The alternative personal chef

$58/person

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About

My focus is doing everything with intention, love, and passion — I never cut corners. I’m an extremely versatile chef with experience across a wide range of cuisines, from fine dining and global flavors to elevated comfort food and health-focused meals. I specialize in highly personalized menus and adapt seamlessly to different dietary needs, preferences, and event styles. My background includes experience with respected restaurants such as Nobu and Jaleo, as well as ongoing work with regular private clients. I’ve also had the privilege of working with high-profile clients, including Austin Booker of the Chicago Bears, and partnering with CASA on charitable events. Whether I’m cooking an intimate dinner or a larger event, clients can expect bold flavor, thoughtful execution, and a chef who truly cares about the full experience.

Overview

Hired 14 times

Serves Chicago, IL

Background checked

2 employees

3 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2025

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

Reviews

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

Great 4.7

25 reviews

5

92%

4

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3

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1

8%

Read reviews that mention:

Maya R.

4 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Holiday meal (Mother's day, Valentine's day, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Asian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Indian • Italian • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Neilan C.

Sep 22, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Stephen R.

Aug 8, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Overall Impression: Chef Sarah showcased a thoughtful approach to flavor balance, texture contrast, and cultural fusion. Each dish stood strongly on its own yet felt like part of a cohesive culinary vision. Freshness of ingredients, precise seasoning, and artful presentation made the experience memorable from start to finish. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Hamachi Crudo with Jalapeño and Ponzu The hamachi crudo was exceptionally fresh, with its natural buttery texture complemented by the bright acidity of the ponzu. The thinly sliced jalapeño added a clean, sharp heat that lingered pleasantly without overpowering the delicate fish. Garnished with sesame seeds and microgreens, the dish balanced umami, citrus, and spice with finesse. The light chili oil in the sauce provided an additional layer of warmth, enhancing each bite. Kimchi Risotto with Crispy Sea Bass Chip This dish offered a creative fusion of Korean and Italian influences. The kimchi risotto was rich and slightly creamy, with a vibrant, tangy heat from the fermented cabbage that cut through the richness. Each grain of rice retained a pleasant bite, and the seasoning was spot-on. The crispy sea bass chip, with its golden-brown exterior and tender flake inside, added a textural contrast and a mild, savory depth. Together, they created a harmonious blend of comfort and refinement. Crispy Pork Belly with Asian Herb Salad The pork belly delivered a satisfying crunch on the outside with melt-in-your-mouth layers. Its seasoning was restrained, allowing the natural pork flavor to shine. The accompanying Asian herb salad, featuring fresh greens, thinly sliced radish, and roasted peppers, offered brightness and freshness, cutting through the pork’s richness. The herbal notes, combined with a personalized dressing, made the dish balanced and refreshing despite the decadence of the protein. Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Caramel Popcorn & Doenjang Crumble The dessert was a standout for its originality. The sweet corn ice cream carried a subtle vegetal sweetness and creamy texture, while the caramel popcorn provided crunch and a deep, toasty caramel flavor. The doenjang crumble, with its fermented, slightly salty undertones, brought an unexpected savory note that elevated the dish into a sophisticated play on sweet-and-salty. The combination was both comforting and intriguing, leaving a lasting impression.

Details: Date night • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • French • Barbecue • Indian • Meal prepared onsite • A few times per month • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Michael D.

Jul 26, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Date night • 2 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Southern • Asian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Indian • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Eric S.

Aug 1, 2025

•

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Date night • 2 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • Asian • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Barbecue • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • French • Meal prepared onsite • A few times per month • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

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Sarah Beal

The alternative personal chef

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