Affordable chef services

DO NOT HIRE. BAD LOCAL REPUTATION. I don't know where to start with this review.... I ALWAYS try to give people chances, hear out their side of things, and make things right but I feel it is my duty to alert all future brides and grooms NOT to use Mark for any catering needs. I had a bad feeling from the moment we did our tasting (at his house). I was sure because of this feeling to get everything in writing and be very clear with what we needed and wanted. 4 weeks before our wedding we went to a rental company and while making small talk with the owner, she asked us who was doing our catering. I informed her and she turned white. She asked if he was providing the rentals and I replied yes. then she stated "nobody in SC county will rent to him so that is a surprise" and i asked why was that. she stated "he doesn't pay his bills, you need to be very cautious with him," Just what a bride wants to hear a month before the wedding! I have put off writing this review for about 6 months to allow mark to make things right and he has failed us over and over again. We hired mark for our wedding in August over a year prior to date. We gave a high estimate of people (220) and prepaid in January 2018. As the wedding approached Mark was notified of the guest count being low (165) and he agreed that after the wedding we would even up and get a reimbursement for what was over paid. During this email exchange mark asked if we would like to change out our menu selections from New York Steak to tri-tip and from Asparagus to green beans, stating that many of his clients were making the change because it is easier. I replied stating that I would like to keep the meat the same but the veggies could be changed. The day of our wedding comes, I arrive at the venue and hear nothing but negative things about Mark. Everyone was telling me how hard he was being during set up. Dinner comes, we were served tri-tip instead of NY steak and asparagus instead of green beans.... I was so disappointed and honestly embarrassed that we had this huge menu sign by the buffet that was misleading our guests. Not to mention the major cost difference between tri-tip and NY steak.... We paid for something that wasn't even provided. The catering staff was a joke. There was one really nice lady who checked on us every few minutes which was amazing but other than her it was a joke. Stained T-shirts and all. there was a boy probably not older than 15 pouring wine for our guests at their tables. The bartender, who was a complete ass was literally never at the bar. Our guest served themselves about 80% of the time. Then to top it off, we had over ordered cases of wine and the bartender was caught trying to take them home. Stating, "Well there is so much extra i thought i would take a couple cases home." He was reminded several times that we provided the alcohol. The staff left behind a number of items, which i collected and took home. After returning from our honeymoon 2 weeks later, I contacted Mark about the refund and returning his items. He stated that he needed to calculate the refund and that he would put a check in the mail and asked if i could drop off the items at a random apartment. Out of good will, i returned the items, hoping mark put a check in the mail. All attempts of contact to Mark were not returned. I sent a final attempt to collect letter and my husband called Mark to see if there was something else going on. Mark refuses to answer the call and responds in text messages which is perfectly fine with me because things in writing hold up better in court. We have been promised many times that a check is in the mail... and still nothing. FYI there were many reviews JUST like mine that have mysteriously disappeared. many of them included the fact that personal checks from Mark had bounced. Do your self a favor and do not go anywhere near this man or his company. He will say whatever it takes to get your money.

I honestly cannot write and praise Chef Mark and his crew enough!! They made our day amazing. We did not have to worry about anything. They were so on their game, and went as far as sending one of the servers out to us while we were taking photos so we could try the apps. They ran on time, and the food was delicious! They made the dinner for us at our venue (OVY Camp - San Greogrio, CA)and then also made a brunch for us that Sunday. They were the best we could have gotten. I so appreciated the fact that it truly was affordable. When compared to other caterers - they don't even come close to the quality and the amazing deal that you can get through Mark. If your're planning a wedding -or just an event- I would hire Mark no doubt. He is extremely easy to work with, mellow, but will also reply very very fast. They went above and beyond our expectations.

My husband and I really enjoyed working with Mark as our wedding caterer and received many compliments on the food at our wedding (especially Mark’s veggie lasagna). In addition to catering, Mark also provided the bartending staff for our reception. The staff passed appetizers, served drinks and re-stocked the buffet like pros and with 215 guests we were no easy wedding to cater to. I was told by multiple guests how much they liked Mark’s staff and how professional they all were and Mark made us feel at ease through the whole process while also being affordable. Mark provided my husband and me with a tasting at our home, which was great, and answered all of my questions in a timely fashion. Mark also provided us with all of our linens and serving needs for the evening (plates, glasses, utensils, etc). I wouldn’t hesitate to use Mark again for a future event.

Chef Mark was punctual in replying to my questions before the big day, which, as an out-of-town bride, was very reassuring! At the last minute, Chef Mark was unable to attend the reception, but his on-site chef made delicious food, and the staff were phenomenal! There was one staff member in particular who took an interest in my Husband and I. She told us that we were her "celebrities for the day," made sure we ate appetizers before we walked in, escorted us to the buffet first, and was constantly checking on our drinks. She also took an interest in our families, leading many people to tell us how amazing she was! The bartender Chef Mark sent was also lovely, knew her stuff, and made our signature cocktails perfectly! All in all, a great experience and a company we would trust our next big event to!