(Frequently Asked Questions - pronounced: "fack")
How does this work?
After an initial consultation of which some of the following items are
discussed: favorites, allergies, special dietary needs, frequency of dinner
preparations (weekly, bi-monthly etc.), we will decide on your first week's
meals and formulate a menu. Usually 5 entrees are chosen, four servings
for each entree. This will provide 20 dinner sized servings, enough for
two people for 10 days, Monday through Friday, for example. This is
flexible depending on family size or preferences. Thereafter, you may email
me with your choices for the next two-week menu items. Usually, once every
two weeks I will prepare these entrees in your home during the day. I
will shop, prepare(using my own equipment), package (for freezer or fridge),
and clean your kitchen.
What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time, and is often
"living in", and preparing up to 3 meals per day.
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 client may enjoy them at their leisure in the
future.
Yes, I prepare your
meals in your kitchen. On the agreed-upon cooking date, I bring the
fresh ingredients for your meals along with my own pots, pans and
utensils, and prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day I
leave your kitchen clean, and full of the aroma of good home
cooking!
I’ll be
cooking several different entrees from scratch, so it will take
several hours. I cannot say exactly how many hours, however I am
most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we can
make arrangements in advance so that my cooking date fits into your
schedule compatibly.
Yes. Any entrees
that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted
overnight in your refrigerator, and heated, to be enjoyed at the
peak of their flavor.
I will be happy to
leave you easy to follow heating instructions for each
entree.
How much freezer
space do you need? It depends on the
number of meals you request, and the sizes of the containers, but it
does generally require a considerable amount of freezer space. Why
don’t I take a look at your freezer to see just how much room
you have available...Efficient storage is one of the reasons I
prefer to select the appropriate size, uniform storage containers
for my clients.
Once again, uniform
size containers take less storage space in your freezer, and I will
bring the appropriate containers for the entrees I am preparing each
cooking date. If you will save the containers for me that held the
entrees you have already enjoyed, I will take those back each
cooking date, so I will actually be rotating containers in and out
of your kitchen regularly.
What type side
dishes do you prepare? I prepare side
dishes that complete the entree you have selected - For instance, if
you have ordered a beautiful savory stew entree, I will prepare a
rice or Polenta side dish to be enjoyed with the stew. I always
allow my clients to select and prepare their own green vegetables
since people have such strong preferences in that area.
What if I want you
to prepare additional side dishes as well?
I’d be happy
to provide that service for you, however, it will entail an
additional fee.
The cost seems to be
about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is
that?
Although my fees are
expressed on a per entree or per serving fee, they actually
represent all of the components that make up a professional personal
chef service. For example, the assessment process that I complete to
determine what you like to eat, and how you like to eat, and whether
or not you have allergies, sensitivities or medically specific
requirements I will take into account when preparing your entrees is
one of the features - that, along with customizing my recipes to
reflect your wants and requests, submitting meal selections for your
approval, the grocery shopping, coming to your home to prepare your
entrees in your kitchen, plus packaging, labeling and storing your
entrees, are more features.
If you were to
compare a personal chef service to restaurant service you could
think or it this way: For a restaurant, you must drive to get there,
possibly wait for a table, take a chance that your server is having
a good day, and if you have allergies or special requests you
don’t always have the guarantee that they will be honored,
since most entrees are "assembly line" ready in the
kitchen. After eating your meal you must pay for it, tip the server,
and get back in your vehicle to drive home.
If you have a
Personal Chef Service, you can heat a beautiful entree that has been
prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it
in the comfort of your own home. You can even enjoy it curled up on
the couch in your "jammies" if you want.
Do I pay you ahead
of each cooking date?
Yes, that is
customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date. If
you like you may leave me a check for the upcoming cooking date on
the day I am cooking.
How long will the
food last us? Depending on how
many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home, I can
determine approximately how long your meals will last. If you travel
for business, or entertain in restaurants during the week, or just
enjoy eating out on occasion, the meals will take you further than
if you eat in each night.
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.
Can I order half of
the regular service?
I wish I could make
that available to you, but the service doesn’t work that way.
For this to be a profitable business for me, I cannot take the same
amount of cooking time and produce half the amount of food. It takes
the same amount of planning, shopping and preparation time to cook
10 portions of food as it does for 20 portions of food.