FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

1.  What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef

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 per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the clients particular requests and requirements.  These meals are packaged and  stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.

2.  Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes, I do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen.   On our agreed upon cooking date I will  bring  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!

3.  How long will you be here?

I’ll be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. I cannot say exactly how many hours, however I am most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we can make arrangements in advance so that my cooking date fits into your schedule.

4.  I’ll be home that day.  Is it okay if I watch - or help?

Yes, you can watch but keep in mind that I’m the professional you hired to do a job, and that being under someone’s watchful eye or being distracted by conversation or inquiries can not only slow the process, but it can also distract me and cause burns, cuts, and forgotten ingredients.  You are welcome to come in and visit, but please let me complete the job you’ve hired me to do.

5.  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’ll leave you easy to follow heating instructions for each entree.

6.  How much freezer space do you need?

It depends on the number of meals you request, and the sizes of the containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount of freezer space.  Why don’t we take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available...Efficient storage is one of the reasons I prefer to select the appropriate size, uniform storage containers for  you.

7.  Can you use my containers

Once again, uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer, and I’ll bring the appropriate containers for the entrees I’m preparing each cooking date.  If you will save the containers for me that held the entrees you have already enjoyed, I’ll take those back with me each cooking date, so I’ll actually be rotating containers in and out of your kitchen regularly.

8.  What type side dishes do you prepare?

I prepare side dishes that complete the entree you have selected - For instance, if you have ordered a beautiful savory stew entree, I will prepare a rice or Polenta side dish to be enjoyed with the stew.  I always allow my clients to select and prepare their own green vegetables since people have such strong preferences in that area.

9.  What if I want you to prepare additional side dishes as well?

I’d be happy to provide that service for you, however, it will entail an additional fee.

10.  The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is that?

Although my fees are expressed in a per entree or per serving fee, 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 what you like to eat, and how you like to eat, and whether or not you have allergies, sensitivities or medically specific requirements I’ll take into account when preparing your entrees is one of the features - that, along with customizing my recipes to reflect your wants and requests, submitting meal selections for your approval, the grocery shopping, coming to your home to prepare your entrees in the safety of your own kitchen, plus packaging, labeling and storing your entrees are more features.

If you were to compare a personal chef service to restaurant service you could think or 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.  You can even enjoy it curled up on the couch in your “jammies” if you want.

 
11.  Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date?

Yes, that is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date.  If you like you may leave me a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day I am cooking.

12.  How long will the food last us?

Depending on how many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home we can determine approximately how long your meals will last.  If you travel for business, or entertain in restaurants during the week, or just enjoy eating out on occasion the meals will take you further than if you eat in each night. 

13.  How often will we need your service?

I’ll be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule my Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs.  I’ll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.

14.  Can I order half of the regular service?

I wish I could make that available to you, but the service doesn’t work that way. For this to be a profitable business for me, I cannot take the same amount of cooking time and produce half the amount of food.  It takes the same amount of planning, shopping and preparation time to cook 10 portions of food as it does for 20 portions of food.