Turks and Caicos Private Chefs
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a small yet skilled community of private chefs, caterers, and boutique bakers. It’s easy to arrange everything from a gourmet meal at a private villa to large events and parties with drinks, fine dining, and professional serving.
Nearly all of the country's private chefs are based on Providenciales, and the island serves up a vast collection of cuisines. Menus range from the country's own island flavors to European and Asian cuisines, vegetarian and vegan, American BBQ, Mediterranean, Caribbean flavors, and more.
Local fresh-caught seafood is a top ingredient in many dishes, with options such as Caribbean spiny lobster, queen conch, and fish (great local catches include wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper). There’s also a full array of imported seafood and meat to choose from, including salmon, shrimp, and sea bass flown in, and prime cuts of USDA-certified meats.
Private Chef Services
If you’re staying at one of the vacation rental villas on Providenciales, private chef services can be arranged for either a single gourmet meal (plated dishes or family-style) or for your entire stay. Some luxury villa accommodations feature full concierge and butler services and make it easy to arrange experiences such as private chef dinners (as well as boat charters and other adventures). If you’d like to reserve a private chef for a villa stay, inquire with your villa booking agency, as they can provide chef recommendations.
Personal chefs can prepare breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner at times of your preference, and most can design menus to accommodate dietary restrictions (such as gluten-free diets), allergies, or dietary requirements. Some local chefs specialize in preparing meals for particular diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and kosher.
While agriculture in Turks and Caicos is small-scale, fresh and healthy options include locally grown tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, beans, cucumbers, sprouts, squash, pigeon peas, and okra–nutritious ingredients that can produce an amazing salad or appetizer.
A romantic dinner for two on one of the country's spectacular beaches is a popular romantic experience, and is often rather easy to arrange (especially through one of the beachfront restaurants). Some private chefs also provide the service upon request.
Drinks and Bartenders
It's fairly easy to book skilled bartenders and a dedicated mobile bar for birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, and other special events.
Rates are typically per-hour for a bartender, with either an additional per-person rate or per-drink rate as well. Pricing can vary based on the supplier, and cocktail mixers and garnishes are typically included. There may be corkage or bar setup fees if you want to supply your own wine, champagne, or other alcohol.
Catering
Catering is offered by private chefs, restaurants, and dedicated catering companies that serve a variety of event types, from destination weddings and large birthday celebrations to corporate events and small parties. Catered meals can be arranged buffet-style or as multiple-course sit-down meals.
The local catering businesses will work with you to develop the perfect menu and select a chef. The dishes are up to you, and can include international favorites, Caribbean fusions, fresh pasta, or creations inspired by traditional Turks and Caicos cuisine. Professional servers and staff can be arranged as needed.
Some companies also offer delivery, and can drop off gourmet dinners and desserts to your resort or villa. Simpler alternatives (and lunch options) include hot and cold sandwiches, fruit platters, and salads.
Upon request, some catering companies can source or provide rentals and additional equipment for your event, such as shade tents, tables and chairs, décor, lighting and hurricane lamps, cutlery and place settings, crystal, and linens.
Catering for yachts and private aircraft is also easy to arrange. Your orders can be delivered directly to your marina or FBO.
If you have a favorite restaurant, consider contacting them regarding catering services. Many are willing to accommodate offsite events (including establishments at the resorts and hotels).
When looking for the best Turks and Caicos catering company or private chef for your special occasion, one of the greatest considerations is cuisine, as every caterer has their own style and specialties. Due to the various backgrounds of the local chefs and caterers, choices include authentic Turks and Caicos dishes featuring local fish, conch, or lobster. There are also regional flavors from the Bahamas and Caribbean, and French, Italian, and contemporary international tastes.
Desserts can be as simple as gourmet cookies or caramel topped with local sea salt (a TCI favorite), or as enticing as a perfect crème brûlée.
The Turks and Caicos is only one hour by air from Miami and three hours from New York, so almost any ingredient can be flown in with advance notice.
Outdoor Grilling and Beach BBQs
If you’d rather have a more casual setting and fare, an outdoor or beach BBQ can be the perfect cooking choice. There’s a great selection of seafood, meat, and vegetable choices.
As a tropical island archipelago, seafood is naturally the center of many local dishes. Grilled lobster (when it’s in season) and fish are general favorites, yet jerk and southern-style BBQ can be done too. Nassau grouper, red snapper, mutton snapper, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna may be on the menu, and are delicacies you can even catch yourself on a fishing charter.
There is a tremendous selection of coasts and beaches to choose from for beach BBQs and parties. Your caterer may offer advice or have a preference on the location, or you can browse the various beaches in the Turks and Caicos and select the perfect setting.
A beach bonfire can create a great backdrop for a BBQ, and also provide a bit of light after the sunset.
Weddings
If you’d rather not hold the rehearsal dinner and all-important wedding reception at one of the local restaurants, a caterer can ensure you have a delicious culinary experience at a private villa or on the beach. If you choose to work with a wedding planner (a route we generally recommend), discuss the dinner plans and venue with the wedding planner before making reservations with a caterer, as some local businesses have working relationships and will be able to offer better deals for a combined package.
Many of the local caterers and wedding planners will be able to help with food choice, dining experience, and sample menu ideas to satisfy all your guests and family members.
Custom Wedding Cakes
The wedding cake is an essential part of your important day.
There are several boutique bakers who specialize in cakes and desserts. The Turks and Caicos is a small country and doesn’t see a large number of events, and as such a wedding cake order is typically the sole point of attention at a local baker. Cupcakes and macaroons, available in elaborate displays, are another option. Selecting a small cake to cut, and designer cupcakes for the guests, can simplify serving.
Almost any flavor you’d want can be created, including (and combinations of) vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, coconut, buttercream, hazelnut, rum, fruit fillings, and more.
As is also recommended for almost all other aspects of your wedding, choose and contact a baker well in advance of the date to decide on flavors and organize a tasting. Depending on your requirements and desired flavor, ingredients may have to be specifically ordered and flown in by the baker.
Craft Services
Cold snack buffets, sandwiches, lunch and refreshments for special projects, job sites, and media projects are also available. Extra fees may apply for remote sites, or for locations on islands other than Providenciales.
Groceries
Private chefs can purchase any groceries required for either the planned meals or general use, and can ensure the kitchen is properly stocked.
Organic products, locally grown produce, and freshly caught fish, conch, and lobster can be sourced in the Turks and Caicos. For niche ingredients, special international orders can often be made.
Wine, beer, and alcohol can be stocked as well. Provo is seeing an increasing number of specialty and well-stocked stores, yet shopping can still be a time-consuming process if you’re looking for specific items. If your chef or concierge takes care of provisioning, you’ll have more time for the beach.
Training and Experience
Some private chefs have extensive backgrounds at established and well-known restaurants, whereas others are new to the industry.
It’s a good idea to inquire about your chef’s background and special skills, and ensure they have an established business.
Cost of Hiring a Private Chef
Starting rates for a personal chef are about $250 for breakfast/brunch and $450 for dinner, exclusive of food and additional expenses. There’s typically an extra fee for larger groups (usually more than eight people).
More complexity, such as additional courses, intricate desserts, or specialty food items, increase the cost.
As with bartenders, pricing for private chef services varies by supplier. Confirming your menu well in advance can help your private chef provide a more accurate quote for your dinner or prepared meal.
Reservations and Policies
Booking your reservation well in advance of your event date or visit is recommended. The number of local catering firms (and their availability) is limited.
A deposit is typically required for events and orders. Additional delivery fees may apply for equipment rentals. The 12% government tourism tax is typically applied on top of quoted fees and rates.
Cancellations
Cancellation periods and fees are typically quite reasonable, however, it’s important to be aware of policies before booking. Refunds may not be offered on specialty food products or event items that are imported or purchased prior to cancellation.
