Personal Chefs and Culinary Pros
480.808.5923
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 sometimes “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.
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, generally meals are prepared in the safety of your own
kitchen, although some personal chefs are moving to licensed
kitchens and delivery service. Normally, on the agreed upon
cooking date the Personal Chef will bring the fresh ingredients for
your meals along with their own pots, pans and utensils, and
prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day the chef will
leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home
cooking!
How long will you be here?
The chef will likely be cooking several different entrees and side
dishes from scratch, so it will probably take several hours.
However, your personal chef will typcially be most willing to work
with your schedule or situation, and make arrangements in
advance so that the cooking date fits into your schedule
compatibly.
Do I heat the food?
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. Your Personal Chef will
always leave you with 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. You and your chef should take a look at
your freezer to see just how much room you have availabl.?
Efficient storage is one of the reasons Personal Chefs prefer to
select the appropriate size, uniform storage containers for their
clients.
Can you use my containers?
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 there is an entree
that would be better suited in your own casserole or baking dish
we can arrange that. If you will save the containers for me that
held the entrees you have already enjoyed, I will take those back
with me each cooking date, so I will actually be rotating
containers in and out of your kitchen regularly.
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.
FAQ's
The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree
in a restaurant - why is that?
Although my fees are expressed per entree or per serving,
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 your likes,
needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to
customize your menu selections.
I modify all of my recipes to reflect your wants and needs;
meal selections are submitted for your approval; all of the
groceries needed for your meals are included; and your
meals are all prepared in the safety of your own kitchen.
Plus, packaging, labeling and storing your entrees are all
features included in this price.
If you were to compare a personal chef service to restaurant
service you could think of 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.
Or with Private Chefs, have the meals prepared fresh and
served a la carte daily in your home, with meal planning
services and grocery shopping handled by your chef.
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 we 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 one 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. I'll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle
