Questions
and Answers
Who Needs
a Personal Chef?
Anyone too busy to cook after a day in the office, those individuals embarking
on a new diet or fitness regime, families who enjoy a night off from kitchen
duty, singles who want to impress family or friends, retired couples who
enjoy the treat of fine dining without the hassle and expense of valet
parking, tipping, etc., and convalescents.
How does
a personal chef service work?
The chef creates a suggested menu based on input received from client
conversations and a food questionnaire. The menu is proposed to the client
for acceptance, changes, or alternative ideas. Once a menu is approved,
a "cooking date" is scheduled. All the cooking is done in the
client's home.
How often
do I need a personal chef service?
Many factors determine how often you utilize the service including the
number of family members consuming meals and how often the family eats
at home. On average, clients request service every 2 to 3 weeks. However,
services are also available on a weekly and monthly basis.
What does the price include?
- A customized menu personally developed for each client.
- Fresh food shopping on the cooking date.
- Meal preparation and packaging.
- Complete labeling and heating instructions.
- A clean kitchen afterwards with the lingering aroma of delicious, fresh, home-cooked food.
- Fully Insured Personal Chef
Do you
cook in my kitchen?
Yes, all meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Normally,
on the agreed upon cooking date, I will 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 will leave your kitchen clean
and full of the aroma of good home cooking!
Do you
prepare my favorite recipes, or your own?
I will prepare your family favorites, or offer new recipes, whichever
you like.
Are side dishes included in the Standard Service?
Five different entrees and appropriate side dishes—enough for 10
dinners for two, or five dinners for four—are included in the cost.
Do I
heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should
be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and heated, to be enjoyed
at the peak of their flavor. I will always leave you with easy-to-follow
heating instructions for each entrée.
How much
freezer and refrigerator space do you need?
It depends on the number of meals you request, but I will need a shelf
in your refrigerator and ample space in your freezer. Efficient storage
is one of the reasons I prefer to select the appropriate uniform size
storage containers for my clients.
Can you
use my containers?
I can, however, it may be more of an inconvenience for you. All containers
must be cleaned and left out. Container sizes will need to vary based
on what kind of food is prepared. My uniform size containers will most
likely take less storage space in your refrigerator and freezer and offer
the convenience of being freezer, oven, and microwave safe, as well as
disposable. You won’t need to clean any pots or pans or containers.
I will also bring the appropriate number and size containers for the entrées
I am preparing each cooking date. I will be happy to provide you with
a demonstration of these containers during our initial consultation.
Is there
an additional cost for the containers?
For monthly clients, there is a one-time non-refundable setup fee of $50
that pays for your disposable containers for the life of the service contract.
If you are a one-time client, there is a $10 container fee.
Do I
pay in advance?
Yes, it is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking
date.
How long
will the food last?
That depends on how many entrees you order and how many evenings you eat
at home. In general, food should not be frozen for more than three months.
How often
will I need your service?
I will be happy to help you determine how often you will want to schedule
my Personal Chef Service to best suit your needs. I’ll make sure
it supports your busy lifestyle without putting pressure on you.
Are you
a Caterer?
No. A caterer offers certain menus, cooks the food in a commercial kitchen,
then brings the food to your function or home. A personal chef surveys
the kind of food you like and then shops for the freshest foods available.
A personal chef brings all the food and cooking utensils to your home,
prepares the food, and leaves your refrigerator and freezer stocked with
healthy, delicious food for you to enjoy at your convenience.
Do you
have Gift Certificates Available?
Absolutely! Gift certificates are the perfect way to welcome home a new
mom and her baby, to pamper someone spending long hours at work, to celebrate
an anniversary or birthday, to help a friend or family member recovering
from an illness, or anytime someone could use some extra help in the kitchen.
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