Frequently Asked Questions
How Does This Work?
Is hiring a personal chef a worthwhile investment?
Consider all of the quick food shortcuts you’ve been taking at the drive thru, frozen food selection and cost of eating at a restaurant. This food is full of fat, sodium and is neither nutritionally beneficial nor offering portion control. Whether I am teaching you how to cook or planning your meals and preparing them you are benefiting by learning and eating food designed for your palate preference and dietary needs. It’s a win, win situation keeping hard earned money in your pocket while bringing the family back to the dinner table for quality time.
What is the cost for your professional personal chef services?
My fee is inclusive of the initial consultation allowing me to learn about your food preferences, favorite meals, food allergies and nuisances of your family. I then research your special dietary needs, plan menus, grocery shop, bring all necessary equipment to your home, cook, package and label with cooking directions and lastly clean your kitchen and answer any of your questions before leaving your home smelling of wonderfully fresh and nutritional meals.
Are you certified and insured?
Yes, I hold certification as a manager with Safe Food Handlers Corporation which allows me to bring my food safety training to your table. I hold liability insurance with CNA and have certification with my professional personal chef association, American Personal & Private Chef Association (APPCA).
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, cooking in your kitchen insures sanitary cooking and quick refrigeration minimizing any chances of food borne illness. On our agreed upon cooking date I will bring the morning purchased groceries, my cooking equipment and prepare your entrees, label with cooking instructions, place entrees in your containers into the refrigerator or freezer; then completely clean your kitchen leaving your home filled with delicious aromas.
How long will it take and can I watch or help?
I’ll be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. I will arrange my cook date so it fits into your schedule, typically arriving around 10:00 a.m. and finishing around 2 or 3 p.m. Your kitchen is “my office” where I want to produce my best quality food safely without distractions causing burns, cuts or forgotten ingredients. I will gladly arrive early or stay late to answer any questions you may have and don’t forget I offer cooking lessons more appropriately offering tips and techniques of my trade.
Do I cook the food?
Yes. All entrees and side dishes will come with cooking instructions to be easily prepared quickly and on your table for you to enjoy in a snap. Plus, my direct personal phone number for you to call 24/7/365 with any questions.
Can you prepare my favorite family recipes?
Yes. It would be my honor to prepare any recipe you present to me. I can modify or enhance any food; there is NOT a recipe I cannot duplicate!
Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date, cooking lesson or party?
Yes. I do prepare an agreed upon cooking contract requiring payment upfront for my services. Groceries are separate costs. I present to you all receipts for food with detailed accounting for reimbursement on my cook dates. If you need to cancel our cook date, as a courtesy of my planning time please give me at least a five day notice. Rescheduling may take time as I do have regular cook dates with my clients.
Is there a long-term commitment?
No. My service is designed for you to have meals when you want. I can arrange cook dates weekly, every 2 weeks, monthly, after surgery or baby, for a special occasion and as a gift to a friend or family member. Everything is customized to meet your needs.
I want to host a party at my home. Will you help me entertain?
Yes. It would be my pleasure to assist with any aspect of your party. My 20 + years of cooking and entertaining will allow me to give you expert advice on beautiful tablescapes, decorating your home for the special occasion, recipe research and planning, how to set a gorgeous table or buffet and, of course, do all the grocery shopping, cooking, serving and clean up for you. I specialize in small parties for entertaining family, friends and business associates.
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