Chef and The Host
Chef and The Host

Chef and The Host

$85/person
estimated price


Scheduling
Budget per person

It’s free, with no obligation to book

Introduction
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR SAMPLE MENUS + INQUIRIES Working as a duo, Chef and the Host creates an attentive & unique culinary journey by bringing you a private restaurant experience all in the comfort of your home. Step into a world of epicurean delights as Chef Will transforms your kitchen into a gourmet haven. Immerse yourself in the aromas of freshly picked herbs, the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, and the delectable presentation of each plate. We are committed to bringing our clients the highest quality and freshest ingredients by shopping throughout San Diego's farmers markets and local shops. We have variety of mouthwatering dishes that we offer, but we can always curate a menu based on our clients’ personal preferences. The Chef and the Host experience begins as soon as you contact us. With her genuine warmth, Karen takes the time to communicate thoroughly with the client to make sure all their needs are met prior to the event. On the day of the event Karen takes the reins by transforming any occasion into a breathtaking celebration. As your host/server, she ensures that every moment in your home is a true delight. One of the distinctive features that is included with your booking with Chef and the Host is the table set up. This include plates, gold flatware, chargers, napkin linens, glassware, candle votives, and personalized menus + name tags. Once the last dish is served, we work together to leave the kitchen spotless as if we were never there. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to using the freshest seasonal ingredients, we craft a culinary experience that will surpasses your wildest expectations. SAMPLE OF 5 COURSE MENU: -AMUSE BOUCHE- Chef's whim -BITES- (choose 1) Osetra Caviar | buttermilk + rye blini, creme fraiche, pickled onions, chives Wagyu Beef Tartare | organic cured egg yolk, Italian capers, local chicharron Stuffed Cabbage | handpicked dungeness crab, purple cabbage, yellow pepper + aji amarillo sauce, mint Arancini | risotto, toasted nettle, basil, gruyère, parmesan aioli Yakitori Eggplant | binchotan charcoal, marinated egg yolk, sake glaze -STARTERS- (choose 1) Salt Spring Mussels Escabeche | saffron, fennel , tomato, paprika, Prager Brothers sourdough Green Garlic Bisque | sourdough croutons, smoked crema, thyme oil, toasted peppercorn Fried Sweetbreads | chanterelle mushroom custard, black truffle, demi glacé Charcoal Asparagus | poached egg, nori dressing, furikake bread crumb Spinach Gnocchi | roasted snap peas, charred broccoli, fried kale, basil pine nut pesto, whipped ricotta -SALAD- (choose 1) Heirloom Tomatoes | burrata, grilled hearts of palm, shiso, toasted buckwheat, sesame + black garlic dressing Little Gem Lettuces | farmers market vegetables, torn herbs, honeycomb + meyer lemon vinaigrette Romaine | grilled artichoke, buffalo mozzarella, smoked almond, candied lemon dressing Arugula | shaved fennel, raw and roasted porcini mushrooms, parmesan, evoo, white balsamic Mizuna | snap pea, prosciutto di parma, toasted bread crumb, brown butter vinaigrette -MAIN-(choose 1) Scallops | sunchoke puree, crispy artichoke hearts, black truffle beurre blanc, gremolata Seared Alaskan Halibut | buttered parisian carrot, roasted baby fennel, bagna cauda Heritage Pork Tenderloin | garlic scape, english pea, morel mushroom, polenta New Zealand Rack of Lamb | fava bean tapenade, crispy new potato, mint aioli, lamb jus American Wagyu Tenderloin | smoked carrot, potato gratin, bone marrow, bordelaise (option to add grilled San Diego Spot Prawns ) -DESSERT- (choose 1) Meyer Lemon Semifreddo | vanilla granita, roasted apricot, oat streusel Macerated Stone Fruits | sabayon, coconut crumble, mint gelee Strawberry Soufflé | crème anglaise Dark Chocolate Mousse | vanilla cream, rosemary lemon shortbread, cocoa nib, EVOO Chevre Cheese Cake | gingersnap crumb, candied hazelnut, olive oil, caramelized honeycomb
Overview

Hired 11 times

Serves San Diego, CA

Background checked

2 employees

3 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, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Featured Projects

109 photos

  • Birthday Dinner

    Personal Chef

Specialties
Event type

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Cuisine(s)

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

10 reviews

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pro avatar
Fiona C.
Jul 16, 2022
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The Chef and The Host offer 5-star service and overall a real bang for your buck. The food was sooo incredibly good, the chef was knowledgeable about every dish and the flavors made it evident he was passionate about his work. The host was warm and welcoming and a great addition to the night. Overall, I highly recommend using this dynamic duo for your next special event! 10/10.

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
pro avatar
Vanessa H.
Dec 21, 2021
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Chef and the Host provided an amazing 5 course menu for our first family dinner party since the pandemic began. It was a really big deal for us since we stayed fairly isolated to protect a vulnerable family member. What a special evening! Karen worked with us to get everything prepared before hand, and the day of, all we had to do was get the house set! They were super cool about our pandemic precautions, worked with my food restrictions (which are ridiculous), and designed an amazing menu for us. Karen set a beautiful table, provided custom printed menus, and created a wonderful atmosphere for our event. The food was excellent, with some fun surprises and Chef Will gave us a quick rundown of each course as it was presented. It was so wonderful, I think next time I will have to do a better job of selecting wines so we can do a full wine pairing dinner - it was in-line with some of the best tasting menus we've experienced. I have so much gratitude for Chef and the Host for helping us celebrate this December - it was truly a marvelous experience!! Thank you!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
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Pat W.
Jan 5, 2022
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

This experience exceeded our expectations. The entire evening was exactly what we requested. The food was not only delicious and unique but also beautifully plated and presented. Karen and Will were engaging, informative about ingredients used, and fun! They provided a personal touch and obviously take great pride in what they do. I have no reservations recommending them to anyone and look forward to another experience with them.

Details: Brunch / dinner party • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
pro avatar
Cassia C.
Aug 2, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Karen and Will were so flexible leading up to my husband's birthday dinner. The communication was frequent which kept my comfort level high and all questions were answered. Karen was the most thoughtful hostess and Will's food had a depth of flavor that was out of this world! The non-dairy dessert he made us was unbelievable!! Our kitchen was cleaner after they left than when they arrived. What an incredible pair!!!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
pro avatar
Derek M.
May 8, 2021
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Wow! Karen and Will gave us a tremendously wonderful evening. Our experience far exceeded our high expectations, and it was the best dinner or dining experience we have ever had. The service, attention to detail, and presentation were all great, but the best part was how amazing the food tasted. They also left our kitchen cleaner than when they arrived. We are looking forward to doing it again!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check

Karen Giovannini

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    Our flat service fees starts at $300, may fluctuate according to your guest count (this does not include food)