Private chef stuns TikTok with US$3,500 grocery bill for 36 items. ‘Grossly out of touch’

While some people pointed out that Baevsky likely bought multiple of the same items, many weren’t convinced it should add up to over US$3,500 (RM15,680). — Image by Freepik

You scan the last item in the cart at your local grocery store and the total pops up – US$3,515 (RM15,747). That’s the reality for celebrity chef and TikTok star Brooke Baevsky.

Baevsky cooks for celebrity clients in Beverly Hills and shares her luxurious work on TikTok, garnering millions of views. One of her recent videos, showing her visit to the upscale grocery chain Erewhon where she lists 36 items purchased, has some viewers in shambles.

“I don’t even make that much money in a month and this is their casual pantry restock?” one person asked.

Baevsky filmed the shopping run and titled it, “How much does it cost to restock a pantry at Erewhon?” In her caption, she even describes the multi-thousand-dollar grocery haul as a “bargain”, and joked she should apply to Extreme Couponing, a TV show highlighting Americans who go to great lengths to save money.

Though the video was lighthearted and Baevsky is doing her job, the video rubbed some viewers the wrong way.

“Even their chefs are grossly out of touch with what’s going on in the world,” one person commented.

“I know it’s not about me but the fact that I’m pregnant and struggling literally seeing this makes me want to cry,” another said.

Baevsky shared a list of what she bought in Erewhon that racked up the bill:

• Romanesco broccoli
• Sea moss gel (both Spirulina & berry flavours)
• Granolas
• Organic juices
• Dragon fruit
• Onions
• Rainbow carrots
• Bone broth
• Cacao nibs
• Coffee
• Coconut oil spray
• Tahini
• Canned beverages
• Plant-based milks
• Hearts of palm pasta
• Shirataki noodles
• Grain-free paleo bread
• Berries
• Oat milk pudding
• “Tons of herbs”
• Coconut yogurt
• Dairy-free cheeses
• Sweet potatoes
• Purple artichokes
• Cashews
• Lacuma powder
• Tomato paste
• Jackfruit
• Avocados
• Sprouted almonds
• Macadamia nut butter
• Micro greens
• Sunflower shoots
• Protein powder
• Zero-calorie rice
• Vegan paleo donuts

“That’s it? for over 3 grand I was expecting a refrigerated truck,” one commenter joked. While some people pointed out that Baevsky likely bought multiple of the same items, many weren’t convinced it should add up to over US$3,500 (RM15,680).

Erewhon was founded in 1966 and has since opened eight locations, serving as a holistic food hub in the heart of Beverly Hills. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service