from).
Servers are $100.00 for 4 hrs (they take care of you and the guest and help with cleaning up).
Once your menu is finalized a contract is made to lock in the date.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every client is different so when I am contacted I like to have a sit down to really a good feel of what you're expecting from this experience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a member of American Chef Federation.
I went to Art Institute of Tampa, obtain my AA
