Private Chef in Tompkins County
Rent one of our 13 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Tompkins County
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Tompkins County in March 2017, more than 13 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Tompkins County and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Tompkins County.
Starting in 2017, 41,406 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Tompkins County. To book your chef in Tompkins County, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 10,171 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 119,892 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.63 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 41,406 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Tompkins County usually book menus around 164 USD per person, including 3.12 courses, sharing an average of 3.1 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Tompkins County.
How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
13 Private Chefs in Tompkins County
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Tompkins County
More than 41,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.32 Chef
The guests in Tompkins County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.32.
4.71 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Tompkins County received an average score of 4.71.
4.57 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.57 average score.
4.76 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Tompkins County has been scored with a 4.76 on average.
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10,171 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Tompkins County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
Aged balsamic bruschetta - heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, basil, feta cheese
Macerated fruit salad
French toast, market fruits, maple syrup
Pancakes, caramelized ripe banana & toasted walnuts
Eggs & shakshuka, sourdough bread, tomato sauce, roasted garlic
Baked frittata with cheese, french crispy fries, grated zucchini and herbs oil
Fried chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, 24 hour brine, crispy southern style, coleslaw, french fries
Beef burgees american cheese, mustard, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce, french fries
Steak and eggs with chimichurri served with home fries
Assorted pastries, selected by the chef
Arugula & watercress w/ strawberry, frico, & rhubarb shrub
Burrata w/ tomato jam, gremolata, & sourdough
Duck breast w/ creme fraiche, spaetzle, sour cherry
Trout /w pea soubise, charred radish, & fermented barley
Chicken thigh w/ summer squash, garlic spinach, & smoked tomato
Creme brulee /w blueberry coulis
Panna cotta w/ cherry compote
Roasted grape w/ yogurt ice cream, port wine
Market greens, radish, olives, dill
Shaved brussels salad, glazed almond, dijon
Smoked salmon canapes
Burrata salad, with heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction
Crispy empanada, saffron aioli, pickled vegetables
Broccoli soup, toasted seed, creme fraiche
Beef tartare, cornichons, dijon, capers & toasted baguette
Roasted chicken, truffle potato pure, seasonal market vegetables
Country pork chop, cheddar grits, scallion & pepper vinaigrette
Rib eye steak, thyme butter sauce braised asparagus and toasted hazelnuts
Sea bass with vegetables, capers sauce & dill
Classic cheesecake
Brioche bread - pudding, crème anglaise ice cream
Geneoise cake, fruit coulis
Chocolate lava cake
Fried artichoke w/ orange zest, basil aioili
Salmon belly w/ sriracha aioli & rice cracker
Halloumi w/ smoked tomato & pea tendril
Spring onion, ramp, & asparagus w/ romesco
Chicken thigh w/ pomme puree, garlic spinach
Duck breast w/ creme fraiche, spaetzle, sour cherry
Lamb chop w/ braised fingerlings, asparagus, & pea soubise
Cold smoked hanger w/ braised potato, farmer's vegetable, & worcestershire demi
Trout /w beer braised potato, farmer's vegetable, & miso dashi
Chocotorta w/ goat milk dulce del leche, espresso
Lemon olive oil cake w/ whipped goat cheese, honey
Japanese cheesecake /w sencha
“shrimp and grits”: garlic shrimp with togarashi and black and white sesame seeds, crispy rounds of white corn grits, tomato jam
Arugula and beet salad: roasted beets, shaved ricotta salata, blood orange, pine nuts, mint
Carrots 3 ways: roasted heirloom carrots, confit carrot, raw shaved carrot, hazelnut, parsley, avocado, radish
“melon and prosciutto”: cubes of cantaloupe, italian prosciutto, balsamic glaze, mint
“bagels and lox”: platter of assorted bagels, cream cheese spreads, salmon lox, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, capers
Deviled egg: smoked paprika, chive, caviar
“benedict”: choice of canadian bacon or salmon lox, mushroom focaccia, sous vide egg, hollandaise
Corn fritters: 3 cornmeal fritters with sweet corn, roasted oyster mushrooms, roasted corn and black beans salsa, cilantro crema
"cacio e pepe": classic hand cut spaghetti, black pepper, pecorino (can add confit cherry tomato, guanciale and basil)
“braise of the day”: braised beef, pork or lamb, sunny side up eggs, cornbread
Belgian waffle: 2 waffles, moscato soaked berries, zabaione, mint
Blueberry “johnny cakes”: white cornmeal pancakes with blueberry compote, sweet vanilla creme fraiche, mint
“all american”: 2 eggs any way, smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, short stack of pancakes
Frittata: cherry tomato, english peas, shrimp, basil, chili jam
“steak and eggs”: sous vide ny strip steak, 2 free range eggs, home fries, chimichuri
Banana french toast: brioche french toast, banana rum compote, almond butter, pineapple ginger syrup, whipped cream
Salmon: pan roasted salmon, wilted spinach, hollandaise
Burger: 8 ounce burgers, potato roll, pickle, lettuce, caramelized onion, "special sauce"
Moscato soaked berries and citrus segments, zabaione, biscotti
Panna cotta: vanilla panna cotta, blackberry compote, mint
Fruit salad: cantaloupe, honeydew melon, strawberries, mango, blueberries
Assorted pastries: croissants, sfogliatella, danish
Bombolone (italian donuts): variety of filled donuts. fillings: custard cream, nutella, pistachio, raspberry, blueberry almond
Mini tarts: chocolate, hazelnut, berries
Olive oil cake: almond olive oil cake, whipped cream, meyer lemon curd, mint
“fo-gra” a traditional french foie gras pate made vegan with cashews, served with toast, seasonal jam,
“ tiny” bean salad, green beans, white beans, radicchio, basil, roasted mushrooms, with sweet white balsamic reduction
Lamb chop, (off bone) cream cauliflower; short rib strudel with whole grain mustard ; roasted broccolini ; finished with sauce perigoux
All spice cake, mescato poached pears, vanilla crème brulee, chocolate bark
Babaganoush, grilled eggplant puree, tahini, garlic and lemon juice
Fattoush, greens, tomato, cucumber, radish, pepper, sumac, fried pita, apple cider vinager, and olive oil
Kibbeh, slow cooked beef, tzatziki
Crispy fried falafel - parsley & cilantro, tahini
Mediterranean salad - baked bread, burrata, tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata, bell peppers, red vinaigrette
Mediterranean mix, beef, chicken hearts, hummus, parsley , pickles and hummus
Greek stuffed peppers - ground beef, spinach, bulgur wheat, zucchini, stewed tomatoes, feta cheese
Lemon salmon - parsley, red pepper rice
Tiramisu - mascarpone, cacao powder
Bread pudding, toasted pistachios & walnuts, creme anglaise
Almond citrus olive oil cake - citrus compote, toasted almonds, powdered sugar
Radicchio salad: charred radicchio leaf, baby romaine hearts, pickled currants, pine nuts, honey sherry vinaigrette, oregano
Fluke crudo, parsnip, uni, salmorigilo
Beef tartare: tartare of filet mignon, whole grain mustard, fried capers, garlic crostini, quail egg
Arugula salad: ricotta salata, blood orange, pine nuts, mint
Arctic char tartare: dice arctic char, dijon foam, chive, char caviar, dehydrated char skin chip
“chicken parm fritter”: crispy croquette of chicken confit with parmigiano reggiano mornay, spicy tomato ragu
Foie gras: slice of foie gras (moulard duck liver) terrine, toasted brioche, green grapes, spicy grape jam, walnuts
Prawn crudo: raw wild prawn, fermented chili sauce, sweet chili citrus vinaigrette, melon, crispy shallots, caviar, cilantro oil, micro leek
Carrot and winter squash soup: ginger, coconut foam, guanciale, cilantro oil, cashews
Grain salad: quinoa, roasted sweet potato, pear, gruyere cheese, maple mustard vinaigrette, crispy sage
Rigatoni "bolognese": classic tomato ragu with ground beef, carrot, celery, oregano, basil
Winter mushrooms: crispy maitake mushroom, roasted oyster mushrooms, pickled beech mushrooms, mornay, mushroom dashi
Gnocchi: homemade potato gnocchi, celery and celery root, fennel sausage, mint pesto, almond
"bucatini and clams": shellfish tomato bisque, little neck clams, bacon lardons, mint, basil
Kabocha squash raviolo: raviolo stuffed with cauliflower and basil mascarpone, kabocha squash cream sauce, roasted diced squash, guanciale, pumpkin spice
Spaghetti: bottarga, italian herbs, lemon, spicy breadcrumbs
Truffle pasta: hand cut spaghetti, white truffle sauce, wild mushroom, wild spinach, truffle peelings, parsley
Foie gras: seared foie gras (moulard duck liver), toasted brioche, fig jam, balsamic reduction
Pappardelle: hand cut pasta, wild boar ragu, pecorino
Fusilli: tomato ragu, braised beef shank, pecorino
Halibut: rosemary and garlic sous vide halibut, “ribollita” (stewed tuscan bean), guanciale, broccoli rabe, parsley pesto
Roasted cod: roasted atlantic cod, celery root “chowder”, diced celery and celery root, littleneck clam, clam and lemon foam
Ny strip steak: sous vide strip steak, potato pave, wild mushroom and spinach, port reduction
Beef rib: slow roasted beef rib, savoy cabbage, seasonal mushroom, bone marrow broth
Branzino: pan roasted branzino, lentils and pancetta, cauliflower, parsley veloute
Salmon: roasted salmon, barley, heirloom carrots, purple sweet potato, maple mustard miso vinaigrette, watercress
Ribeye: seared ribeye steak, white truffle cream potato gratin, tuscan kale, beef jus
Lentils: braised lentils, oyster mushrooms, sous vide egg, truffle oil, parsley, breadcrumb, pecorino
Berkshire pork belly: braised pork belly, leeks, sweet potato, brussels sprouts, apple maple gastrique
Scallops: pan roasted diver scallop, maitake mushroom, rainbow chard, parsnip, dashi
Roasted veal chop: rosemary sous vide veal chop, sweet potato purée, haricot verts, balsamic reduction
Duck: roasted duck breast, confit duck thigh terrine with apricot and pistachio, wild rice, haricot verts, crispy sage, duck jus
Chicken: sous vide then pan roasted chicken breast, chicken thigh roulade with duxelles and herbs, swiss chard, parsley veloute
Moscato soaked berries, zabaione, biscotti
Strawberry cheesecake: classic ricotta cheesecake, candied strawberry, strawberry compote
Pistachio cake with pistachio mousse, hazelnut mousse and pistachio gel, blood orange and rose sorbet
Chocolate mousse cake: chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, cherry vanilla ice cream
Panna cotta: vanilla panna cotta, blackberry compote, mint
Pear: port braised pear with cinnamon, “crumb cake”, sweet creme fraiche, mint
“ferrero rocher cake”: layered chocolate vanilla cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, hazelnuts
Olive oil cake: almond olive oil cake, whipped cream, meyer lemon curd, mint
Lemon ricotta cake: meyer lemon curd, blueberry compote, whipped cream
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Tompkins County.
What does a private chef service include in Tompkins County?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Tompkins County?
The price of renting a chef in Tompkins County can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 112 USD to 141 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 112 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 118 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 141 USD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Tompkins County?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 13 chefs available in Tompkins County. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Tompkins County who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Tompkins County?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Tompkins County
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Tompkins County
Percentage of our women chefs in Tompkins County.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Tompkins County.
Percentage of services with kids in Tompkins County.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Tompkins County.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Tompkins County.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Tompkins County.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Tompkins County.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Tompkins County each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Tompkins County, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Tompkins County.
Cost of a private chef in Tompkins County
The cost of hiring a private chef in Tompkins County can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 112 USD to 141 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 112 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 98 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 118 USD
For 2 people: 141 USD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Tompkins County?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Tompkins County: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Tompkins County!
Talk to our chefs in Tompkins County
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Tompkins County? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Tompkins County, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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