A longtime chef and restaurant owner, Gerard Nebesky's culinary career began when he was just 23 years old. Looking to open a graphic design business in Grass Valley, he ended up instead opening a restaurant. The Bohemian Cafe in Occidental, opened by Gerard at that young age, was a hugely popular and beloved restaurant during its time in Occidental.
People still remember the amazing atmosphere, and of course, they all remember Gerard. Always an adventurer, Gerard was profoundly influenced when he was introduced to the joys of classic Spanish Paella while skiing in Spain. Once he mastered the art of cooking this dish to perfection, he founded Gerard's Paella and took his passion on the road, where he is always happy to introduce others to Spain's most famous dish.
People still remember the amazing atmosphere, and of course, they all remember Gerard. Always an adventurer, Gerard was profoundly influenced when he was introduced to the joys of classic Spanish Paella while skiing in Spain. Once he mastered the art of cooking this dish to perfection, he founded Gerard's Paella and took his passion on the road, where he is always happy to introduce others to Spain's most famous dish.
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I love Gerard's Paella - Paella is one of my favorite dishes in the world. I have experienced many paella in Spain, from Madrid to Barcelona, and Marbella and Ibiza which were amazing. I must say that Gerard's Paella is definitely on par or even better than the best paella I've had in Spain. The only problem is that each time I eat way too much.
No matter the size of your next event, we can handle it beautifully. From weddings, to corporate events, to 70th birthday parties in your backyard, we've got you covered. Our chefs come fully ready to cook on-site, and aside from a hungry group of people, we come with everything needed to provide you and your guests with a delicious and fun meal.
Send us an email to hear more about menu options, and information on pricing for additional items. The following is our standard dinner service, though we are always happy to add or change things from our menu. An oven crisped toast with sauteed red peppers and our house made Romesco sauce, a hazelnut and roasted red pepper-based sauce that originated from Northeastern Spain.
Weddings are joyful occasions, and we believe paella fits in wonderfully at any wedding. Nothing speaks to unity so much as having all your guests served food from one, or two, carefully and lovingly cooked paellas. From our own experience at weddings, we can't think of a better offering to your guests than delicious food served on time!
Do you require a minimum number of guests? Is there a maximum number you can handle? Our minimum that we cook for is 25 people Monday-Thursdays in the summer, and 35 for Friday-Sunday from May-November, but if your event is smaller than that, email us anyway about your event and let's see what we can do!
Reviews (20)
Kate M.
Nov 16, 2021
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I just can't recommend Gerard and his team highly enough. They are wonderfully professional and take great care and pride in their work. The food is incredible; not only is it delicious, seasonal and fresh but it's absolutely gorgeous in their enormous paella pans. They nailed it for our event of 80 people offering a seafood and a vegan paella, both of which were amazing. The team showed up on time, worked hard to accommodate our every request and they served exactly on time. Thank you to Gerard and his team for a spectacular event with delicious paella and impeccable service! We are
Dollyrose V.
Oct 17, 2021
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So I had the pleasure of getting to work a first aid tent at an event called BLENDED in San Diego. Let me tell you this Paella is amazing - legitimately one of the best I have ever had. Can't say the best as my grandmother made the best ever. But my crew & I got to watch behind the scenes from our medical tent. These men are culinary magicians with the largest paella pans I have ever scene. The serving was a good size & packed full of chicken & shrimp. Total must try if you get the chance.
Barbara D.
Sep 14, 2021
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Kendrick A.
Sep 05, 2021
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Had the pleasure of being introduced to Gerard's at Bottlerock Napa, I had the chicken and shrimp bowl and it was incredible. The bowl was jammed pack with deliciousness tons of chicken and shrimp, collard greens and great spice. This was my first time trying this dish and I'm now hooked. I am very thankful for them taking the time to come out and bring this wonderful cuisine to the event!
Morty C.
Jun 09, 2021
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I grew up eating paella and was delighted to find Gerard's last month. It's so rare to find a place that not only specializes in a delicious international dish like this, but does it amazingly well and in so many exciting varieties!
I hosted some vegetarian guests for dinner, so I ordered that kind of paella and even though I'm not a vegetarian, I honestly enjoyed it just as much as any seafood version I've ever had. Actually, I think I prefer it now! The dish was a beauty to behold with mushrooms, kale, chickpeas, peas, and purple cauliflower, and really easy to heat up
I hosted some vegetarian guests for dinner, so I ordered that kind of paella and even though I'm not a vegetarian, I honestly enjoyed it just as much as any seafood version I've ever had. Actually, I think I prefer it now! The dish was a beauty to behold with mushrooms, kale, chickpeas, peas, and purple cauliflower, and really easy to heat up
Charie W.
Jul 19, 2020
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Tina O.
May 15, 2020
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Yum yum yum! We ordered their family size traditional paella for take out last nite and it was GREAT! They say it serves 2 to 4 but I'd say it easily serves 6 - we will be having it again tonite and still had plenty left over to freeze for a future dinner. We just love supporting our local restaurants during this time - their food is fabulous.
Order in advance and pay online - then park out in front, give them a call and they bring the food out to your car.
Do this! you won't be sorry.
Order in advance and pay online - then park out in front, give them a call and they bring the food out to your car.
Do this! you won't be sorry.
Alison T.
May 01, 2020
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I have been watching Gerard's social media for over a year and although cover his a bummer, the silver lining is Gerards offering curbside meal pick up! We ordered the family size Valdeon which is their most popular dish filled with chicken, shrimp and sausage. Sadly we were so excited to dig in that I forgot to take a picture. The dish was very good and we would order again but I would get extra shrimp as those were particularly good! My only complaint is they should have a label on the to go container that has reheat instructions. I called back to get them and they said they were on my receipt
Eric D.
Mar 22, 2020
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Megan H.
Oct 29, 2018
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Gerard's Paella was probably the best savory dish I had at the Eat Real Festival! There is much more to paella than chicken, shrimp and rice. The saffron and spices bring so much flavor to the dish. This is a truly, hearty dish! They were also serving up lemongrass chicken with kimchi-that was just as flavorful too!
We got the small servings and still shared amongst four people. I'd definitely go back to Gerard's Paella at another food festival!
We got the small servings and still shared amongst four people. I'd definitely go back to Gerard's Paella at another food festival!
Andrew H.
Oct 08, 2018
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Sydney C.
Jul 18, 2018
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Elyse W.
Jul 12, 2018
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I decided to give Gerard's Paella a try on a recent Saturday evening and all I can say is WOW! The food, the service, and the ambience were all exceptional (and only 4 days after opening, too!). This place just might be my new favorite spot downtown!
I was initially hesitant about a tapas restaurant where you order at the cash register and then the server brings out your food, but it worked out relatively well. The only downside was that when I decided I wanted to order my food (as is usually the case at tapas restaurants), I had to wait in line again. I'm sure they will smooth this
I was initially hesitant about a tapas restaurant where you order at the cash register and then the server brings out your food, but it worked out relatively well. The only downside was that when I decided I wanted to order my food (as is usually the case at tapas restaurants), I had to wait in line again. I'm sure they will smooth this
Mohammed A.
May 28, 2018
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As I walking around the Wednesday night market I came across this stand, I was interested and decided to give it a try. I ordered the shrimp and chicken paella which I can say was honestly really good. The chicken was really tender and the shrimp was extremely flavorful overall the dish was worth the money, BUT may I say me personally am not a fan of the lemonade they had. I suggest trying the lemonade and don't take my word for since I favor a certain taste and don't like to go out of my comfort zone but the drink just wasn't something for me. Like I said before though I suggest
Mike C.
Dec 16, 2017
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How do you welcome guests flocking from all over the country to celebrate your wedding? To the point that everyone's eyes widen and a "wow" emanates from their lips?!
Well, that's what Gerard's did for me. My relative's wedding welcome party was held at a private winery. As we walked up a path to the dining area, there were two huge metal pots steaming with a bright orange stew or soup (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MVy-aDv_gIwfxYKzXZcS6Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). Curious, I walked up and asked one of the persons tending the pot what
Well, that's what Gerard's did for me. My relative's wedding welcome party was held at a private winery. As we walked up a path to the dining area, there were two huge metal pots steaming with a bright orange stew or soup (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MVy-aDv_gIwfxYKzXZcS6Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). Curious, I walked up and asked one of the persons tending the pot what
Michelle P.
Oct 07, 2017
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Kari C.
Sep 27, 2017
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We tried Gerard's Paella at the Eat Real Festival 2017. Lines were super long, but moved rapidly. Only $10 for a large oval bowl, loaded with a ton of large shrimp. We probably got about 10 pieces. Flavor was awesome, no skimping on the spices here. Chicken was also moist. Rice was thoroughly cooked and not too goopy. It's not paella in the traditional sense, but rather a Californicized version with kale. It's still delicious, though. The paella was less salty than others we've had, including Ñora who was at the Eat Real last year.
We wished the shrimp were shelled. Other
We wished the shrimp were shelled. Other
Jeremy R.
Sep 20, 2017
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This is the best paella that I have had outside of Spain and at the bargain price of $14. The regular was packed with shrimp, chicken and vegetables giving it a great flavor and consistency but it suffered from a lack of sausage for full authenticity. The veggie version was amazingly rich and had great depth of flavor. To compensate for the lack of meat they upped the heat a little bit, which was perfect. If you get to Barcelona then fly to the Occidental Farmers' market for a taste of Spain right here in California.
Ee Vonn Y.
Oct 18, 2016
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Location - Treasure Island Music Festival
Paella - Savory, very generous on the chicken and shrimp, fluffy rice, almost like dry gumbo, hot, steaming, and fresh. It was so good, we ordered this twice.
Wait Time - Almost none. The food is handed to you right after you order.
Price - $14 per plate. Easily the best and worth my money against all of the food stands.
Paella - Savory, very generous on the chicken and shrimp, fluffy rice, almost like dry gumbo, hot, steaming, and fresh. It was so good, we ordered this twice.
Wait Time - Almost none. The food is handed to you right after you order.
Price - $14 per plate. Easily the best and worth my money against all of the food stands.
Andrea K.
Mar 17, 2014
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We had the pleasure of trying Gerard's Paella at a winery event last weekend. It was fantastic! Normally I am not much for paella. I don't really like rice and it's usually dry and loaded with saffron (which again, I don't really like). But this had just a hint and had a host of other fresh ingredients and lovely spices- like paprika, which I love- that really came through.
The winery owners picked some fresh mushrooms that morning so the Paella Chefs whipped up another lovely rice-based dish in the pizza oven that show cased the fungi as well as fresh asparagus and other goodies
The winery owners picked some fresh mushrooms that morning so the Paella Chefs whipped up another lovely rice-based dish in the pizza oven that show cased the fungi as well as fresh asparagus and other goodies
