For casual BBQs, July 4th dinner celebrations, a girl’s lunch, birthday, anniversary, or simple light bites and cocktails, the Culinistas have you covered this season on the east end. I always get requests from people in the Hamptons who want private chefs, and never before did I have a phenomenal group to recommend, until now. I have used Jill and Tiana’s chefs many times now, so I know that the menu will be fresh, and food delicious. The two girlfriends started their business in NYC, and realized the demand out at the beach in summertime, so they have set up shop to help with all of your catering needs, and last minute get togethers. They also provide prepared food delivery in case you do not have time to rush around 27 in crazy traffic to go food shopping. Try to contact them in advance as they have become very popular!
How many years have you been in business in Hamptons?
This is the first summer we’ll be housing our highly skilled chefs out east and providing transportation, so they are readily accessible for any pre-planned or last minute culinary need. We’ve hand selected top chefs from NYC, and are providing accommodations so households out east can easily book a chef without sacrificing quality.
Why did you decide to expand the business to the Hamptons and what was your initial inspiration?
It was an easy decision since most of our NYC households travel east for the summer. We had clients asking in February if we’d be out east this summer and knew we had to follow them. We’ve tried sending chefs from the city, but it’s a real ordeal. Securing housing and properly relocating our chefs allows us to be agile and get our clients whatever they need.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Relocating our chefs out east allows us to easily send Manhattan quality chefs to households in the Hamptons. Good, local chef talent is difficult to find and almost impossible to book days before a dinner party. We also handle the entire process, from planning and menu development to shopping, cooking, service and clean-up. We’re providing access to high-quality, home cooked food and giving households back time so they can enjoy their friends and family on the beach.
What do you feel gives you longevity in the Hamptons with so many options?
Frankly, there aren’t many options in the Hamptons to host in a low-lift way. You have crowded restaurants where it’s nearly impossible to make a reservation for groups larger than six, local chefs who are booked months in advance and catering companies which work well for large events but don’t provide the same atmosphere and conversation as a private chef experience.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We’re giving our clients back time so they can enjoy their friends and family – relaxing, swimming at the beach, playing tennis.
What is your favorite part of your job?
In the summer, it’s helping our chefs source ingredients from the best farm stands and fish markets. We love cooking with fresh, local produce and there are so many options out east!
What is your favorite secret Hamptons spot?
The garden at Nick & Tony’s.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
We’ve had many clients tell us that they now actually enjoy meal time and hosting since their not the ones leaving the beach at 2PM to source ingredients and start preparing that night’s meal.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
We love our vendors: Carissa’s Bakery, Bhumi Farms, Mecox Bay Dairy & Red Horse Market.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Buy top of the season produce so all you have to do is add your favorite olive oil & sea salt for a beautiful salad.