The Dinner Belle

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Introduction

Having grown up in the kitchens of my Grandmother and Father, I discovered a love for cooking at a young age. My path to becoming a personal chef has been fueled by a passion for creating diverse and flavorful food. I weave together a tapestry of cultural influences, drawing inspiration from my love of fine dining and different culinary traditions. With an unwavering belief that food brings people together and creates lasting memories, I am ready to make your next special occasion unforgettable. I offer a wide variety of cuisines and am very experienced with dietary restrictions. I have been an at home chef for 20 years and finally decided to turn my talents into a business. I was a personal/private chef in Dallas and Austin for the last 10 years. I’ve just moved to Washington and am excited to use the abundant seafood available! I love to learn about new techniques and ingredients and am excited for everything the Northwest has to offer. The best part of my job is hearing about how much my clients enjoy the food I've created for them and seeing the delight on their faces.I am very accommodating and easy to get along with.

Overview

Hired 12 times

Background checked

1 employee

10 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo.

Featured Projects

50 photos

Specialties

Event type

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

14 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Michelle D.

Jun 3, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ellen catered our high school graduation party, and it was a wonderful experience. She started setting up while we were at the graduation ceremony and took care of everything from start to finish! The food was delicious (and she accommodated our Gluten Free requests), and it was so nice to sit back and relax during our party. We hope to use her again!

Details: Graduation party • Lunch • Dessert • American - casual • Buffet • I'm flexible • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Serving and warming equipment • I'm flexible

Wedding and Event Catering

Eddie S.

Apr 6, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ellen was very responsive and helpful, she was professional, and was great addition to our gathering (leaned in to help when needed, then cooking and cleaning up in the background for a seamless event)! The food was incredible and she was able to create a menu that was not only delicious, but was also able to accommodate some dietary restrictions. We would highly recommend Ellen and her extraordinary culinary skills!

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Dinner • Italian • Plated meal • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Brigitte O.

Jan 18, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

The Dinner Belle was outstanding in every way! She was a delight to have in my kitchen and I’m already planning my next event with her. She showed up right on the button and went to work in my kitchen. She prepared large, crab cakes, with pure Dungeness crab. Not a bunch of bread crumb filler. They were served with a delicious sauce that included capers and tarragon . Lemon slices provided beautiful color and tartness. Just perfect. For the main course she created a lovely braised veal shank for making Osso Buco for our party of 5. The accompanying sauce and risotto Milanese were divine. Her portions were generous! And beautifully presented! Everyone raved about their leftovers! Dinner was followed by a dessert of Amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding to which she even included a candle for my birthday celebration. Thank you! The Dinner Belle was courteous and fun to get to know. She left my kitchen spic and span! I can’t wait to have her in my home - next time for a rehearsal dinner for #24- where she can show off her culinary and presentation skills. It is evident that she loves what she does as she’s simply amazing! Thank you again Dinner Belle for making my day extra special!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - formal • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Terri L.

Oct 21, 2024

For our 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration this past August, Ellen - The Dinner Belle - prepared a truly amazing and memorable luncheon for our party. I knew I was in good hands the first time we met - she listened to what I had in mind and her suggestions for the menu were spot on. From the appetizers to the details on our wedding cake to replicate our wedding cake of 50 years ago - perfection! On the day of our event - Ellen and her wonderful assistant were punctual and very well organized. The presentation of the buffet was beautiful - not only did it look good everything was so delicious. So many compliments from our guests on the variety of the food options. Ellen is what culinary magic is all about - I put my faith in her and she hit a home run or I should say a grand slam! I would highly recommend Ellen at thedinnerbellepnw.com for any type of event when you are looking for the best. A true professional that delivers! Thank you Ellen!

Stephanie G.

Dec 19, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Ellen for our holiday home party was more than I could have ever hoped for. She proposed a unique, sophisticated menu based on my favorite foods. She and her assistant arrived on time and stayed preparing and serving our guests until everyone was fed and happy. Guests raved about every dish, and how friendly and approachable she and assistant were. One mentioned that Ellen and assistant added to the party, rather than being separate from it. We wanted guests to feel special, and Ellen was the best choice we could have made. We all applauded them as they packed up and left. Their work and craft were truly exceptional. I hope to work with her again.

Details: Holiday party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • American - formal • Italian • Asian • American - casual • Food stations • I'm flexible • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 20 - 29 guests • Serving and warming equipment • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Credentials

Background Check

Ellen Norton

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is about 35-50person/meal. But, it varies depending on the complexity of the dishes and time spent at the venue.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to talk with them about their needs first. Then, I have a series of questions I ask to customize a service just for them. We then work out the details and discuss pricing options.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've worked in restaurants with great chefs for many years. I don't have classical training, but I've taken many cooking classes and workshops.