Lydia Hodges

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$55/person

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Responds in about 4 hours

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Introduction

I am a culinary trained professional that is insured! WE CAN TRAVEL to YOU! SPECIALIZES in Bachelorette/Bachelor parties Micro weddings & Wedding catering Bridal & baby showers Brunches Intimate dinners & events Corporate events and so much more We Offer Drop off for any event BIG OR small! We do not offer bartending services, but work with other local bartenders! We also do not offer just service, but we do offer food with service. Even if it’s charcuterie, crudite, or dessert. I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 14 years. I started Little Plates which was a very successful healthy food program for kids in daycares and private schools. I traveled the country catering micro events for the last couple years, and started a luxury picnic business on the Oregon coast & Washington state. The Hudson Valley & the Tri-state area has always been my home and the uniqueness of it keeps me coming back!

Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 53 times

Serves Saugerties, NY

Background checked

4 employees

5 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Top Pro status

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

2024

Specialties

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

53 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Kathryn M.

Mar 25, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Lydia catered our bachelorette night in and truly made the night a wonderful experience. The entire process was seamless from start to finish. Chef Lydia sent me some proposed menus ahead of time that we picked from, and every course was absolutely amazing! She showed up on time and was very communicative the week leading into the event. 

The day of the event, she brought all her own food and the kitchen was left cleaner than it started. She was also such a joy to have around and very personable and a fun person to add to the atmosphere! The food was the highlight, and every girl finished the meal very well fed and raving about the experience!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Dessert • I'm flexible • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Avery G.

Mar 24, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

If you're looking for a private chef who will not only deliver an unforgettable meal but also create an entire experience, look no further than Chef Lydia. We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Lydia for a 2000s romcom-inspired "Film-to-Table" dinner during a bachelorette weekend in Hudson, NY, and it was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip.

From the moment she arrived, it was clear how much thought and care went into every aspect of the evening. Lydia and her team had watched every single movie that inspired our courses, ensuring each dish wasn’t just delicious but deeply immersive and nostalgic. The menu was pure magic:

Every dish was thoughtfully crafted, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious—but beyond the food, Lydia and her team brought so much energy and joy to the evening. They created an atmosphere that was both elegant and incredibly fun, engaging with our group and making the night feel special from start to finish.

If you’re planning an event and want to elevate it from “just a dinner” to an unforgettable, immersive experience, hire Chef Lydia. She is a creative, phenomenal chef, and a true joy to work with. A MUST-HIRE for your next gathering!

Enjoy our Y2K/digital camera photographs below! ;)

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • American - casual • Italian • Southern • Barbecue • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Tina K.

Feb 12, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

I interviewed a few private catering chefs on thumbtack, but there was something special about chef Lydia. From the moment I engaged with her, I knew she was the right fit. She has a calming, easy demeanor and a “can do” positive attitude without being arrogant. I was drawn to her farm to table approach to food. From her explanation and also visually by way of her instagram account, I was impressed with how she presented her work at events. During the planning stages, chef Lydia was incredibly responsive and kind. The day of our event was forecasted to be snowy. Given that she was coming from an hour and a half away, I was nervous about a cancellation. Not only did she reassure us that all would be good, she found an additional server that lived 5 minutes away from us in the unlikely event that she would have to leave early due to the weather. Chef Lydia arrived on time with her staff. Just like on the phone and messages, she was beyond warm. She brought Nathan who was also incredible and super accommodating. Just as we expected, the food was meticulously laid out. Every detail mattered to her. More importantly, the food was spectacular. From the stationary spread to the passed appetizers to the main course, it was 5 star all the way. Everything was fresh and healthy (which was very important to me) . My guests could not get over how professional Chef Lydia was and how incredible the food was. Even more impressive was Chef Lydia’s dedication during the evening. On what turned out to be the biggest snow storm we’ve had, rather than leaving early, she decided to get a hotel room down the street so that she could stay through the full event. Needless to say, I have found my go to catering vendor for life. I’m not sure how anyone could compare. In fact, I’ve hired other services in the past and they don’t hold a candle to her. In summary, it’s safe to say that I would recommend Chef Lydia and her team with my eyes closed. Hiring her was literally the best decision I could have made.

Details: Special event / party • Fewer than 50 guests

Event Help and Wait Staff

Elsie A.

Feb 3, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

I was not able to make my event happen with Chef Lydia because we had a changed of plan. A travel instead of a party Not my choice but my husband's. I am giving this review of Chef Lydia from my experienced with the flow of our communications: it was a breeze on our planning, she gave me a phone call right away making sure we are on the same page, which hardly happen in these day in age., email and text messages seem to be the new form of communication. I am a baby boomer and I believed in a personal connection. Chef Lydia is very personable: she sent me a set menu in a matter of day. Her business acumen is to excellence. She seem an easy person to work with. I will definitely reach out to her again if I would have another party planned.

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 36 - 50 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Barbecue • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • A few times per month • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Aileen S.

Jan 26, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • American - casual • Italian • Asian • French • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Credentials

Background Check

Lydia Hodges

FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I actually love working with new clients and clients who have never hired a chef before. I try I and make it easy and streamline it as much as possible! I’m here to make it a luxurious and fun experience.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have been in the industry for 14 years in every aspect of restaurants, then in 2014 I jumped feet first into an organic food program for kids that o created from scratch. I started it at a daycare and it expanded to a private school as well. I absolutely loved being in the kitchen and crafting delicious, nutritious menus!
What types of customers have you worked with?
Wonderful people from all walks of life. Most importantly- Kind people.