I would keep the rating at 1 star for service while acknowledging the quality of the food…read more
We hired Chef Brod for our 10-year vow renewal celebration and were asked to provide an honest review. While the food itself was flavorful and well-seasoned, our overall experience was disappointing due to the service and professionalism throughout the planning process.
The tasting itself was not difficult to attend--we flew into Miami for it, and the food was delicious. However, it took considerable effort to get the contract finalized, and the communication throughout the process felt unprofessional. We paid $200 for the tasting and were clearly told that if we chose Chef Brod and booked his services, that amount would be deducted from the final invoice. Despite this agreement, we were repeatedly challenged about the deduction and, even as late as the week before our event, were being asked to pay an additional $200 rather than receiving the promised credit. This ongoing dispute over an agreed-upon term created unnecessary stress and left us feeling that commitments were not being honored.
To Chef's credit, the food was tasty. The appetizers, especially the shrimp appetizer, were delicious, and the seasoning and spices throughout the menu were excellent. However, several issues occurred on the day of the event.
We specifically contracted for baked chicken, but grilled chicken was served instead. As a result, the chicken was much drier than what we experienced during the tasting. We also paid for oxtails, which were one of the menu items our guests were most excited about. Unfortunately, only a very small portion was available, and once the initial serving was gone, it was never replenished. Many guests wanted more, but there was no refill despite the significant amount we paid for catering.
Additionally, Chef Brod promised to serve fried catfish and fried chicken for the Groom; however, these items were never provided as agreed. Furthermore, the vegetables were of poor quality and appeared to have been sitting in water for an extended period. They had an unpleasant taste that resembled faucet water, making them unappetizing and difficult to enjoy.
The planning process was the most frustrating part of our experience. Chef was the only vendor involved in our vow renewal who consistently argued with us before and after the contract was signed. Even after receiving full payment, additional money was requested for cake cutting, despite that service already being discussed, agreed upon, and included in the contract.
When it came time to provide the final guest count, the process became another negotiation. Although the guest count decreased, which is common for events, the per-person cost increased. While we agreed to the revised amount and paid in full, the back-and-forth communication afterwards added unnecessary stress during an already demanding planning process.
On the day of the event, the cake service was also disappointing. The cake was not properly cut, and guests were left searching for utensils and tools to serve themselves.
Overall, Chef can absolutely cook. The flavors, seasoning, and culinary talent are there. However, customer service, communication, professionalism, and execution are just as important as the food itself. For a catering investment of nearly $8,000, we expected a smoother experience, better communication, and more attention to guest service.
If you are considering hiring Chef Brod, I would recommend doing so only if food quality is your primary concern. If professionalism, responsiveness, and a stress-free planning experience are equally important to you, I would encourage you to continue researching other catering options.
This review is provided honestly and fairly based on our experience.
The photo is the only oxtails that was provided for an 6 hour, 80 ppl event. Disappointing!
