Big City Chefs Emeryville Private Chefs

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Introduction

We provide exclusive access to a small, elite team of the top private chefs in each city in which we operate. Most of our chefs come to us from the kitchens of the country's best restaurants, and they offer a level of culinary skill and front-of-house service that's unparalleled in the industry. In addition, we provide exclusive access to hard-to-find ingredients from our proprietary network of local artisans, farms, foragers, micro-growers, and our chefs' own gardens. We love to bring these unique experiences to you.

Overview

Hired 8 times

100 employees

25 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Credit card.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Featured Projects

12 photos

Reviews

4.5

4 reviews

50%

Melissa K.

Nov 7, 2012

Hired on Thumbtack

Wedding and Event Catering

Jake P.

Oct 23, 2011

Hired on Thumbtack

Big City chefs sent Chef Joel to our home to cook a brunch for 20 people on a Saturday AM. Joel and Big City did a good job, though they didn't deliver on some of their promises and details. They were very easy and quick to deal with in the process of booking and deciding on the menu. This was important given I only posted my request on Thumbtack for the job 3 days before my event. Joel was nice to deal with, interacted nicely with the guests, and looked professional when he was cooking. The food tasted very good, though it wasn't special. He cleaned up after himself in the kitchen. He even cooked a special meal for some vegetarian guests that wasn't previously requested. Joel did arrive 40 minutes late and therefore we ate later than we wanted. Also, Joel didn't deliver on exactly the menu he promised. He said he'd prepare fresh squeezed orange juice but only brought Safeway brand out of the box. He said he'd make chicken apple sausage as a separate dish but it was mixed in a fritada instead. Lastly, he said he'd bring serving platters but instead brought aluminum tins. I would hire Joel again because he was responsible and the food tasted good, but I was a bit disappointed as a customer.

Nat C.

Aug 5, 2014

Hired on Thumbtack

Tom was unavailable on the day of our event but was extremely quick in getting me in touch with Ryan, another chef at Big City Chefs. From the beginning, Ryan was very responsive--when I told him we were interested in doing a Mediterranean lesson, he sent me a list of about 15-20 delicious-looking items from which we could choose. While the organization and responsiveness were great from the beginning, what really stood out was the lesson itself. Ryan was personable, informative and fun. In his demo, he mixed practical knowledge and tips with interesting facts and myths about ingredients and techniques. Even though we were hungry, we were almost sad to see the lesson come to an end...although that meant that we actually got to eat the food. Everything was delicious. The moussaka and lamb both were incredible, and the phyllo honey walnut triangles were just the right amount of sweet. All in all, my entire family had an absolute blast and immediately made it clear that they would want Ryan to do another event. I definitely agree, and I'm sure I'll be booking him again in the future.

Private Cooking Lessons

Ashston V.

Mar 24, 2014

Hired on Thumbtack

We have not had the event yet but they have worked extremely fast and we were able to finalize everything within 24 hours of my inquiry!

Private Cooking Lessons

FAQs

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The culinary field is unique in that it not only cycles through consumer taste trends but is simultaneously rooted in rich culinary traditions and history. So we believe it is just as important to stay current on the oldest traditions as it is on the latest developments in our field. Our chefs share knowledge, develop relationships with artisans and growers, and personally connect with renowned restaurant chefs around the country to discover each others' exciting ideas. At the same time, we especially push our chefs to constantly rise above overplayed restaurant trends, so that each chef can embrace and unfold his or her own culinary strengths, interests, and style. As a result, our clients can enjoy truly unique dining experiences far beyond what they may discover at local restaurants.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Private dinner parties - you can choose one of our seasonal menus or our chefs can help customize a menu for any occasion, both formal and casual. Cooking classes - if you want to learn more about food and cooking, our chefs will bring you in on the action, and you and your guests will have a truly unique experience from the comfort of your own home. Menu planning - healthy eating can be hard, but our chefs will help map out a weekly menu in order for you to have the lifestyle you want and still eat great food.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
We wish customers would be able to experience not only the service we provide to them in their homes, but also the preparation, legwork, and behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making their events spectacular. From the creative process of menu planning through the shopping from many different purveyors, each event is actually the culmination of a long journey that begins when we first connect.