Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can. Check them out
About
I am a certified, licensed, and insured personal chef with over 25 years of experience. I’m passionate about creating exceptional, authentic, and healthy homemade cuisine, and I love turning every meal into a memorable experience.
I focus on convenience and quality, using wholesome, fresh ingredients and careful technique to deliver delicious food you can feel good about eating. With a strong background in cooking and service, I’m reliable, ethical, and treat every client with integrity and respect.
When you hire me, you’re getting both superb food and a true professional who handles the details so you can fully relax and enjoy having someone else do the cooking.
If you’d like to experience stress-free, home-cooked meals tailored to you, I’d be happy to talk about your needs.
Overview
Hired 48 times
Background checked
2 employees
26 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 11:59 pmMon8:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
2017
2016
Services offered
Event type
Birthday or anniversary party
Dinner party
Bridal or baby shower
Graduation party
Meal
Breakfast or brunch
Lunch
Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres
Dinner
Drinks and dessert
Dessert
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
171 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Troy D.
Nov 15, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Paola Santagati was very professional and her food was amazing! She went above and beyond for a special dinner for two for my wife and I's anniversary. We had a 7 course meal that turned out to be a 8 or 9 course meal because of her generosity and every dish that she brought out was very delicious. She was patient with me as she helped me come up with an amazing menu that my wife and I would both really enjoy, which we were both blown away by. I said that she was patient because I knew I wanted to have a Personal Chef come to my house to cook for my wife and I's anniversary, but I had no clue on what I wanted as food, so even before I hired her she stuck with me for around a month to figure out the perfect menu. Also I mentioned a dessert that my wife would enjoy that in the final decision of the menu didn't make the cut, but Chef Paola brought it as extra dessert any way, along with some extra cookies that were her specialty that also weren't on the menu. She also made extra pasta which she let us keep and I was able to use it the next day for lunch at work. So again she went above and beyond. You can really tell that she loves what she does and I believe that she has found her calling. I highly recommend her for any of your personal Chef needs.
Personal Chef
Joy S.
Dec 7, 2015
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Paola is wonderful & she made our Thanksgiving incredible! I look forward to using her again and would recommend her services to anyone. We were having a joint Thanksgiving bringing two families together and we rented a place in Orlando and she made it wonderful by having our dinner made and dropping it off warm and just hours before our guests arrived.
Her homemade rolls ,dressing and fresh cranberry sauce were the favorites.
Thank you you so much.
Bravo to Chef Paola!
Joy H. Sexton
Knoxville, TN
Event Catering (Drop-off)
Jason F.
Jan 13, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Paola was a joy to work with. We sat down and spoke with her about some of our likes and dislikes and she provided us a menu to our liking. She then spent about 6 hours in our kitchen in 1 day and our kitchen smelled amazing for 2 days. The food is absolutely delicious and I have absolutely no complaints and would highly recommend Paola to anyone interested in this experience.
Personal Chef (Ongoing)
Frances o.
Oct 20, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I found Italian cuisine co. To be exactly what the doctor ordered. I was looking to send a friend in Orlando a few meals while she was recovering from surgery at home but seeing as I live in ct. I had to surf the net to find a local chef. When I came across the thumbtack website and . Italia cuisine fit the bill. Chef Paola was a complete professional and extremely responsive to helping me out quickly. She suggested some of her specialties and they were all a hit with my friend and her family. Stuffed pork chops, chicken piccata and baked pasta al forno. She suggested great vegeatbles side dishes . Her dessert were a hit with my friends husband . He said they were some of the best he's ever had. Bread pudding, limoncello cheesecake and homemade truffles.
Thank you chef Paola for making it so easy and delicious for me to help a friend in need!
Personal Chef
Meagan R.
Jun 5, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We had a wonderful experience with Chef Paola! There were so many things to celebrate that weekend, and we had an incredible family reunion dinner celebration. Food was great, she and her team were charming and personable. She worked with me to create a custom menu, and was very flexible when we had a date change snafu (my fault). There were 15 adults and we all had a great experience. Highly recommend.
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 21 - 35 guests • Breakfast / brunch • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Southern • American - casual • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Maria Santagati
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My prices are very easy to understand and in line with industry standards. Catering services can start at $40.00 per person with a minimum number of guests guaranteed. Pricing is contingent upon what type of event the customer wants, how many people I will be cooking for,as well as what menu items are chosen. It is my practice to have detailed discussions with my clients from the onset, to ensure they fully understand all the meal and pricing options. It is important for customers to understand the cost charged is based on multiple factors, including meal planning,grocery, shopping and meal preparation.
However, I always tell my customers, there is no extra charge for my Italian accent!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
l aways start with, "Che piacere di conoscerla!"(What a pleasure to meet you!)
I then ask them to share specifics of what type of meal(s) they are looking for and I will provide details of the services I provide.
Once I have a better understanding of what they want, I provide pricing and menu samples.
I inquire if there are any special dietary needs that need to be taken into considerations, and if there are, how I can modify any dishes to still provide a wonderful experience while being mindful and respective of client's unique requirements.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA)
I hold required certifications as well as attend early conventions to keep my credentials and knowledge current.
My affiliation with the USPCA ensure I am always learning something new and interesting to add to my repertoire of skills.
In 2016, I was named USPCA Personal Chef of the Year, which was an extremely rewarding honor as well as gratifying achievement.
I also worked for a 3 star Michelin Chef Tom Sellers and his Sous Chef who worked for Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey.
