The Starving Gypsy

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Introduction

Before contacting us, please read over our basic info to decide if we may be remotely close to what you are looking for. COVID Clause: We are taking extra safety and health precautions. Therefore, with the current climate, we are not doing events with more than 30 people. Please read this and do not contact us if you have a party that exceeds this amount. We are still providing full service. Our staff brings gloves, face masks, hand sanitizer, etc. Some quick "Snapple Facts" about us: -We are a South Austin based company, but we do travel. -Our main goal is to provide exceptional restaurant style service and experiences framed by fantastic food. -Our chef is a USAF Veteran that grew up in between Germany & Louisiana. She served in England & South Korea and then attended culinary school in Hawaii. That means she is not afraid of embracing many different flavors and uses them to inspire every portion of all of our menu options. She also was on the Food Network's Cooks Vs. Cons. -We provide casual yet elevated chef services by way of personalized events, date nights, group gatherings, cooking classes, etc. -We like for everyone to feel included so dietary restrictions/preferences are not an issue here. Our chef believes its essential to provide the full experience which means any vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or dairy free guests will not be served a collection of sides. We are well versed in making delectable entrees that appease any palette. -Don't be scared if you have never hired a private chef before. Our goal is to make this as painless as possible and if you have an idea or a theme, we will make this even easier. Policy: Upon booking with us, we have a 25% deposit to be made 3 weeks prior to the event. If for any reason you need to cancel, please do so before your final payment to receive the deposit back. If after the final payment is made, you will receive 50% back (if it is before 7 days before the event.) If a cancellation is made the day of the event, you will forfeit all the funds paid unless a reschedule is planned and made within 48 hours.

Overview

Hired 47 times

Background checked

7 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Credit card, Google Pay, Stripe, and Venmo.

Social media

Instagram, Twitter

Top Pro status

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

2021

2020

Specialties

Event type

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

43 reviews

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98%

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Read reviews that mention:

Will L.

May 21, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Awesome dinner with Chef D! She did an amazing job catering the meal to the group and was a joy to have around for the evening. Thanks so much, Chef!

Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

The Starving Gypsy's reply

Thanks Sir!!! You guys were a joy. If you’re ever in town again, you know how to find me.

Personal Chef

Shatia h.

May 15, 2021

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Hired on Thumbtack

If I could choose all five options I would!! This was my first experience hiring a personal chef for a small event and omg what a great experience! Chef you are truly amazing and ALL of your food was amazing!! You threw down in the kitchen and you were so patient with ALL of the hiccups the location had (sorry about the craziness!!). My guest were so satisfied we didn’t even eat cake!! Hands down the best food I have eaten in Austin Texas and I’ve eaten a LOT of food lol 😂 Again, I thank you so much and I can’t wait to have you again!! Everything was so delicious!

Details: Dinner party • Breakfast or brunch • American - casual • Plated meal • Yes, full service • Community center • No kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Jose T.

Feb 15, 2021

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Hired on Thumbtack

The chef did an amazing job. She was punctual, provided a beautiful dinner setup for valentines day, everything was from scratch and the food was honestly amazing. I already recommended her to several of my friends. I will definitely be hiring her again for future events.

Details: Date night • 2 guests • Lunch • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

TIM R.

Dec 6, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Dinner party • Dinner • Non-alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Buffet • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)

The Starving Gypsy's reply

Wedding and Event Catering

Julia J.

Aug 17, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Demeatrie and her team were absolutely amazing! All of our guests ( 9 total) were so impressed with the food and the time she took to add personal touches for our group’s event was so thoughtful! Thank you for making the evening so special!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

The Starving Gypsy's reply

Thank you so much! It was our pleasure.

Personal Chef

Credentials

Background Check

Demeatrie Funderburk

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We prepare our coursed menus in family style servings therefore, if it is for a group of 2 to 4 who would all like individual apps, entrees, sides and desserts, the party will be upgraded to plated service and charged the fees in conjunction with that style. We are a veteran owned business and that is important to us. We do have a Vet discount, with proof of service. We also offer seasonal discounts that vary throughout the different seasons. There are additional charges for allergies or specified dietary preferences. There are also additional fees for travel, dependent upon the location. We do not include gratuity in our pricing unless it is for a group that is of 10 or more.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to first discuss with the client what they want to accomplish and then build upon that. If you have an idea of something we can build around, that's great. We also have seasonal featured menus that customers can choose from as well. With that being said, if one is choosing from a seasonal menu and adding on dishes that do not exist within that menu, fees will be applied.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I attended culinary school in Hawaii. Also, as a military veteran, I know how to think on my feet and work under extreme pressure. I have worked in high end fine dining establishments, resorts, hotels, catering companies, bakeries, film shoots, private clubs, etc. in various parts of the world. Therefore, I pride myself on being able to create and cultivate any experience asked of me.