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
Hired 70 times
Background checked
4 employees
6 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
Services offered
Beverage types
Beer
Liquor / mixed drinks
Wine
Non-alcoholic beverages
Event type
Wedding reception
Birthday party
Special occasion
Cocktail party
Event vibe
Low key / casual
Formal / elegant
Upbeat / lively
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
77 reviews
5
100%
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3
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Read reviews that mention:
Danielle M.
Aug 19, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Lydia and her team were such a positive and memorable part of our wedding weekend. We hired Lydia for our micro wedding, and from our initial conversation all the way through the day itself, she made us feel completely at ease.
Lydia took the time to really get to know my husband and me, understand what we envisioned, talk through our options, and help create the atmosphere we wanted. She was incredibly adaptable with our different food preferences and allergies, and she made everything feel effortless.
But what really stood out was how personal the entire experience felt. This wasn’t just having a chef cater our wedding. Lydia created a truly one-of-a-kind experience that felt thoughtful, intentional, and completely tailored to us. The food was absolutely incredible, her team was wonderful, and having them there allowed us to relax and actually enjoy our day.
We are so grateful that Lydia and her team were part of such an important moment in our lives. If you’re considering hiring her, I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is the kind of vendor who doesn’t just provide a service, she becomes part of what makes the experience so special. Lydia and team, thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. It was an absolute pleasure and we definitely plan to see you again!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Nut allergies • Meal delivered • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jim M.
Oct 27, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Let's start with what wasn't perfect.
Oh wait...nothing! For my wife’s 65th birthday, we hosted six couples at an estate in the Berkshires. In our first conversation, on Zoom, Chef Lydia's warmth and energy jumped off the screen. When the house’s water system failed on the big day, Lydia, her husband, Nathan, and their team didn’t flinch. They bought many gallons of water on the way and carried on with grace and positivity. Her team was attentive without being intrusive, reading the room perfectly and making everyone feel cared for. The locally inspired menu (which she worked closely with me to create) was outstanding, showcasing her deep connections with area producers. Every dish was delicious, and the birthday cake — courtesy of her bakery friends — was a big hit. Beyond the food, Chef Lydia’s professionalism and gift for making everyone feel important made the evening unforgettable. She and her team also left the kitchen spotless — every dish, pot and platter cleaned and put away. Chef Lydia is one of those rare people who makes everyone and everything around her better. We were very lucky to find her — thanks, Thumbtack — and we’d hire her again in a heartbeat.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jahanara U.
May 10, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Lydia was an absolute pleasure to work with for my friend’s bachelorette. She was very responsive and prepped/prepared all of the food/mocktail so well. She curated the most perfect Mediterranean menu for our special event. Her services were impeccable! Highly recommend to anyone in the Hudson Valley area.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Maya E.
Jun 9, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Lydia made my friend's bachelorette weekend unforgettable. We had the best time, the food was absolutely incredible, and every dish felt so thoughtfully crafted. She was so flexible with our group’s needs and genuinely kind throughout the entire experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better chef.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Vegetarian or vegan • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Tatiana T.
Jun 18, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
This review is long overdue, but even a year later, we still think of and talk about Chef Lydia!
My company had a team offsite and Chef Lydia prepared such a delicious spread for us. The only thing that can rival her amazing menu was her kindness and professionalism. We will definitely be working with Chef Lydia whenever we can for future events!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Dessert • I'm flexible • Dessert • American - casual • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Barbecue • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • 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.
