I’m a professional chef with over 20 years of experience.

After graduating from culinary school in France, I trained in Michelin-starred kitchens and went on to serve as Head Chef in several farm-to-table restaurants in Lyon. My cooking has always been rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and working with the freshest local ingredients with menus that evolve daily based on what’s available.

Now based in Vermont, I offer private dining experiences that bring the spirit of French cuisine and hospitality to your table. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a bachelorette party, or a special celebration, I look forward to sharing my passion for food and creating a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.

For me, cooking is...

Learning and sharing.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at culinary school in Lyon. I worked in a Parisian Palace and local restaurant in Lyon and Annecy.

A cooking secret...

It all starts with the finest product.

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Chef Thomas's reviews

4.94

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8 services

I recently hired Chef Thomas Gelso to cook for my 30th birthday celebration in Stowe, Vermont, and it was hands down one of the best decisions I made for the weekend. From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless, memorable, and absolutely delicious. Leading up to the event, I worked closely with the chef to finalize the menu. He was incredibly responsive and thoughtful, offering helpful suggestions while being flexible with my requests. It was clear that he cared about making the menu perfect for my celebration. I loved how he collaborated with me and tailored the dishes to suit our group’s tastes. On the day of the event, we had a tour planned, and as a result, we were running a little late to the Airbnb. The chef was completely accommodating, not stressing over the timing and allowing us to settle in without a hitch. Once we were ready, he took control of the kitchen and went right to work, while the eight of us sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed our wine. The appetizers were served buffet/family style, which was such a nice touch. The chef gave us the freedom to enjoy the food at our own pace, letting us linger and savor each bite. When we were ready, he seamlessly moved on to the second course. The pacing between courses was perfect—plenty of time to digest, chat, and enjoy the evening before diving into the next delicious dish. The food itself was exceptional. We could tell everything was made with care and high-quality ingredients, from the fresh pasta to the perfectly executed main courses. Each dish was bursting with flavor, and the whole experience felt like a gourmet restaurant in the comfort of our own home. The chef’s attention to detail really shone through in both the presentation and the taste of every plate. What stood out the most, aside from the amazing food, was the chef’s professionalism and warmth. He was approachable, easy to chat with, and genuinely made us feel like we were being treated to something special. At the end of the night, we even invited him to stay for cake—he was just that great to have around! If you’re looking for a private chef experience that combines incredible food with a warm, professional, and accommodating chef, I cannot recommend Chef Thomas Gelso enough. He truly helped make my 30th birthday celebration unforgettable. 10/10 experience!

Chef Thomas was absolutely incredible. He made our wedding even more special. His food and presentation was better than anything we could have asked for and would recommend him to anyone that is looking!

Chef Thomas was fantastic! His food and plating were incredible and the experience was amazing. Would highly recommend.