WHAT IS A PERSONAL CHEF? A Personal Chef is a culinary professional who creates and prepares customized menus for clients in their own home. The meals are prepared, packaged and stored ready for the client to enjoy at a time that fits into their schedule. They differ from Private Chefs in that they serve more than one client, and they also differ from Caterers since a caterer prepares food in a commercial kitchen and delivers it to the client. WHO COULD USE A PERSONAL CHEF SERVICE? You don't need to be rich and famous to see the benefits of outsourcing your kitchen obligations. Many people are too busy to cook or don't have the ability and are looking to Personal Chefs for help. Anyone could benefit from the various services offered; career-oriented singles, busy families, working couples, seniors, new mothers, and more! WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? I offer a variety of services that can all be explained in detail at an initial consultation so we can find the best service that fits your needs. I offer a menu plan that includes 10 main entrees (40 servings minimum),  5 entrees (20 servings minimum) complete with side dishes, A la Carte menu items for those who want to pick from familiar food choices, dinner parties, in-home caterings, and cooking lessons. Another unique service I offer is an interactive dinner party... guests learn how to prepare a meal, and then they get to enjoy it!  I also offer "Family-Friendly" options that will satisfy all members of the family. All of these services are customized to your needs. Don't forget that I do the clean-up! WHERE ARE THE MEALS PREPARED? All your meals are prepared in your own kitchen. I arrive with all the groceries and all the tools required for preparation. I prepare the food in your kitchen, where it is packaged and stored, complete with heating instructions. Cooking the food in my home and then delivering it would be easier, however that is considered catering which requires a commercial or licensed kitchen. HOW WILL THE MEALS BE PACKAGED? I use a variety of packaging methods dependant on the type of food and how it is to be "finished". Some meals may be put together as individual entrees, where some may require transfer to a casserole dish for heating. We can discuss your preferences at the consultation.
Photo by Marta Shely Photography	Photo by Marta Shely Photography
HOW LONG WILL YOU BE IN MY HOME? DO I NEED TO BE THERE? It will depend on the type of service that you have. Good food takes time, and it will be prepared from scratch. Therefore, you could expect me to be in your home for around 5 hours. You do not need to be home, as we will make appropriate arrangements for entry at your consultation. As much as I would love your company if you are home, your kitchen becomes my work area. I need to work quickly and be concerned with safety and sanitation. Feel free to quietly watch if you wish. HOW MUCH REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER SPACE DO YOU NEED? Again, this depends on your type of service. Generally, some space is required in both your refrigerator and freezer. I use a combination of packaging methods that maximize freezer space. However, I don't recommend doing your grocery shopping right before a service date. IS THE FOOD READY TO EAT OR DO I HAVE TO ACTUALLY COOK? The food is ready for you to "finish". This may include placing the meal into a casserole dish, heating in the oven or microwave, or grilling. My desire it to provide the best-tasting food to you, and sometimes this requires a bit more than microwaving. All meals will be as prepared as far as possible so you will have minimal cooking. Do not fear, there will be complete heating instructions with all your meals. Your preferences can be discussed at our initial meeting. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE YOUR SERVICE? This will depend on the amount of meals and servings that you feel you will need and want. We will determine this together at our first meeting, and adjust your schedule as you see the need. IS THE SERVICE AFFORDABLE? Many clients feel that the service is actually more economical that they first expected.  You need to ask yourself how valuable is your time?   When you consider the amount of time it takes to plan a menu, prepare grocery lists, shop for, prepare, cook, and clean up.. it becomes a very reasonably priced option for many people.  As well, in many cases, clients are able to get more than one meal from the entrees because many of them are of generous proportions. WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES? All my services are customized for every client. However, I do have some basic packages that are available. These can be scheduled as a 1-time service, monthly, twice-monthly, etc. Main Dish is 10 main centerpieces for your meal prepared and ready for you to add your own side dishes. $370.00 Chef's Choice includes 5 entrees and 8 side dishes (4 servings each) designed with your preferences in mind. $325.00 Economy Main Dish includes a double set (8 servings) of 5 main centerpieces that are ready for you to finish and add your own side dishes  $350.00 Complete Meal includes a complete entree with sides prepackaged into single meal portioned containers.  Minimum of 20 portions.  $325.00 I also do Cooking Lessons, Dinner Parties, Interactive Dinner Parties (Dinner parties with cooking lessons and demonstrations)and smaller in-home caterings. Since all menus are customized, the total cost is the cost of food plus $35/hour labor. Prices subject to change.