About Us
I am Bay Area native and a dedicated chef with over 14 years of experience. My culinary journey has taken me through countless restaurants, weddings, corporate events, and into the homes of families, each experience shaping my passion for food.
I've been a personal chef for 9 years, but at the height of the pandemic, I made a pivotal decision to focus exclusively on personal chef services. This shift allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients and I've had the privilege of serving a diverse clientele, including computer engineers, lawyers, corporate professionals, athletes, doctors, and business owners.
My specialty lies in understanding how to simplify your life through food. I assembled a talented team and created Salivae to reach more families and deliver to them personalized service that are not only exceptional but also tailored to their lifestyle. Our commitment is to provide you with a service that allows you to focus on what truly matters in your life and career. We aim to bring convenience, wellness, and joy to your everyday life.
-Denise Thomas
Owner & Executive Chef
My Story
My cooking journey started as a young girl apart from a large family, held together by gule, my grandmother Dorothy. Every Sunday, my granny, mom, aunts, and cousins would cram in two cars and head to church where we all served in every capacity. Here is where my foundation of service sprouted and grew.
After church, we would all gather at my grandparents' house for fun and food. I watched as my granny was focused on her kitchen flow, expressing her love language through food. Always making sure there was enough food for everybody, being the last one to sit down and eat herself, always putting others before herself. Her selflessness and dedication to others left a lasting impression on me.
While I’ve honed my cooking skills over the years, I’m certain that my God-given gift is service. Cooking is my way of carrying forward the legacy of love and care that my grandmother instilled in me, and it’s the heart of everything I do.
Contact Me
I'm always looking for new opportunities to connect, feel free to reach out to me directly.
510-858-0755 ext. 402