1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and
a Private Chef?
A Private Chef is employed by one individual or family on a
full-time basis, and is often "living in" and preparing
up to three meals a day.
A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day,
and provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for the
clients' particular requests and preferences. These meals are
packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their
leisure.
2. Where do you do the cooking?
I prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On our
agreed-upon cook date, I bring the fresh ingredients for your
meals, along with my own pots, pans and utensils, and prepare
your entrees on site. At the end of the day, I leave your kitchen
clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!
3. How long will you be there?
I'll be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from
scratch, so it will take several hours. I cannot say exactly
how long it will take, however it is usually 6-7 hours. I am
very willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we
can make arrangements in advance so that my cook date is convenient
for you.
4. Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer
should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, then heated
to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. I always leave you
easy-to-follow heating instructions for each entree.
5. How much freezer space do I need?
It depends on the number of meals you request and the sizes
of the containers, but it does generally require that you make
room in your freezer. We will take a look at your freezer together
and see just how much room you have available. Efficient storage
is one of the reasons I prefer to select the appropriate size
uniform containers for you.
6. Can you use my containers?
Uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer.
I will bring the appropriate containers for the entrees I am
preparing for you at each cook date. I offer you the choice
of disposable containers or reusable containers. We can decide
which option will be best for your lifestyle.
7. What types of dishes do you prepare?
I have selections to please everyone! My menu choices include
dishes for all types of palates:
Low Carb Friendly
Gourmet
Health Conscious
Restricted Diets
Meat and Potato Fans
Comfort Food
Pasta Lovers
Vegetarian
Based on your personal preferences, I will create menus that
are custom-designed just for you and your family. I can also
prepare any family recipes that you would like. I have access
to thousands of recipes and together we will come up with a
menu that meets any special requirements you have, and that
you'll love to eat!
8. How do you know what kind of food I like?
What sets a Personal Chef apart is the personalized service
we give our clients. I conduct a detailed assessment with you
to determine your specific needs -- what type of food you like
to eat, how you like to eat, whether or not you have allergies,
sensitivities or medically specific requirements, whether you
are on a special eating plan (for example: low fat, low carb,
low sodium). I also determine if there are any foods you do
not like and you will never see them in the meals I prepare
for you!
9. What if I have special dietary restrictions?
Since my service is customized to fit your needs, I will cook
food that adheres to your specific dietary needs. I have access
to thousands of recipes and information on all different types
of diets. If you have received dietary guidelines from your
medical professional, I may request a copy of the guidelines
to be sure that we are following them accurately. My goal is
to keep you not only healthy, but also happy with the delicious
food you are eating!
10. How much food do you prepare?
Of course, we will determine exactly what your needs are and
how much food you need based on your preferences, lifestyle
and dietary restrictions.
For example, one of the most popular choices is "The 5/4
Service" which consists of:
5 entrees of 4 servings each with the appropriate side dishes.
That means you'll pick 5 different meals from the menu and each
meal will feed 4 people. That's 20 complete meals. This service
will feed 2 people for two weeks - or a family of 4 for one
week.
For other options, see the "Services" page. I'll
be happy to customize a service just for you!
I can also prepare additional entrees, side dishes, soups,
breads, and desserts, if requested.
Or if you are having company in, you may order an entree and
side dishes that feed more than 4 people. Or, you may wish to
have me cook a special dinner for you.
My goal is personal service and I will work to accommodate
your needs.
11. Can I afford a Personal Chef?
Yes! A Personal Chef is no longer considered a luxury. For busy
working families and singles who do not have the time or energy
to cook, a Personal Chef is a service that can reduce stress,
improve health, and give you back some quality time. And for
retired seniors who either do not have the ability to cook for
themselves, or who just want to get out of the kitchen and the
grocery store, this service is a way to make the most of your
time and improve your lifestyle.
Add up all the time you would spend planning menus, shopping,
cooking from scratch, and cleaning up for dinner each night.
And then add up the money you spend on fast food, delivery or
take-out, frozen food, and restaurant eating.
I believe you'll see that being able to come home and sit down
to a delicious, healthy meal in the privacy and comfort of your
own home is definitely worth it!
12. Do you cook for parties and special occasions?
Yes - I can come to your home and cook for all of your parties
and special occasions -- from an intimate dinner for two to
a party for 200. I will customize your menus, come to your home
and prepare the food, serve the food if you wish, and clean
up your kitchen afterwards. Why spend your time working in the
kitchen when you could be out enjoying your guests?
13. The cost seems to be about what I would pay for
an entree in a restaurant - why is that?
My fees represent all of the components that make up a professional
personal chef service. For example, the assessment process that
I complete to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements
and requests is used to customize your menu selections. I modify
all of my recipes to reflect your wants and needs; meal selections
are submitted for your approval; all of the groceries needed
for your meals are included; and your meals are all prepared
in the safety of your own kitchen. Plus, packaging, labeling
and storing your entrees are all features included in this price.
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, take a chance
that your server is having a good day, and if you have allergies
or special requests you don't always have the guarantee that
they will be honored, since most entrees are "assembly
line" ready in the kitchen. After eating your meal you
must pay for it, tip the server, and get back in your vehicle
to drive home.
If you have a Personal Chef Service, you can heat a beautiful
entree that has been prepared specifically for your palate and
requirements, and eat it in the comfort of your own home.
