I work as a personal chef in the Carmel by the Sea and Monterey area, handling everything from shopping to menu creation to station setup and cleanup. One of my favorite parts of the job is presenting the menu to clients and guests and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for a truly enjoyable occasion.
My education in Hotel and Tourism Management was completed over five years at Palma de Mayorca in Spain, where I also traveled throughout Europe to expand my palate and learn about different cuisines. I'm proud to say that I co-owned highly rated French restaurants in Virginia for 12 years, mastering both front and back of house roles to ensure total success.
In Miami, I served as a private chef for a high-end individual for eight years, and during summers I worked as a freelance chef on mega yachts to gain even more experience with diverse tastes and cultures across various destinations.
Not only do I love cooking for clients, but I also enjoy teaching cooking classes and sharing my knowledge from my extensive travels. My ultimate goal is to please clients and guests alike with the combination of their suggestions and my culinary creations, using only the freshest, most nurturing ingredients available to create an unforgettable dining experience. The joy of meeting new people and experiencing different cultures is a major source of inspiration for me, and there's nothing more satisfying than seeing an empty plate at the end of a meal.
Cuisine types:
American - casual, American - formal, Italian, Southern, Mexican / Latin American, Mediterranean / Middle Eastern, Asian, French, Barbecue, Indian
Service location:
Customer location
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Service Reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Service as described
5.0
Communication
5.0
Punctuality
5.0
NM
Nicholas M.
Our chef, Luisa, exceeded all our expectations! She is an incredible cook and helped us plan a perfect intimate family party to celebrate our newborn's first month. Luisa went above and beyond in providing a menu that accommodated everyone's dietary needs, and it was a delicious 4-course Mediterranean dinner. The lamb chops and fresh guacamole were simply divine, and she even made the most delicious Margaritas for us. Luisa is not only an impressive cook but also a fantastic person. We look forward to working with her again in the future!
March 10, 2023
MC
Melissa C.
Luisa is an exceptional gem - she delights in her craft of cooking and embodies the traits of the finest artisans. She has a charming disposition and is exceedingly hospitable. Collaborating with her to prepare the menu was delightful. If you are seeking a personal chef to curate a meal of a lifetime, your search ends here.
October 29, 2022
JK
Jessica K.
Having never used CrackerJack before, I was uncertain of what to expect. However, my experience with them turned out to be exceptional. Right from the start, their communication was impeccable and remained so throughout. Scrolling through Luisa's Facebook page, I picked out four recipes from a wide array of beautifully crafted dishes. We corresponded via emails about my cooking objectives, and Luisa arrived punctually at the rental condo, stocked with fresh ingredients. We delved right into preparing the meals and had a blast! Luisa's remarkable experience was evident as she shared her cooking insights and tips, allowing my partner and me to assist or observe her expertise. At the end, we shared the meal we cooked, and in that moment, we bonded over talked and laughter. We enjoyed Luisa's company so much that we have planned a dinner together before we depart. Not only did we discover some amazing recipes, but we also made a new friend!
August 12, 2022
EY
Emily Y.
Luisa proved to be an experienced and supportive chef during my initial cooking lesson, as I was unsure of what to anticipate. I aimed to broaden the palates of my two teenage sons and acquire knowledge of wholesome dishes for my spouse and myself. Together, we crafted a delectable kale salad, broccoli soup, brussel sprouts, and a bolognese sauce, perfect for a family spaghetti dinner. I will undoubtedly seek out Luisa's expertise for our next culinary endeavor. Gratitude to you, Luisa!
May 12, 2022
WN
William N.
Our experience with Louisa was fantastic. After receiving 4 quotes for dinner, I am thrilled that I chose her. We were in town for a golf trip and needed her to handle everything―shopping, preparation, cooking, and serving―at our rented house. Working together, we developed a menu that turned out beautifully.
Louisa arrived promptly and fully prepared, even cleaning up after herself. Our meal was absolutely perfect and helped make for a memorable night. I would work with Louisa without hesitation and highly recommend her for her professionalism, amiable demeanor, excellent food quality, value for money, and timely response to my bid request. It was a pleasure working with her and her warm and kind personality made her a pleasure to have around.
