What is a personal chef?A personal chef is someone who has a passion for cooking and
brings that love of cooking to your home and to your dinner table. A
Personal Chef is NOT a private chef. Private chefs cook for one family and
prepare meals as needed. A Personal Chef has several clients, usually one
per day, and prepares and packages multiple meals in the client's home.
Who needs a Personal Chef?
Busy parents, active singles, new parents, people on special
diets, people with food allergies, recuperating patients, seniors, anyone who is
unable or unwilling to cook for any reason - in fact, anyone who needs more
time, more energy or a healthier lifestyle!
Can I afford it?
Absolutely! When you add up the time and money spent on
planning, shopping, cooking and clean up, the price can be quite affordable- not
to mention the other benefits you may experience when you begin to devote that
time and energy to other pursuits! The
cost per meal is comparable to eating at a nice restaurant. However, with
my service, you will be getting individually customized meals with your
specific dietary requests in mind. You will eat in the comfort of your own
home, at your convenience, and will have all the extra time saved to enjoy doing the
things you love!
How often will you come?
Clients use my service on a variety of schedules.
Services can be scheduled regularly every week, every two weeks, monthly, or as
needed. The meals can be used as the majority of your dinners, or can be
used to supplement your own meals on busy nights or weeks. A customized
schedule to meet your particular needs will be worked out at your
complimentary consultation.
Can you deliver prepared food to me?
This is not possible due to Health Department regulations.
Delivered food must be prepared in a specially equipped and inspected kitchen,
and is usually done by a caterer or restaurant. I will need to come to
your home and prepare your meals in your kitchen.
What if my kitchen is not well-equipped?
Not to worry! During our initial consultation, I will
conduct a "kitchen interview" and determine what equipment, pots, pans, and
utensils you have available. Whatever you don't have, I'll purchase for
you or bring with me!
How long will you be in my home?
I will be cooking for several hours, and will also need time
to unload, unpack, pack, load and clean the kitchen. Normally, I will be
in your home 5-7 hours, and the time will vary depending on the menu and the
type of service. We will discuss the schedule at your initial interview
and agree on the best time for both of us.
Will I need to be home while you cook?
Absolutely not! Most clients are busy and pressed for
time. We will discuss and agree on entry arrangements at our initial
interview.
How will the food be packaged and stored?
All food will be vacuum-sealed, which best preserves and
protects your meals, and also provides the most convenient heating method.
Food will be left in your refrigerator or freezer, and hot
meals can be left in your crockpot, ready to eat when you get home. Food
can also be prepared and left for you to grill. Vacuum sealer bags will be
purchased for you and included in the cost of your groceries.
How will I heat the food?
Vacuum-sealed food may be heated directly from the freezer or
refrigerator by placing in a pot of gently boiling water. Some items may
need to be heated in the oven after thawing to preserve texture. Detailed heating instructions will be
provided for each dish. We will
discuss both the packaging and the heating process during our interview, and I
will be sure that you are comfortable with the process before your first
cheffing date.
Can you prepare meals for special diets?
Absolutely! Although I am not a nutritionist, I can use
information from your doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer to design a menu
to fit your food goals or dietary restrictions. I can also customize dishes and
menus for food allergies or popular diets. I have cooked for clients on Atkins™,
South Beach™, Weight Watchers™, and clients with gluten (wheat) allergies.
What's the difference between your service and those new
dinner services that are cropping up everywhere?
At most of the dinner services, you will simply assemble and
package your uncooked meals with the provided ingredients during a 1 or 2 hour
time slot. There is very little customization available and you will
select your meals from a limited menu. The meals are to be taken home and cooked
or frozen for later cooking. At some services, you will need to provide
the appropriate packaging, and most are geared towards a full family size
package of 4 servings.
Our meals are fully cooked, so can be quickly heated, and are
customized to your tastes and nutritional needs. We have an extensive
menu, and can prepare virtually any dish you desire. The only time
required by you is the time to review your menu before each cheffing date, and a
few minutes to heat your healthy, home-cooked meal at the end of a long day!
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