Frequently-Asked Questions
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 three meals per day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at his or her leisure in the future.
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, your meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Normally, on the agreed upon cooking date the Personal Chef will bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with his own pots, pans and utensils and prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day the chef will leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!
How long will you be here?
The chef will likely be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will probably take several hours. However, your personal chef will be most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and make arrangements in advance so that the cooking date fits into your schedule compatibly.
Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer normally should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator and heated to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. Your Personal Chef will always leave you with easy-to-follow heating instructions for each entree.
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. You and your chef should take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available. Efficient storage is one of the reasons Personal Chefs prefer to select appropriately-sized, uniform storage containers for their clients.
Can you use my containers?
Again, uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer, and your Personal chef will bring the appropriate containers for the entrees he is preparing each cooking date. If there is an entree that would be better suited in your own casserole or baking dish we can arrange that. If you will save the containers for the Chef that held the entrees you have already enjoyed, he will take those back with him each cooking date, so we will actually be rotating containers in and out of your kitchen regularly.
The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant. Why is that?
Although our fees are expressed in terms of number or entrees and servings, they actually represent all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, the assessment process that the Personal Chef completes to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections.
The Chef will modify all of his recipes as necessary 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: With 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 produced “assembly line” fashion 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.
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 the Personal Chef a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day he is cooking.
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 one each night.
How often will we need your service?
Your Personal Chef will be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule his personal chef service to best serve your needs. He will make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.
Can I order half of the regular service?
Unfortunately, the service doesn’t work that way. For this to be a profitable business for the Chef, he 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.