What is a Personal Chef?

A personal chef allows you to dine out in your own home.  I will custom design meal programs for you and your family that fits your lifestyle and preferences.  I will provide delicious meals prepared from the freshest ingredients for you to simply heat and enjoy at your convenience.

Where are meals prepared?

I will prepare meals in the safety of your own kitchen using my own equipment and the freshest ingredients.

Why can't you just cook everything at your home and deliver it to me?

Health, food and safety laws dictate that preparation of meals for delivery must be prepared out of a certified commercial kitchen. With a personal chef, all the food preparation and storage is completed in the safety of your own kitchen.  You can be assured that you will be receiving only the healthiest and safest meals possible.

How long will you be in my home?

It will depend on the service you select, however, I will usually spend between four and eight hours in your home. 

What food storage containers are used?

Depending on your preference, I will select and purchase reusable food storage containers that will be yours to keep.  Some clients prefer Pyrex containers as they are freezer, oven, and dishwasher safe.  Plastic microwavable containers are also popular.  There will be a container fee to cover the cost of the containers you select.

Do I heat the food?

After preparing your custom meals, I will safely package each meal and either freeze or refrigerate them depending on the service you have selected.  Each meal will be labeled with heating instructions.  For your convenience, I will also leave a menu page attached to your refrigerator with all instructions on the cook date.

What type of side dishes do you prepare?

Side dishes are generously portioned and compliment each entrée.  Side dishes usually consist of a seasonal vegetable, fresh tossed salad, rice, potato, pasta, or soup.

The cost seems about the same as what I would pay for an entrée at a restaurant.  Why is that?

My professional fee includes your personal assessment, all custom menu planning, shopping, preparation of meals, and packaging according to your specific needs.  You receive custom treatment instead of having to order off a set menu.  Additionally, you will enjoy the meals in the comfort of your own home without having to get in the car, drive to a restaurant, wait for a table, and take a chance that the waiter and chef are up to your standards that evening.

How do you shop for ingredients?

I will shop for only the freshest ingredients the morning of the cook date on my way to your home.  I shop at Publix for general groceries, Fresh Market or Whole Foods for produce, fresh meats, poultry, and fish, and Trader Joe's for specialty items.

Is it possible to order only one or two entrées?

Unfortunately due to availability constraints, I am not able to accommodate orders for less than three entrées.

How long with the food last and how often will we need your service?

It depends on whether you select fresh or frozen service.  Fresh meals will last in your refrigerator for up to five days.  Frozen entrées will last up to 30 days.  Each entree will be clearly labeled with the expiration date, thawing, and heating instructions.  How often you will need my service depends on your specific needs.  Some clients prefer only fresh service and request weekly service, while others prefer frozen service and bi-monthly service will suffice. 

How do I pay for the service? and am I obligated for a period of time?

Payment for service is due prior to the agreed upon cook date, along with the container fee (if applicable) and a grocery deposit of $150.  The actual cost of groceries will be netted against the deposit and carried forward to the next cook date. You are not obligated or locked in to the service for any period of time.  If you wish to cancel a cook date, please do so within 48 hours of the cook date.