Please enjoy $100 off gatherings of 12 people or more. Discount automatically applied. 

Gatherings

Meal Prep

A Season or Long Term

Cooking Classes

Chef Services Overview

Our booking policy is flexible, so don't worry if these details change. Our chef services are available in 

, though many Culinista® chefs are happy to travel. For services outside of these areas, 

The Culinistas is a resource that gives everyone the freedom and confidence to connect around a meal.

Our optional drinks service includes up to 2 drinks plus waitstaff who will arrive 1 hour before guests and provide 4 hours of service. Additional time will be billed at $60/hour. The Culinistas will provide ice and non-alcoholic ingredients. The host is responsible for providing alcohol.

Gatherings start at $500 (based on guest count) plus groceries, sales tax and a $15 travel reimbursement. We automatically add 20% chef gratuity to all gatherings (i.e. $100 for $500 base rate).

Our chef services are available in the NYC metro area, the Hamptons, LA, and the D.C. metro area, though many Culinista® chefs are happy to travel. For services outside of these areas, 

Yes! Your Culinista chef will plate and serve your meal. If your gathering requires additional waitstaff, we’ll staff a reliable server from our trusted network.

, telling us the details of your gathering and your preferred menu, and we’ll match you with the ideal Culinista chef. Your Culinista chef will arrive with groceries and handle the prep, cooking, serving, and clean up while you enjoy time with your guests.

If your gathering requires an extra set of hands, we’ll staff a reliable server or bartender from our Culinista network. We do not coordinate rentals or decor but can connect you with vetted vendors if you need additional support.

Certain ingredients in these dishes may make them more costly—and increase your total grocery bill—so we wanted to let you know. 

All great dishes start with an aromatic base to develop flavor

Build A Foundation

A dish that alchemizes three bold and distinct flavors to hit sweet, sour, savory, salty, and bitter notes

Trifecta

Herbs that thread flavor throughout a recipe and garnish

Infusing Oil

Browning your protein (crisping the exterior while softening the interior) will help to intensify its flavor

Char Goes Far

Using a sharp ingredient to cut the richness from heavier ingredients

Balancing Act

Large format & straightforward recipes that are ideal for crowds

Party Meal

Layering different types of the same fruit or vegetable to your dish for an extra level of complexity

Tomayto Tomahto

The unexpected pairing of something sweet to a protein complements the dish

Sweet Ingredient + Savory Protein

Prior to cooking, toasting grains helps to intensify its flavor

Boost Your Grains

Using a multitude of soft stem herbs helps to brighten your dressings & marinades

All the Herbs

Flavor keys include techniques from across the culinary spectrum (think: infusing, searing, marinating, pickling) but they all share the same goal: to maximize every ingredient’s flavor, every time you cook. 

Flavor

A generous attitude is the secret ingredient in any gathering. These keys ensure the mood is right, everyone feels comfortable, and the gathering is seamless. 

Hosting

Meet us by the hearth for a spread designed to keep out the cold. Our Cassoulet Blanc is a thyme-infused chicken stew that’s both rich and inviting. If that doesn’t make you feel cozy, our Bubbles Bar of timeless champagne cocktails certainly will.

Fireside Chat

Sangria Bar

Chanukah

A French-ish spread featuring forkable and finger-friendly bites. Pairs perfectly with our Negroni Bar.

Classic Cocktail Hour

Bring home the warming flavors and aromas of Moroccan cuisine with this robust menu of favorites, like Spiced Lamb with Couscous and Eggplant & Cauliflower Tagine. 

Moroccan Feast

Elegant Holiday Cocktails

Cancel that reservation; the steak, and its beloved sides, are getting cooked up in-house.

Steakhouse Classics

Greece’s most popular dishes, made in your kitchen. Crispy-topped Spanakopita is always a hit, and Fig Frozen Yogurt with Baklava Brittle is nothing short of decadence. 

Opa! Taverna

Jewish Classics

Spritz O'Clock

Nestle into winter with the coziest of menus. Long-simmered braises and slow roasted veggies team up to deliver a hearty and warming spread. 

Winter Gluten Free 

Winter Digestif & Desserts

Sports Sundays

New Years Eve

Inspired by Chinese-American favorites, this menu is an umami-rich feast with some ‘nista twists. Think Beef & Broccolini and Spinach & Garlic Cauli Rice.

Dynasty Dinner 

Paella is the ultimate dish to gather around, and this menu lets it shine. When it comes to drinks, we simply can’t recommend our Scarlet Sangria enough. 

Paella Night

Quiet Luxury

Vegetarian Braise

Christmas

Valentine Vibes 

Plated Classics

Love is Served

This menu brings tender and succulent dishes to your table that will keep you warm until April. And, if you think hearty meats are the only things getting simmered, just wait for our Braised Kale Stracciatella.

Big Braise

Pizza Party

If you pictured a molten Fondue Feast upon reading the title, you’re absolutely correct. Whether you’re fresh off the slopes or simply craving the warmth of a cozy cabin, this menu will take your tastebuds to the Alps.

Melting Pot

Majestic King Crab Legs with Basil Butter for dipping are reason enough to invite friends over. Also at its seasonal peak: winter citrus, and our Citrus with Basil bursts with four types. Pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts add crunch.

Winter al Mare

This client-favorite menu is nothing but the hits: Bagels & Lox and Mushroom Potato Hash for those who skew savory, and Banana French Toast and Fruit Salad for the sweeties. 

Big Brunch

Tequila Bar

Cinq à Sept

Surf & Turf

Have a night at the cantina, with dishes like Chicken Tortilla Soup and Esquites, and your choice of tacos: we like carnitas, fish, or both. 

Taqueria en Casa 

Lower temps can’t stop us from brunching. Tuck into a spicy, savory Shakshuka, shake off the chill with our Potato Kale Salad, and finish the night with fresh, vibrant So-Cal Citrus for that necessary dose of Vitamin C. 

Winter Lunch & Bubbles

Italian Trattoria 

For some, Christmas Eve is synonymous with an epic night of seafood. We’re starting with snacks like Marinated Anchovy Crostini and Tuna Tapenade to whet our appetites, then diving into bowls of Cod & Clam Cioppino. Dare we say, this one is a catch.

Feast of the 7 Fishes

Gin, Tonic & Toasts

Quintessential Culinistas Winter 

Hosting made easy with a Culinista chef.

Choose your Menu

Share the Details

Sit Back and Relax

How It Works

Our menus are vibrant, seasonal, and infinitely customizable.

Ready to gather?

In Season

Favorites

Grazing

Upcoming

Our Menus

All Culinista chefs come highly referred and must pass a background check and a cooking interview.

Thoroughly Vetted

Culinista chefs have graduated from top culinary schools and worked in the best restaurants.

Professionally Trained

We handpick the best chefs for you based on their skills and your needs.

Perfectly Paired

Culinista® Chefs

Whether you’re hosting your partner or a group of ten, these keys ensure the atmosphere is comfortable and the meal is memorable. With the kitchen under control, 

Hosting made easy with a Culinista chef.

Choose your Menu

Share the Details

Sit Back and Relax

Culinista chefs hail from top restaurants around the country. They help celebrate our culinary methods and approach to hospitality.

Party Like a Culinista

Our services also include chefs for weekly meal prep, cooking classes, and seasonal & long term needs.