Q: What is the difference between a personal chef and a private chef?
A: A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time, and is often "living in" and preparing up to 3 meals per day. A personal chef serves several clients, usually one to two a day and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the clients particular request and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.
Q: Do you cook in my kitchen?
A: Yes, health regulations require personal chefs to prepare your meals in the safety of your home unless the food is being prepared in a commercial kitchen. We are serve safe certified and always handle your food in the safest way.
Q: How long will you be here?
A: Our chef will likely be cooking several different entrées and side dishes from scratch, so it will probably take three to seven hours. Our chef is typically willing to work with your schedule or situation and make arrangements in advance so that the cooking date fits into your schedule. Most of our clients are away from their homes at work or running errands while we are working in their kitchens preparing their scrumptious suppers.
Q: Can you use my containers?
A: Uniform containers save space in your refrigerator/freezer. We offer several types of container options from glass containers which you get to keep to containers that can be thrown away after use.During your consultation we will decide which container and packaging options work best for you. If there is an entrée that would be better suited in your own casserole or baking dish we can arrange that.
Q: The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entrée in a restaurant - why is that?
A: Although our fees are expressed per entrée and servings, they actually represent all of the components that make up a professional Personal Chef Service. For example, the assessment process that we complete to determine your likes, needs, and special dietary requirements and requests are used to customize your menu options.
We modify all of our recipes to reflect your wants and needs; meal options are submitted for your approval and selection; grocery shopping and travel expenses are included; and your meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Plus, packaging, labeling, storing your entrées and leaving heating instructions 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 request you don't always have the guarantee that they 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 get back in your vehicle to drive home.
If you have a personal chef service, you can heat a beautiful entrée that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat in the comfort of your own home.
Q: Do I pay ahead of each cook date?
A: Yes, it is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cook date. If you like you may leave me a check for the upcoming cook date on the day I am cooking. Because we charge a fee for the service plus groceries, we will leave you an invoice on your cook date indicating whether you have a grocery bill balance or credit. We can apply your credit or add your balance to the next cook date.