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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 16 times

Serves Brick, NJ

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

Instagram

Top Pro status

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

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2024

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
Projects and media
Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

12 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

3

0%

2

0%

1

0%

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Barry B.

Aug 10, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

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
pro avatar
Chandni K.

2 weeks ago

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!

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
pro avatar
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!
pro avatar
Mary F.

Aug 27, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • American - casual • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Kendra C.

Aug 24, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check

Gary Ottolaine

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    Pricing starts at $150 per person, up to 25 people.

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