Nothing goes better with cannabis than some elevated cusine, and Tasty High Chef (THC) is serving up a better life with their private chef infusions.
Founders Claire Guilbert and Masha Itkin have been serving it up in “high-style” since 2018. With Tasty High Chef they provide top-notch planning for amazing dining experiences. Whether it’s notable occasions such as birthdays, or intimate occasions, like dates for couples, what these ladies serve up is the crème de la crème, as no detail goes unnoticed with this professional duo.
Each client has his or her own custom multi-course menu made, prepared, and brought to the table by THC’s on-site chefs. And as food sourcing experts, they use only organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients in all their dishes. This is why trying their pre-set menus like Wake & Taste Brunch or Happiest Hour Hors d’Oeuvres is highly recommended in order to get the full experience of passion for gourmet cuisine that Tasty High Chef is known for best.
Dietary considerations such as vegan and gluten-free are not a problem as is every meal designed custom. In fact, each plate can be customized to the recipient as the individual selects not only the menu for each course but also the level of THC in the recipe to meet every guests’ personal needs. Now time to dig in and learn more from Claire and how she and Masha started cooking.
How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
We are private gourmet cannabis chefs.
Why did you create Tasty High Chef?
We created Tasty High Chef to promote healthy cannabis consumption and break the stigma of the lazy stoner. We love using cannabis as the amazing ingredient it truly is to create flavorful dishes with the best local seasonal ingredients to serve our customers not only delicious food but also an exceptional experience.
What sets you apart in the cannabis industry?
We create gourmet cuisine, on-site, using organic whole flower cannabis infusions that are micro-dosed for the best possible experience.
What life changes occurred when you entered the cannabis industry?
When I entered the cannabis industry it was both exciting and a bit scary to promote myself as a “weed mom”. I was concerned how I may be perceived by my kids friends parents and the local community. But overall I was embraced and feel very comfortable saying, “hey, have you tried cannabis?” to anyone I think might benefit.
What about the cannabis industry and community do you love?
I love how diverse and generally supportive the cannabis industry is. It’s amazing to see so many women and minority bosses. The LGBTQ community also has a strong presence which is wonderful. I think that while there is healthy competition, there is also a lot of support when you need it from within the community.
Do you have any frustrations, hopes, fears as cannabis changes?
I hope that as cannabis changes the inclusive community continues to be as such. I also am a bit concerned that the big corporations are starting to get involved and they will destroy the cannabis culture. I would hate to see liquor giants who worked so hard to make cannabis illegal so as to avoid competition end up getting a piece of the pie but unless the general public becomes educated on this issue and stands with the original and authentic cannabis pioneers and brands, it’s inevitable.
What were some of your challenges getting started in cannabis?
Our biggest challenge then and now is advertising. Cannabis companies are so restricted as to where they can promote our business that it leaves everyone vying for the few spaces available. This leaves the small and emerging companies out of the picture which is a bummer.
Where would you like to see yourself in the cannabis industry three years from now?
Three years from now I’d love to see Tasty High Chef’s private chef service available nationwide, providing excellent gourmet cannabis experiences to everyone. Our product line has yet to be launched but I’d also love to see our products being used in restaurants, bars, and widely available in dispensaries. Our goal is to provide our THC chefs for amazing in-home and special event services and our products for everyone to be their own gourmet cannabis chef for the everyday experience.
What does the future of cannabis look like to you?
The future of cannabis is very bright. I think that as it gains acceptance on all levels it will take its rightful place in medical therapy as well as normal everyday consumption with no negative perception. Eating and drinking cannabis at dinner will be as average as having a glass of wine or beer.
How do you plan to make a positive difference in the cannabis industry?
We are a women-owned and operated business and I hope to continue down the path of truly being an equal opportunity employer which benefits not only the cannabis industry but also the communities in which we opposite. We also chose to work with local companies for everything from sourcing fruits, vegetables, and meats, to the cannabis we use for our infusions which supports all of our local growers, farmers, and fisherman. We live by the sustainability emphasis that the cannabis industry has and we want to continue to promote this mission for our communities and our beautiful planet.
What makes you proud or gratified to be a part of the “legal” cannabis industry?
It is so wonderful to be able to help others enjoy and consume cannabis without being nervous and looking over your shoulder. I’m very proud of California and the whole west coast for legalizing this powerful, fantastic medicinal plant. I love telling people what I do and their positive responses are priceless. I also love when people visit from states that have yet to legalize recreational cannabis and they have the opportunity to experience it with us. The positive feedback is overwhelming and motivating.
Do you consume cannabis? If so, how do you prefer to consume?
I almost always eat or drink cannabis because infusions are my specialty and I love the cozy functional high it gives me.
What’s your favorite strain/cannabis product/etc?
My all-time favorite cannabis strain is sour diesel. It gives me a very clear creative functioning high but also allows me to have an
Masha & Claire in studio
amazing night’s sleep. I love infusing into olive and coconut oils or using it in place of alcohol in cocktails by infusing our signature syrups.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself or your business?
My business partner is Chef Masha Itkin. We are co-founders of Tasty High Chef, a gourmet cannabis catering company, as well as Cannabar, a craft cannabis bar service. We believe in letting your food be your medicine and promote healthy gourmet living.
To connect with Tasty High Chef, find them on Yelp, Instagram, Facebook, or at www.tastyhighchef.com
