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Pricing starts at $150 per person, up to 25 people.
Gary James - Personal Chef Services
Top Pro
Scheduling
Budget per person
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About
Hi, I’m Gary, a personal chef with 17 years of experience in fine dining kitchens, Forbes-listed resorts, and private chef work across the country. I bring restaurant-level technique to your home, tailoring every menu to your tastes and dietary preferences.
I’m well-versed in a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles, and I’m ServSafe certified, so you can relax knowing your meal is prepared safely and professionally.
Whether it’s an intimate date night or a special celebration, my goal is to create a memorable, stress-free dining experience for you and your guests.
$600 minimum for 2-person date nights.
All bookings require a 50% deposit.
If you’re ready to start planning your custom menu, let’s schedule a consultation.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 21 times
Background checked
1 employee
17 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Social media
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2024
Services offered
Event type
Dinner party
Meal
Dinner
Drinks and dessert
Dessert
Non-alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Coffee or tea
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
14 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
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2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Natalie H.
Oct 10, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We had a surprise 80th birthday party for my parents -- I had promised my mom a trip to Spain as her grandparents are from there and she is from Cuba. The trip has been postponed for various reasons so Chef Gary helped me bring Spain to her and all our guests. We had tapas, 2 different paellas, churros for dessert. It was all prepared in my kitchen and paced out. Everyone raved about the food -- it was absolutely delicious and authentic. Beyond that, Chef Gary was a pleasure to work with -- he's very personable and knowledgeable and willing to work with you to add personal touches or dishes. I would highly recommend him.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 21 - 35 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • I'm flexible • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Barry B.
Aug 10, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Gary prepared and served a delicious anniversary dinner for us. Total perfection! From preparation to taste we will definitely call Gary for our next party or intimate dinner.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Chandni K.
Sep 6, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Gary was amazing!
We had a private dinner for a bachelorette party of 13 people.
From the beginning, Gary was incredibly responsive and helpful. We had a number of dietary restrictions, which he readily accommodated. Everyone loved each part of the meal.
The food was fantastic and we’d highly recommend him!
We had a private dinner for a bachelorette party of 13 people.
From the beginning, Gary was incredibly responsive and helpful. We had a number of dietary restrictions, which he readily accommodated. Everyone loved each part of the meal.
The food was fantastic and we’d highly recommend him!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Asian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • French • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Sindy B.
3 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We had a wonderful experience with Gary he cooked a special dinner for our clergy. The food was absolutely amazing, and every detail was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed. Everything was delicious, plentiful, and an excellent value for the quality and service provided. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and we couldn’t have been happier. I highly recommend Gary for any special occasion
Details: My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
LaDonna G.
Jun 1, 2026
Gary James was absolutely phenomenal! Booking him as our private chef was one of the best decisions we made. From start to finish, he was professional, organized, and attentive to every detail. The food was outstanding, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish was cooked to perfection, and our guests couldn’t stop talking about how amazing everything tasted. Gary’s friendly personality and passion for what he does made the entire experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Gary James to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. We will definitely be booking him again!
Credentials
Background Check
Gary Ottolaine