Will you customize the meals to my tastes and health requirements?
I'll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch?
How will you package and store our meals?
How much freezer space do you need?
The cost seems comparable to what I might pay in a restaurant. Why?
Do I pay you before your visit?
How often will we need your service?
Will you cook for my private dinner party?
Can I call you on an as-needed basis?
What is your cancellation policy?
I don't see any pricing on your site. Why?
What kinds of food can you prepare?
What is a Personal Chef?
A Personal Chef meets the needs of clientele lacking the time or desire to prepare and serve healthy and nutritious meals on a day-to-day basis.
Unlike a Private Chef who is usually employed full-time by one household, a Personal Chef has several clients who regularly schedule the Chef's services on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
A Personal Chef provides a customized selection of several meals that are designed for the client's particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored to be enjoyed as each meal fits into the client's schedule and lifestyle.
How does the service work?
We will have an initial consultation at which time I will discuss with you any dietary restrictions, food likes and dislikes. I will then prepare a menu of entrées, side dishes, and other meal components for the first cook date. If you have family recipes that you would like to use, please let me know and I will incorporate them into the menu planning. The menu will be sent in advance for your approval.
On the scheduled day(s), I will grocery shop for the freshest ingredients and prepare the agreed upon meals in your home. You will come home to a spotless kitchen and a refrigerator/freezer stocked with delicious home-prepared meals. Detailed heating instructions will be provided.
Do you shop for me?
Yes. Shopping is done based on that week's menu. I will shop for the freshest produce, poultry, fish and meats available. Typically, I will go to several places on the morning of the cook date to find the necessary ingredients to complete the menu. I shop with some of the best markets and vendors in the area. If you have a preferred purveyor, please let me know and I will purchase what I can from him.
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes. On our agreed upon cook date, I will prepare your meals in your kitchen, regardless of size. I will bring the freshest ingredients for your meals, along with my own pots, small appliances, and utensils as needed. At the end of the day, I will clean up, leaving your kitchen as it was so that you can come home to fresh meals to enjoy at your leisure.
How long will you be here?
I will be cooking several different entrées and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. Typically, I will spend 5 to 7 hours in your kitchen according to the menu selection (some dishes take longer than others to prepare), and the quantity of food. I am more than willing to work with your schedule or situation in advance so that the cook date will be compatible with your schedule.
Will you customize the meals to my tastes and health requirements?
Yes. As we all know, there are many popular diets around today. I am prepared to design a menu to meet your specifications.
I'll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch?
My ultimate goal is for the food that I am preparing for you to exceed your expectations. And as much as I like to talk, the number of meals that I will be cooking for you requires quite a bit of concentration and timing. I would love for you to pop in and say hello if you would like, but I would prefer it be kept to a minimum.
How will you package and store our meals?
Uniform-sized containers take less storage space in your refrigerator and freezer. I will bring the appropriate containers for the entrées that I will be preparing on each cooking date.
How much freezer space do you need?
It will depend on the number of meals you request and the size of the containers. Usually a portion of the food I prepare can be stored in the refrigerator. Efficient storage is one of the reasons I prefer to select appropriate uniform-sized containers for my clients.
Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrées that I have stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator and then heated to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. I will always leave heating recommendations for each entrée.
The cost seems comparable to what I might pay in a restaurant. Why?
The fee actually represents all of the components that make up a Professional Chef Service, including the menu planning and shopping, the cost of the food, travel time and fuel, meal preparation, and cleanup.
If you were to compare a Personal Chef Service to restaurant service, you could think of it this way: for a restaurant, you must drive to get there, possibly wait for a table and then wait to be served. If you have special dietary requirements, there's no guarantee that your requests will be honored since most entrées are "assembly-line" ready in the kitchen. After eating your meal, you must pay for it, tip the server and drive back home.
If you have a Personal Chef Service, you can heat a wonderful entrée that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it in the comfort of your own home. And drinks are a whole lot cheaper at home!
Do I pay before your visit?
Yes. It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date. If you would like, you may leave me a check for my next visit on the day that I am cooking. For services outside the regular Personal Chef service (i.e. dinner parties), a 50% non-refundable deposit will be required in advance with the balance to be paid at the completion of the event.
How often will we need your service?
I will be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule my Personal Chef Service. Together we will make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.
Will you cook for my private dinner party?
Absolutely! I love to cook for dinner parties and cocktail parties.
For private dinner parties, I will set the table, prepare the meal in your kitchen, introduce and serve the meal, and clean up. If there is a theme or special occasion, I will plan the meal and decorate the table accordingly.
The fee structure is different than my Personal Chef Service. I charge a shopping fee, food cost, plus an hourly labor fee.
Can I call you on an as-needed basis?
For Personal Chef Service, I have a standing schedule and will usually need a week's notice for any adjustments.
What is your cancellation policy?
A 72-hour advance notice of cancellation or postponement is required for all services. All deposits are non-refundable. This will cover any expenses that I have incurred, including the inability to book another client on such short notice.
I don't see any pricing on your site. Why?
Because my personal chef service is tailored to each client, I do not have a price list. The cost of your service will be agreed upon during your intial consultation.
What kinds of food can you prepare?
While I can make just about anything, you can view a sample menu here.