If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I’m a long-time industry veteran, culinary school graduate, and restaurant owner with a true passion for creating memorable food experiences. As a personal chef, I bring restaurant-quality dishes to the comfort of your home or event, handling everything from menu planning to execution so you can relax and enjoy your guests.
With several years in business and a one-on-one approach, you’ll work directly with me from start to finish. I focus on great flavor, beautiful presentation, and attentive service to make your occasion feel special.
I specialize in Romantic dinners for two, plated service for small groups, or appetizer parties of almost any size.
Reach out and let’s talk about how we can design a menu that takes your event to the next level.
Overview
Hired 14 times
Serves Yorkville, IL
Background checked
1 employee
3 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Zelle.
Services offered
Event type
Additional food/drink
Dessert
Cuisine types
American - casual
American - formal
Italian
Mediterranean / Middle Eastern
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
17 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Kyle D.
Sep 14, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a wonderful experience with Chef Eric. He helped me recreate our wedding meal for our 10 year anniversary, which was no easy task since our wedding was international and we ate separate meals. He was energetic, excited and very helpful throughout the entire process. He helped research ideas and items and sourced ingredients to make the night special. A great professional to work with, left our kitchen spotless. Amazing value, highly recommend!
Details: My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Kathy J.
Oct 15, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Eric was our chef for my sister’s 70th birthday dinner and it was wonderful!! From the beginning, he was always in communication with us, and very patient answering our questions and while choosing the menu. He was great at helping us choose the menu and suggested an array of ideas. When he arrived, he was very prepared and professional. He and his assistant had great rapport with all of our guests. We chose 2 different entrees and they were both excellent!! I would definitely hire Eric again, he made my sister’s celebration quite a success!!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Eric K.
Jun 1, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Eric to help with my surprise engagement dinner for my fiancé. As I told him, I went with him vs other chefs due to his pure excitement to be part of the special occasion but not to over shadow the moment. This was my first time hiring a private chef and for such a big moment I was very nervous. He was extremely attentive and responsive to my questions and concerns. Designing the menu was surprisingly easy, considering how picky we can be, but he nailed it. The mushroom risotto, the Champaign vinaigrette and the chicken saltimbocca were outstanding. Our dinner service was two floors up from the kitchen which I felt awful about but Eric wasn’t even bothered. The food and service were excellent and perfectly timed. We could not have been happier.
We would recommend Eric as an in home/private chef, we also plan to hire him again for parties and celebrations!!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Catherine R.
Jun 10, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I could not have made a better choice. I did this as a thank you for my neighbors and they were blown away from beginning to end. I was there for dessert. They had a romantic dinner for two and everything was done to perfection. I cannot wait until I can taste the dinner. Until next time, which will be very soon, I thank you very very much.
Details: Date night • 2 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
LA W.
Jan 22, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
EXCEPTIONAL!!! We recently hired Eric for a brunch event. From start to finish, Eric was professional, easy to work with and had excellent communication. I wanted to hire someone who could take this on and run with it, and Eric did not disappoint. He has a wide breadth of experience and can prepare meals from multiple cuisines. Eric and I had regular touch points to finalize the menu and ingredient preferences, ensuring we avoided allergies, included organic choices, and provided a variety of options for all of our guests - all while staying within our budget! Lastly, he thoroughly cleaned all cooking areas and left our kitchen spotless! I was hesitant to hire someone from Thumbtack but hiring Eric was a nice surprise. I highly recommend Eric for any size event and would hire him again without hesitation.
Details: School event • Breakfast or brunch • American - casual • Family style • I'm flexible • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Eric Mclear
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices may vary due to size and number or participants. Best to contact me for details. Groceries billed separately. We'll first have to design your menu and discuss the details to get to a price that fits your budget. No two jobs are the same and no two budgets are the same.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Discussing specific needs - time, place, size, menu type. Refine details, determine costs / budget, and book the event - super simple!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Restaurant owner of 5 restaurants over 30 years.
