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About
How do I stand out....... As far as my sushi parties, there are not many people who do in home sushi parties but beyond that I experiment with different items to see what could be the next great roll. I have quite a few vegetarians so I use beets and fresh jalapenos or sweet potato, I definitely give some unique options along with the usual favorites. As for cooking classes or catering I will not bid on a job if I don't think I will do an excellent job. My number one goal is for you to be happy with my services. I want to make money doing what I love. This is my dream job; catering, sushi parties and teaching people cooking can be fun and delicious without taking all day.
My mother says she knew as a small child I would do something with cooking because I was always mixing stuff up and trying to cook at a young age. I love helping people learn about cooking healthy and that cooking can be fun. I enjoy teaching people how to cook great meals with not a lot of time. I am a single mother of 4 children and I refused to let Mc Donalds be our go to.
Overview
Hired 41 times
Background checked
15 employees
12 years in business
Business hours
Sun7:00 am - 11:00 pmMon7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Great 4.7
18 reviews
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83%
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6%
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11%
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Read reviews that mention:
Lisa P.
Mar 9, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a global team meeting at a house in Orlando, Mara worked with me to prepare a fabulous experience for the group with great food, excellent variety and was accommodating of the dietary needs of the group. We had dinner, lunch and a charcuterie platter that was fresh, good quality, well presented and extremely tasty. Mara was was prepared, fast and the personable. I'd use her again and have recommended her to my colleagues in the area.
Details: 6 - 10 people • American • Italian • French • Mediterranean • Mexican / Latin • Japanese • Chinese • Basic cooking skills • Knife skills • Baking - desserts and pastries • Adult (over 18) • Intermediate • My home, venue, etc.
Private Cooking Lessons
Anh T.
Aug 7, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mara is really professional, very responsive and creative to help me out in terms of creating of the menus to meet the requirement as we have crew with some of allergies. Even though we have tight budget for our event, she is still cooperative to work out the menu that meets our budget. I would love to recommend Mara for catering.
Details: School event • Lunch • American - casual • American - Southern • Buffet • No, drop off only • School • No kitchen • 30 - 39 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Tracy S.
Jan 23, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
I was in search of a caterer for my client that was having a training event in the area. I reached out to several caterers for quotes but Raiz Catering was the first caterer to respond to our quote request and was the ONLY caterer the exhibited the attention to detail with the specific requirements of our request. Our client specifically wanted a healthy menu with some vegetarian options. Raiz provided the perfect menu to suit those needs and sent that menu the same day it was requested! While our client ended up not booking catering service, only due to a significantly smaller head count at their event than originally expected, Raiz was at the top of their list! Pricing, menu and professionalism were what put Raiz at the there but based on their other reviews, I have no doubt that the food would have been a hit. Will most certainly be looking to use Raiz when the next need arises!
Details: Corporate event • Lunch • Dessert • Non-alcoholic drinks • Coffee or tea • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • American - Southern • French • Vegan • Buffet • No, drop off only • Conference or convention center • No kitchen • 30 - 39 guests • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Paper napkins • Serving and warming equipment • Standard (basic ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Patti A.
May 22, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Although I didn’t get to hire Marra (sp), as my co-event giver wanted to take another route. She was so professional and her menu and selections have a great variety to choose from. Very gracious and I hope to have another chance to use her.
Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Non-alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • Food stations • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients) • $20 - $24
Wedding and Event Catering
Tonya P.
Jun 10, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mara was excellent to work with and the food was delicious. She went above and beyond to make my husband’s birthday dinner a success. I will definitely use her again and highly recommend her.
Details: Dinner party • Dinner • American - formal • Family style • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Standard (basic ingredients) • $20 - $24
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Mara Pursglove
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I do such a broad amount of services that it is hard to answer this question. For sushi parties it is $30.00 per person, for cooking classes it is $45.00 plus the cost of food, then if the dish is more expensive or the location is a far distance it would affect my price. As for caterings it depends on the food, the type of catering (drop off, buffet, etc). I usually will put a quote in on the information I have and quote on the high side until I actually speak to the customer about their needs, then I price stuff out and then get back to the person with a more accurate quote.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I put a bid in I immediately start thinking of dishes to do so if I get chosen or just if you contact me with questions I have some ideas, somewhere to start. Then, I get to know the customer, specifically what they are looking for, what they like and don't like, allergies, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I got my certificate in gourmet cooking and catering at the Professional Career Development Institute in Norcross, Ga.. I have worked in restaurants since I was 14 years old. I have been a general manager, a kitchen manager, a chef, a sous chef, a culinary support but I gave up on corporate mumbo jumbo and fancy titles to work for a great little local restaurant here in Orlando. I make the bbq sauces, vinegrette dressings and when I have time I create my own weekend specials. I have also owned a few restaurants of my own, all here in Orlando.
I am sure some quotes will be higher than mine and you may wonder what am I not going to get? I could charge more for my services but I want it to be affordable. I want people to be able to have more than one class.
