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
Please note that I DO NOT provide meals or meal support over an extended period, once a week or on certain days each week like a meal plan. That's not me.
I do private cheffing for celebrations and night-in special events in and around Santa Fe NM. I will go to Albuquerque as well, but you should know that it is 60 miles each way.
I am a retired executive chef and food service manager and consultant with over 45 years experience in the field. I am available to cater smaller gatherings in local homes, churches, synagogues etc. as well as vacation and Airbnb venues. I also am a licensed bartender. I am experienced in all popular cuisines with particular expertise in Southwestern, American Casual, Mediterranean and Asian presentations. I am also knowledgeable in special and restrictive diets. While I love to prepare your meals on site, I can also deliver fully prepared meals to your venue, cold, in re-heatable containers.
I will consult with you to customize a menu to your specifications and needs, visit your venue the day before when possible, shop for all needs, prepare, serve and clean up for your event. I can also prepare meals in my home for drop off delivery.
I charge a reasonable rate for my work based on the time and skill level required and reimbursement for all purchased items is at actual cost. I will provide an itemized store receipt if necessary. Gratuity is at your discretion.
Overview
Hired 73 times
Serves Santa Fe, NM
Background checked
1 employee
42 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.
Services offered
Beverage types
Event type
Wedding reception
Birthday party
Special occasion
Cocktail party
Event vibe
Low key / casual
Formal / elegant
Upbeat / lively
Club scene
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
38 reviews
5
97%
4
3%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Rika R.
Nov 21, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Hosted a birthday dinner and had a great experience! Chef was timely and receptive to my interests and also had great ideas to share. We did an all vegetarian menu which was well-received by all.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Ned Laventall Personal Chef's reply
Thank you Ravi….I enjoyed meeting with you and Ryan and how everyone dressed up for your birthday… made it special for me too.
Personal Chef
Maria b.
Jan 27, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Ned was able to lighten up my husband birthday party with a delicious food and cocktails. It was very easy to agree on a menu with him and he also gave me very insightful recommendations. We had an excellent time and I really recommend him for your next gathering. Thank you Chef Ned for such an amazing time.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Mexican / Latin American • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Ned Laventall Personal Chef's reply
Thank you Maria for that super review. I too had an amazing time being part of the celebration!
Personal Chef
Caitlin K.
Sep 25, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We had a great time with Ned’s catering for my sister’s bachelorette in Placitas/ Santa Fe. He showed up on time & had great communication beforehand on plans and expectations. We designed the menu as a Spanish theme. Had Spanish cheeses and sausages for cocktail hour, seafood paella / Moroccan eggplant / green salad for dinner, and individual creme brûlée’s for the bride’s favorite dessert. He plated everything in server-ware buffet style and cleaned up the kitchen afterward. Everything was fantastic and we highly recommend! Thanks again Ned!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • French • American - formal • American - casual • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Ned Laventall Personal Chef's reply
Thank you Caitlin for your great review...I had lots of fun too. And those photos were better than the ones that I took!
Personal Chef
Jacqueline V.
Jan 3, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ned made my 40th birthday so special. He was easy to work with, made wonderful tapas for us, and was a lot of fun to spend our evening with. Would highly recommend without reservation!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Ned Laventall Personal Chef's reply
Thanks Jacqueline. You and your crew really know how to party! Glad I could join the festivities.
Personal Chef
Michael C.
Jun 21, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
And Work Quality, and Punctuality!
Together, we planned an excellent Spanish tapas menu, and Ned delivered to the delight of our dozen special guests. Just right in every way.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Ned Laventall
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My fees are based on number of guests being served, complexity, time required for preparation and distance traveling to the venue. For example, assuming a local venue in Santa Fe with 2 to 5 guests prepared on the premises and a fairly straightforward menu (app, entrée, dessert) my fee would be $450. More guests, courses, farther distance (think Albuquerque) would go to $500 or more depending on time and complexity. Alternatively, I can provide various choices that I will deliver to a property in disposable containers for reheating for a $200 service fee. Any materials purchased, food, beverage etc. or rentals, plates, glasses, chafers are reimbursed at actual cost. I provide an itemized list of all items and store receipts if necessary. I accept checks or cash (preferred).Gratuity is at your discretion.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My process is the same for all. Starting with my response to your contact info, we will discuss the basic details of the event, occasion, date and time, number of guests, type of property (residence, vacation property, social hall etc.) type of cuisine, dietary restrictions, likes and dislikes and type of service desired (family style, buffet or plated). We will then zero in on the specific menu, this may take some further discussions, texts or emails. Once agreed and confirmed I try whenever possible to visit the property briefly the day before the to meet client, see the kitchen and dining set-up and to know the exact location of the venue (Santa Fe addresses can be challenging even with GPS). Then, the day of, I arrive at the agreed time unload and get busy. I prepare, plate and serve however you want, then clean up and that's about it! I have fun and you have fun and a great custom made meal.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have degrees from both Dean College (Franklin, MA 1970) and Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park NY,1974) and over 45 years in the food service industry in both hospitality and institutional enterprises.
