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

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.

Gail Simmons

Top Chef

Dana Cowin

Food & Wine

Gwyneth Parltrow

Goop

Chef Aaron

Culinista chef since 2019

Grain-based salads are best if eaten at room temperature, but are also wonderful hot or cold

1 Blender/ Food Processor (4-cup or larger)

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Stock Pot

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

2 - 4 Baking Sheets, standard 12 x 17 (2 for small, 4 for medium)

Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan w/Cover

1 Fish Spatula (not required, but suggested)

Dalstrong Professional Kitchen Fish Spatula

Pasta dishes are prepared al dente and soften in their sauces over time

Pasta dishes are best at room temperature or cold

Stove: Heat in pan over medium heat, adding water as needed so the sauce doesn’t reduce

Microwave: Partially cover the vessel and stir every 30 seconds

Cleaned base greens and salad accoutrements will be packaged separately; toss together in a medium to large bowl and add dressing to taste

Allow sauces, dressings, and vinaigrettes to come to room temperature so they can loosen

Cookies, brownies, bars & scones best eaten at room temperature

Muffins & load breads are best eaten at room temperature or reheated slightly

Slice, spread with butter or coconut oil, and toast butter side down on skillet over medium heat until golden brown

Fruit salads best eaten cold or at room temperature

Meat dishes are prepared medium-rare, poultry dishes are fully cooked through, with sauce on the side

Oven: Transfer meat/poultry/fish and sauce in a covered oven-safe containers or wrapped in aluminum foil @ 375°F for 5-15 minutes depending on desired temperature and doneness

Stove: Reheat sauce over low heat, stirring every 30 seconds until heated to your desired temperature; pour over room temperature meat/poultry/fish

Hearty vegetable salads are best if eaten at room temperature, but are also wonderful hot or cold

Oven: Transfer into a heatproof vessel @ 350°F until warmed through (5-10 minutes)

3 large Cutting Boards (depends on chef count, 1 cutting board per chef)

1 Blender (6-cup or larger)/Food Processor (4-cup or larger)

Mixing Bowls for Large Parties (20+ guests): 

All Clad 12” Fry Pan, Professional Grade

All Clad 8” Fry Pan, Professional Grade

Stove Top: Reheat over low heat, stirring every 30 seconds until heated to your desired temperature (4-8 minutes)

Reheating Guide

Equipment

Before your service, please read these helpful tips:

Empty the dishwasher and clear out the sink before the chef arrives.

Make sure you have olive oil, salt, pepper, tin foil & parchment paper for cooking. Plus, soaps, dish rags, trash bags, and a broom for clean up.

Double check our equipment list below, and make sure your kitchen is stocked.

Confirm that stove burners, oven, broiler, and dishwasher work; if something doesn't work, please let us know in advance.

Make sure someone is home to let in the chef at their scheduled time of arrival or that kitchen is accessible without guidance.

Familiarize your chef with the home (shoe policy, smoke alarms, pets, trash, recycling, wash rooms, etc.)

Leave fridge space for groceries, dishes and/or leftovers.

Communicate with your chef about children and furry friends' kitchen rules.

If your service was exceptional and you'd like to tip above the included 20% gratuity, please do so in cash.

Friendly Reminder: Your chef(s) are there to cook for you, not set the table or serve you. That's this service!

Best Practices

International

Summer Preview

In Season

Favorites

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Tomato Gazpacho

Sea Bass with Charred Cucumber ($)

Charred Yellow Squash Gemelli

Brown Butter Pecan Blondies

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Mushroom & Potato Skewers with Basil Yogurt Dip

Charred Eggplant Dip & Cucumbers

Squash with Herbs

Grilled Lobster ($)

Herb Butter Corn on the Cob

Farm Fresh Lettuces with Herbs

Corn & Cucumber Salad

Spinach Salad with Grilled Apricots

Romaine & Avocado Salad

Oysters on the Half Shell

White Clam Pizza

Clambake Potato Salad ($)

Burrata Bar ($)

Pork & Peaches

Grilled Vegetable Couscous

California Dip & Crudités 

Grilled Stone Fruit with Sorbet

Summer Garden Frittata

Charred Cabbage Caesar

Honeydew & Kiwi

If you have questions or concerns about your bill, please contact accounting@theculinistas.com.

We thoroughly review all preferences and thoughtfully match you with a chef to meet those needs. If you are unhappy with the match for any reason, 

Yes! We do receive requests for chefs outside of our core service areas, whether for seasonal work, short term travel, or long term, salaried positions.

All services are billed with 20% gratuity included, 100% of which will go to your Culinista chef. While there is no expectation to do so, you are welcome to provide an additional cash tip for extraordinary service.

In general, we’re happy to source another chef who is a better fit. 

 and select from our three Class Menus—Paella Party, Steak Night, and Pizza Party—which are carefully designed to teach you our Culinista Keys. We’ll show you how to create a balanced menu, master mise en place, improvise with confidence, and streamline your time in the kitchen. There are options for customization within each menu.

Culinista chefs hail from top restaurants and culinary schools around the country. They help celebrate our culinary methods and approach to hospitality. We thoroughly vet every chef on our platform, including background checks and a cooking interview. We handpick the right chefs for you based on their skills and your needs.

You are able to skip, pause, or deactivate your weekly service at any time using your client dashboard prior to 48 hours before your next service. At 48 hours prior to your next service, your service is confirmed and your service fee is nonrefundable. If you cancel within 48 hours of service, you will be charged the full service fee plus any charges incurred by the chef, including groceries and travel at the company’s discretion.

At 24 hours prior to your next service, if you have not yet selected your weekly menu, your service will be canceled and you will be charged the full service fee. Culinista chefs need a menu to grocery shop and plan, and without enough notice, your service cannot be executed properly.

If someone in your household is sick or in case of medical emergency, we will attempt to reschedule at the chef’s convenience within six days of your original service date. This is upon company discretion, and you may be held responsible for the full service fee. If the chef is unavailable for a rescheduled service, we will send you a different chef at the company’s discretion. If you are unable to reschedule within six days of your original service date, you will still be charged the full service fee.

The Culinistas is committed to offering chefs a flexible work schedule that fits their needs; therefore compensation varies widely and is dependent on the chef’s availability. Some chefs on our platform earn $2,000 a week working for The Culinistas on the side, and others earn $20,000 a month during a busy summer season.

Compensation starts at $175 for meal prep services and $350 for gatherings. Seasonal market and specialty day rates start at $500 per day. Full time roles typically start at $120K per year. All compensation is dependent upon experience, tenure at the company, and household size and needs.


Yes, we encourage Culinista chefs to work in multiple markets. We especially invite chefs across all markets to join us for our busy summer season in the Hamptons.

The Culinistas HQ is a talented and passionate team of culinary, editorial, operations, customer service, and marketing professionals. View our open roles 

Our services fall into four main categories: 

. For more information on each, explore the links above and refer to the relevant FAQ sections on this page.

We develop all our recipes and menus with a grocery list in mind, and Culinista chefs are trained to shop so that they always have the correct items and the appropriate quantities to execute your service. For these reasons, we greatly prefer that the chefs shop for their services.

The weekly meal prep service includes a Culinista chef grocery shopping for you and coming to your home to prepare six dishes that can be mixed and matched for 3-4 meals throughout the week. 

We recommend choosing dishes that work in pairs or trios as full menus, or mix and match to cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert.

Yes, our goal is to make it easier for you and your family to enjoy dinner together. Our large size accommodates families of up to six people. If your family is larger than six people, please fill out a 

 and we will provide you with a custom quote.

Culinista chefs shop locally at our favorite grocers and farmers markets. They shop specifically for you and are happy to accommodate your preferences. They source the freshest and most nutrient-dense items they can find, striving to buy organic and non-GMO produce whenever possible.

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, 

Grocery costs will vary depending on your service area and menu selection. The below ranges are meant as general guides:

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.

If anything about your service wasn’t quite right, please 

We require 48 hours prior notice to cancel any service without charge. Within 48 hours of your service, your service may be nonrefundable. Please see below for our service-specific cancellation policies.

If someone in your household is sick or in case of medical emergency, we will attempt to reschedule at the chef’s convenience within six days of your original service date. This is upon company discretion, and you may be held responsible for the full service fee. If the chef is unavailable for a rescheduled service, we will send you a different chef at the company’s discretion. If you are unable to reschedule within six days of your original service date, you will be charged the full service fee.

You are able to cancel your service at any time prior to 48 hours before your guest arrival time free of charge. If you cancel for any reason between 48 hours and 24 hours before your guest arrival time, you will be charged 50% of the service fee to partially compensate your chef. If you cancel within 24 hours of guest arrival time, you will be charged the full service fee plus any charges incurred by the chef, inclusive of groceries and travel at the company’s discretion.

All Culinista cooking services happen in the client’s home. Most chefs prefer to bring their knives–all other tools and appliances will usually be provided.

All services will be billed with 20% gratuity included, 100% of which will go to your Culinista chef. While there is no expectation to do so, you are welcome to provide an additional cash tip for extraordinary service.

Our seasonal and long term chef services are available all over the world. Our roster of chefs are largely based in the New York metro area, the D.C. metro area, and Los Angeles, but many are excited to travel. To find a chef in your area, 

Cooking class menus include four dishes: one appetizer to be enjoyed before and during the cooking demo, one dish to be demo-ed, and two dishes that will be prepared ahead of time and served with the demo dish.

Our Culinista chefs have diverse backgrounds, including nutrition certifications and Michelin-starred restaurant experience. Their degrees are from schools like the Culinary Institute of America and Cornell's elite hospitality program.

The Client Services team will present service opportunities to you based on your location and availability. You will always have the option to accept or decline a request based on your schedule and needs. Once matched with a meal prep client, you will automatically be scheduled with them on a weekly basis unless you need a substitute.

Your credit card will be charged within 2-3 business days after your service.

Our cooking classes can accommodate up to 12 people.

Culinista chefs start as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m. Chefs are available seven days a week. You set the time that works best for you.

No. Unlike a traditional staffing agency, The Culinistas is a full-service private chef and culinary company that develops recipes, designs menus, vets chefs, and personalizes our services for every client. Our dedicated client services team handles every step of your experience, including scheduling, chef selection, menu selection, and billing.

Email us at q@theculinistas.com to use a promo code for your service.

We created The Culinistas to make it easier for chefs to do what they love, no matter what stage they are at in their careers. Our HQ team handles the booking, menu planning, billing, and logistics with household clients, so Culinista® chefs can focus on cooking and hospitality. We offer flexibility for those who want it, and stability for those looking for a consistent schedule.

Pricing for these services is determined case by case. Please 

The first step to becoming a Culinista chef is filling out 

. Once we have received your application, we will…

Schedule a 30-minute phone interview to let you know more about the company and and to learn more about you.

For VIP consideration (i.e. summer Hamptons, winter in Aspen, long term placements), ask you to provide up to three references and create sample menus based on different household scenarios.

Complete a 90-minute in person cooking interview. We send you two Culinista recipes the day prior so that you can review and create your prep list. We grocery shop ahead of time, you show up with your knives and other tools you carry in your knife roll. You have 90 minutes to cook, clean and pack up the food (including labeling each dish), emulating a mini meal prep service.

Complete a background check and attend our virtual best practices session.

Culinista Kitchen® cooking classes start at  $500 (based on guest count) plus groceries, sales tax and a $15 travel reimbursement. We automatically add 20% chef gratuity to all cooking classes.

 to select from one of our many menus and customize it to your liking.

Cooking classes include personalized instruction by a Culinista chef, plus four family style dishes to be enjoyed by you and up to 11 guests.

Weekly service starts at $250. Additional costs include groceries (dependent on size & dish selection), $50 tip, a $15 travel reimbursement for your chef, and tax. Select markets may be priced higher.

Households larger than six people may require more time from a chef, so we price those services on a case by case basis. 

Yes, we have many seasonal opportunities available. Summer in the Hamptons is our busiest seasonal market.

We work with trusted local partners in each of our service areas who will be happy to recommend wines based on your menu and coordinate delivery to your home. Feel free to reach out to the below businesses—let them know we sent you!

The most successful chefs on our platform:

Are trained via culinary school and/or restaurant kitchens

Have a combination of fine dining and private chef experience

Have at least 3 years of professional kitchen experience

Are comfortable cooking in high net worth households

Are flexible, adaptable & highly organized

Culinista® chefs are naturally courteous, service-oriented, socially adaptable, organized, flexible and fun.

Our chef services are available in the NYC metro area, the Hamptons, LA, and the  D.C. metro area, though we fill requests for chefs outside of these areas (from New Jersey to Nice).

Culinista chefs are happy to help you make the holidays as seamless as possible. Chef availability may be limited during the holidays, so it’s best to 

 well in advance. Higher rates may apply.

In the rare event that your chef has to cancel, we will make every effort to reassign you a chef. Depending on the amount of notice, we may need to adjust your weekly meal prep date or time.

Our gathering menus are designed with one starter to sate guests upon arrival, four family style dishes to cover proteins, grains and starches, leafy vegetables, and hearty vegetables, and a dessert. This formula also helps us staff your gathering with the minimal number of chefs so you feel comfortable and least imposed upon in your own home. If you would prefer more dishes, we also offer an extended menu, which you can choose upon booking.

Your Culinista chef is personally shopping for groceries before arrival. Traffic or long lines at the market may cause a delay. If your Culinista chef is going to be more than 30 minutes late, we'll reach out immediately to let you know.

Nope. Many clients request chef services during working hours. While not required, we recommend being home for your Culinista chef’s first visit to give a tour of your kitchen. If that's not possible, detailed instructions via text or email work just as well.

To create the perfect paella, you’ll need a paella pan; the unique, wide shape allows rice to cook in a thin, even layer resulting in the coveted crispy bottom.

A cast iron pan has superior heat induction, allowing an even and deep caramelization across your steak’s surface area; if you’re partial to classic grill marks, try a cast iron grill pan for in-home grilling.

Not only does a pizza stone evenly retain & distribute heat,  but the unique ceramic composition absorbs moisture to create a crisp crust. A pizza peel makes for easy turning on the stone.

Our three cooking class menus—Paella Party, Steak Night, and Pizza Party—are carefully designed to teach you our Culinista Keys. Whichever menu you choose, you may customize it during the booking process. 

Culinista® chefs are paid a $15 travel reimbursement for every service as a stipend for gas, car service, public transit, etc.

The cost of groceries depends on guest count, menu, and service area. An estimated grocery cost will be provided after you 

, in your confirmation email. Your final grocery cost will be charged within two days of your service, along with your service fee.

We require 48 hours notice to cancel any service without charge. Within 48 hours, your service may be nonrefundable. Please see our 

, 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.

Yes, we are happy to help chefs find full time work when we receive such requests. If you’re interested in a salaried position on staff with one family, please let us know in your application.

Culinista chefs shop locally, sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, and cook in your own home. No delivery coordinating. No wasteful drop off packaging. No mystery ghost kitchen.

Yes. Clients make selections from menus we design based on over 600 recipes, all of which were developed in house by our culinary team or in collaboration with international consultants. These recipes are designed to ensure that every service is a success.

The Culinistas is a culinary resource that gives everyone the freedom and confidence to connect around a meal.  Through our chef platform, we match vetted private chefs like you with households for in home weekly meal prep, gatherings, and seasonal or long term needs—like full time positions on staff, travel opportunities, and more. As a company built by and for chefs, we aim to take the logistics off Culinista® chefs’ plates so they can provide hospitality and expand their culinary acumen.

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

Weekly meal preps include six dishes to maximize variety while minimizing your Culinista chef's time in your kitchen. Choose dishes to serve together for a few full meals, or to enhance breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert over the course of the week. 

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.

If anything about your class wasn’t quite right, please 

 for a full list of recommendations. Empty the dishwasher and clear out the sink before the chef arrives.

Make sure you have olive oil, salt, pepper, tin foil & parchment paper for cooking, plus, soaps, dish rags, trash bags, and a broom for clean up.

Confirm that stove burners, oven, broiler, and dishwasher work; if something doesn’t work, please let us know in advance.

Make sure someone is home to let in the chef at the scheduled time of arrival or that kitchen is accessible without guidance.

Familiarize your chef with the home (shoe policy, smoke alarms, pets, trash, recycling, wash rooms, etc).

Communicate with your chef about children and furry friends’ kitchen rules.

If your service was exceptional and you’d like to tip above the included 20% gratuity, please do so in cash.

You can view and select menus up to four weeks in advance, and menu selections are due 24 hours prior to service. We will send you an email 72 hours prior to service reminding you to select your menu if you have not done so already.  If you do not elect to skip your service prior to 48 hours before service, you will be charged the full service fee.

If you need to edit your payment information, please do so 

We thoroughly review all preferences and thoughtfully match you with a chef to meet those needs. If you are unhappy with the match for any reason, let us know and we will find you an alternative.

Friendly reminder for weekly meal prep: Your chef(s) are there to cook for you, not set the table or serve you. 

, you can modify your service until 48 hours prior to service in your dashboard. After that time, your service cannot be modified. If you need to contact us within 48 hours of your service, please email q@theculinistas.com and changes will be made if possible. Please note that services are not refundable within 48 hours of the service date.

Our cooking classes are available in the NYC metro area, the Hamptons, LA, and the D.C. metro area.

The standard weekly meal prep service does not include table service. If you'd like a custom service that combines meal prep with table service, please 

You can expect your Culinista chef to be in your home for 3-4 hours total. This time includes prepping, cooking, packing up, and cleaning.

We’re always interested in meeting qualified chefs. 

 about what it’s like to be a Culinista chef, and how you can apply.

Our cooking classes are for all ages, including kids, teens, and adults. They’re designed to help anyone become a better and more confident home cook. We will always adjust our course material based on the participants in class, getting more hands on with a small, adventurous group, or teaching by demonstration if the group is large. We won’t let kids do anything risky, but we will find fun ways to help them participate. Cooking classes are limited to 12 people or fewer. 

We develop a diverse array of menus tailored to your needs, like gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free to name a few. To help you make as informed a decision as possible, every dish includes a full ingredient list, and dishes can be customized to omit certain items.

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

, we match vetted private chefs with households for 

, will offer our complete library of recipes, menus, and culinary strategies for home cooks and hosts at every level. Whether you need to hire a chef or do it yourself, The Culinistas is your support system, offering education, inspiration, and culinary services to bring you back to the table.

Coastal Grill

To Start

White Clam Pizza

Family Style

Farm Fresh Lettuces with Herbs

Grilled Lobster

Herb Butter Corn on the Cob

Mushroom & Potato Skewers with Basil Yogurt Dip

Grilled Vegetable Couscous

Dessert

Grilled Stone Fruit with Sorbet

Hosting made easy with a Culinista chef.

Choose your Menu

Share the Details

Sit Back and Relax

Our menus are vibrant, seasonal, and infinitely customizable.

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.