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About
Modern Elegance is making your guests feel completely taken care of by delivering elegant services where every detail is accounted for and ‘perfection isn’t enough'. We provide elegantly handcrafted culinary experiences that let you be the host while feeling like the guest."
Overview
Hired 18 times
Background checked
10 employees
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
41 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Ann k.
May 18, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Michael Castro, Modern Elegance, to prepare our Wedding Dinner after our Zoom wedding (in lieu of a honeymoon with the pandemic :) ). It was an absolute wonderful experience. Michael is personable, conversational, and fun. After consulting with us about the menu selections, he brought all that was needed to our kitchen. He created a sausage roll, in honor of my husband's British heritage, as an appetizer...presentation was slices on a bed of arugula and fennel. Our chosen entrees were Mediterranean salmon and mustard encrusted lamb chops. Both were delicious. Desserts were three cheesecakes that he made on site. We enjoyed left-overs the next evening and will continue to enjoy the left-over fresh produce and various spices in the future. Finally, Michael cleaned everything up, including the stove hood and cast iron grids on our stove...much more than we would have done! I especially like that Michael gives back. He hires culinary students from Lorain County Cmty College, pays them well, and they earn required hours of experience towards their degree. I have already recommended Michael to two friends and will continue to do so.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - formal • French • Indian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Modern Elegance Chefs's reply
Thank you very much Ann. It was a great pleasure for Modern Elegance CE to serve you and your husband. It was an amazing time learning about the two of you and cherishing your most precious day. We cannot wait to serve you at your next event.
Personal Chef
Steve D.
Sep 20, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
We celebrated a birthday at an off site location. Chef Michael and Jessica were great. Create a menu, served the meal and were accommodating to all covid concerns. We will be talking about our experience with them for years to come.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Modern Elegance Chefs's reply
Hi Steve,
We can’t thank you enough for the kind words about our private chef services. Your review means a a lot to us and lets us know we’re on the right track. It was a pleasure to serve you and your guests for a birthday celebration. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you again in the future.
Thanks again!
Personal Chef
Jen L.
Dec 23, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
We host dinner parties regularly and were absolutely blown away by not only a superb meal by Chef Michael, but by his professionalism and courteous approach to the entire event. From the custom menus for each guests, to the excellent communication from day 1, to a clean kitchen at the end of the night (he even brings his own “inside” shoes!), Chef Michael covered all the bases and made it truly an easy evening off for me to enjoy my friends and family. Thank you, Chef Michael, you are the only chef I’m calling now for future dinners!
Details: Dinner party • Dinner • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Alcoholic drinks • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • French • American - formal • Plated meal • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Helene D.
Oct 12, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
My family hired Chef Michael to help celebrate my husbands’ birthday. This was a wonderful evening and experience. Chef Michael was a pleasure to have cooking in my kitchen. He was very organized and everything was delicious and the presentation was beautiful. He left my kitchen very clean with everything washed and dried. It was so nice not to have to do that. I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking of hiring a chef to prepare a meal for you in the privacy of your own home I would highly recommend Chef Michael. Roberta B.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jack B.
Dec 27, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Michael is the best. He was very personable and professional. The food was better than the finest restaurants that we have dined in. There were a lot of personal touches that made us feel special. The experience was better than what I expected. My wife was thoroughly impressed with my anniversary gift to her. Chef Michael cleaned up afterwards and left us a hand written card. I could not have asked for any better.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Michael Castro
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I only use locally sourced and sustainable premium ingredients for any event. The food is bought the day of or day prior to the event to ensure quality stays high and consistent. For this reason, the "standard ingredients" option is our 3-course family style meal starting at $50/person and the "premium ingredients" option is our 4-course plated style meal starting at $75/person.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to explain all the services provided in my standard package. Walk them through the process of how things work before the "cook day". And what it will be like on the "cook day"
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an associates degree in culinary arts. I also have worked in many different restaurants featuring many different cuisines. I teach public culinary classes focusing on different styles of cooking either bbq, American contemporary, Italian, classic French.
