
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a
Private Chef?
A Personal chef serves several clients, usually one per day,
and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the
clients' particular requests and requirements. These meals are
packaged and stored so that the clients may enjoy them at
their leisure in the future.
A Private chef is employed by one individual or family full time,
and is often "living in" and preparing 3 meals a day.
2. Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, I prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On
our agreed upon cooking date I bring the fresh ingredients
from the grocery store for your meals along with my
professional pots, pans, and utensils, and prepare your
entrées on site. At the end of the day, I leave your kitchen
clean and full of the aroma of tasty home cooking!
3. How long will you be here?
I'll be cooking several different entrées and side dishes from
scratch, so it will take several hours. There's no exact time
frame; however, I am most willing to work with your schedule
and can make advanced arrangements so that my cooking
date is compatible with you.
4. I'll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch or help?
I consider your kitchen to be my "Office." In order to avoid any
mishaps in the way of forgotten ingredients or worse yet, an
accident caused by distracted attention, I request that you
allow me to perform my professional service without
interruption. If you would like to spend some time asking
questions, I will be happy to arrive earlier or stay later.
5. Do I heat the food?
Yes, any entrées that have been stored for you in your freezer
should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and then
heated to be enjoyed. I will leave you easy to follow Heating
Instructions for each entrée. We can determine the best
heating method to fit your needs together.
6. How much freezer space do you need?
It depends on the number of meals you request and the size of
the containers, but it does generally require a considerable
amount of freezer and/or refrigerator space.
7. Can you use my food storage containers already in my
kitchen?
I prefer to use quality uniform-sized containers because they
effectively seal the food and pack easier in your freezer and
refrigerator. Based on the type of food storage containers
you'd like to use (i.e., Pyrex, food saver system or disposable),
I can make a recommendation and purchase whichever type of
container you prefer using.
8. Can you explain the fees and what is included in the
cooking service?
Although, the fees are expressed as a "Plan", they actually
represent all of the components that make up a professional
Personal Chef Service (minus the cost of food). For example,
we schedule an Initial Assessment Meeting to determine how
and what you like to eat, whether you have allergies,
sensitivities, or medically specifically requirements. These
important factors are taken into account by customizing the
recipes through food substitutions or eliminations. Additional
features of a Personal Chef Service include submitting meal
selections for your approval, time spent grocery shopping with
careful attention to your nutritional and financial needs and
coming to your home and preparing your entrées in the safety
of your own kitchen. The foods are then placed in storage
containers, labeled with titles and cooking instructions, and
stored in either the fridge or freezer. Finally, I clean up your
kitchen, leaving no trace of a cooking mess.
9. How and when do I pay you for each cooking date?
It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your
cooking date. You may leave me a check for the upcoming
cooking date on the day I am cooking, or at the Initial
Assessment Meeting, or you may mail it to me. I also accept
cash and/or credit card via Pay Pal, in which case I would send
you an invoice via email.
10. How long will the food last?
Depending on how many entrées 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, eat out
at restaurants often, the meals will take you further than if you
eat at home each night. Because I use fresh ingredients with
no chemicals to make them have a longer shelf life, meals will
last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the
freezer.
11. 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. We’ll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without
putting any pressure on you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)