|
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page. Below
we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this website may
have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page please contact
us.
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 client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are
packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the
future.
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, generally meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen, Normally,
on the agreed upon cooking date we will bring the fresh ingredients for your
meals along with our own pots, pans and utensils, and prepare your entrees on
site. At the end of the day we will leave your kitchen clean and full of the
aroma of good home cooking!
How long will you be here?
We will likely be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from
scratch, so it will probably take several hours. However, we are 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 should be
defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and heated, to be enjoyed at the peak
of their flavor. We 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. Together,
we take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available.
Efficient storage is one of the reasons we prefer to select the appropriate
size, uniform storage containers for our clients.
Can you use my containers?
Once again, uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer, and
I will bring the appropriate containers for the entrees I am 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 me that held the entrees you have already enjoyed, I will take those back
with me each cooking date, so I 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 my fees are expressed per entree or per serving, they actually
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.
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.
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?
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.
Can I order half of the regular service or price?
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.
| 
