Earlier, I told you about the drama surrounding Tameka Harris‘ star-studded baby shower and a “chef” who claimed he wasn’t paid to cater the party.
Tameka’s event planner, Tamara Whitaker of Bella Rose Events, reached out to Sandrarose.com to share her side of the story.
Hello there Mrs. Sandra
I wanted to share my side with you. I booked a chef off Instagram whose food looked amazing in pictures. I asked if, when we meet up to get the deposit could he bring a sample of the 3 choices that we had lined up for the event. He agreed. I met him Thursday to give him $1000 cash of the $2000 budget that we discussed for appetizers, 3 meat option, and 4 vegetable options.
Once I gave him the money and I got the food, I tasted it and instantly realized I had made a mistake. The fried chicken was fried to a crisp and dry as can be; the mac and cheese was store bought and had no flavor along with no seasoned broccoli.
He texted me and I let him know that I didn’t like it at all and expressed to him my problem with it. He swore he could fix it and would make it better. I took a day before telling him I was going to get another chef to make the full course and sides while he just makes appetizers and salmon for Tip and Domani (who doesn’t eat meat). He said, “Okay, great. That saves me a whole lot of work.” He was also informed that he would no longer be getting the remainder $1000 since he was not doing the main food, only 30% at this point, but that we were going to give it to the other chef instead.
He arrived to the venue late. Once he got there, the second chef was already set up and had everything laid out. I was than called and informed that he had stormed out the door and took all the food. So he obviously feels he should have still been paid the additional thousand even though I had to hire another chef to do the work that he and I had agreed on him doing it all. This hurts my feelings because I worked so hard for months on this shower and the preparation to be bashed by a fraud of a man who steals other chef photos.
He wanted me to provide everything from platters, stirrers, and even staff. He is no professional, but unfortunately I should have done my research better and the next time I know not to pay cash and request a refund immediately instead of just letting him do appetizers.
I am a young boss in the making and that’s one lesson that I have learned. Thank you so much for listening to my side. I hope you have a great night.
Tamara Whitaker
Bella Rose Events
