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About
I have spent over 30 years in hospitality, managing a variety of restaurants, clubs and banquet facilities. After many years of corporate operations, I find myself simplifying life and offering the skills I’ve aquired to help busy families provide healthy meals, assist elderly in need of meals preparation, entertain small groups in a home setting, or providing cooking instruction to individuals and small groups as a means of self-enrichment or entertainment.
I am familiar with a variety of common dietary restrictions and am happy to conduct research for any requirements outside the usual scope.
As a chef, I feel a sense of connectedness through food. It’s one of the few things in which all of humanity shares. It speaks to geography, culture and tradition and breeds unity among people.
To be invited to a man’s dinner table is among the highest honor one can receive from another. To prepare the meal is an honor much greater.
Eat Well-
Chef Tim O’
Overview
Hired 6 times
Serves Front Royal, VA
Background checked
2 employees
9 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and Square cash app.
Services offered
Food & Culinary Services
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for value, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
6 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Taylor W.
May 19, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim and Alice are amazing. I searched high and low for a caterer that didn’t try to talk me into a big, formal brunch for my wedding day. We had family members, both in the wedding and not, staying on the property. We wanted a grab and go type of style for the family to access throughout the day. I talked them through my vision and they easily accepted it. They asked plenty of questions and made me feel comfortable that they’ve had lots of experiences providing meals for people at vacation rentals before, so they could definitely handle our ask. Their warm nature and happy personalities made me feel comfortable and at ease going into a wedding full of stress. I have them a price point per person and what types of foods I was looking for. They delivered a menu and I made a few requests such as not wanting BBQ slides which they substituted with a beef, horseradish, and cheddar sandwich which my father in law and I LOVE, and a different vegetarian frittata that didn’t include spinach because my mom is allergic. They also accommodated no peanuts for my cousin, which meant she could eat anything she wanted. They had plenty of breakfast meat for my husband who loves sausage and bacon and all the things! Some favorites that I would recommend to someone looking to book them for something similar… seasonal fruit salad- it was not just melons! Apples, pineapple, berries, from babies to adults, we all loved it. The lemon blueberry muffin things? DELICIOUS. I have had those for breakfast 3 days in a row now… The frittatas were also cooked to perfection and HUGE! The best part… everyone crushed ALL of the leftovers the day after AND we fit in some for lunch that day too. They supplied PLENTY of food for us and made everything a breeze. We are so grateful for them and the easy peace they began our day with. Thank you both so much.
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 21 - 35 guests • Breakfast / brunch • Standard (basic ingredients) • Vegetarian or vegan • I'm flexible • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Tim O'Mara/Red Light Culinary Studio's reply
Thank you so much Taylor! With everything a new bride has to do during her wedding weekend- for you to share all of this, it means so much to us! To know that everyone enjoyed everything & that there was more than plenty is awesome to hear! ….Knowing our services helped you all have a wonderful Wedding day/weekend- that is what we love most about catering! It was truly our pleasure working with you! Thank you for trusting us to follow through with all of your wishes for your family during such a special moment together- Please reach out if we can ever be of service in the future or just stop in the shop if you’re ever in the area! We would love a second chance to meet the 2 of you😊 Again, Thank you so much! All the best❤️ Alice & Tim
Personal Chef
Harry S.
Mar 13, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim and Alice were a delight to work with. They were both very responsive, organized, and worked with me on potential menu for our special dinner. They came up with an excellent menu. I would not hesitate to use them in the future.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Tim O'Mara/Red Light Culinary Studio's reply
Thank you Harry- It was a pleasure working with you! We will look forward to another chance in the future!
Personal Chef
Jordan W.
Mar 31, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim and Alice made our elopement so easy! We reviewed the menu in advance and they were extremely generous when things happened last minute. The dinner they served us was absolutely amazing and the presentation was just as good. I hope to use them again in the future.
Details: 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - formal • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jill S.
Mar 8, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Tim for my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary dinner. We could not have had a better experience! Tim was responsive and so easy to work with. The day of the event, food and service was exceptional. It will be a day my whole family will remember and we are so thankful for all Red Light Culinary did to make it so special!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • I travel to the personal chef
Personal Chef
Jessica S.
Apr 14, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim was absolutely wonderful to work with. He responded quickly and was excited to work with our group. He made great suggestions and was enthusiastic to have us participate in preparing part of the meal. Tim and his assistant (his wife) were prompt, professional, and easygoing, and his food was superb. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a special meal.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • The personal chef travels to me
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Tim O'mara
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I price each customer individually based on frequency, need, expectation, travel required and client budget.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to meet with the customer in person, at some point, to understand the environment and expectation. I appreciate understanding individual likes and dislikes as well as any dietary restrictions or allergies. I also think that a personal “fit” is important as I prefer to genuinely like and respect my clients.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Vincennes University/Culinary Arts/1987-1989
30+ years of field work.
-Walt Disney World
-SYSCO Foodservicea of VA
-Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
-Stonewall Golf Club
-Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
-Heritage Hunt Golf & CC
Certifications:
ServSafe Professioal Food Handlers
ServSafe Responsible Service ABC
CPR
AED
