FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Chef Services

What is the difference between a Private Chef, a Caterer, and a Personal Chef?

A Private Chef is usually employed by an individual or family full-time, is often “live in”, and prepares 3 or more meals a day for that one client. A Caterer prepares meals at a commercial kitchen and brings them to the client or event. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for the client’s particular requests and dietary requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their convenience, either from the refrigerator or the freezer.

Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes, I do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. I am perfectly happy to work in any size kitchen. Believe it or not, small kitchens are sometimes easier to work in! One of the reasons I visit your home before the first cooking date is to assess the kitchen and to note how many burners are functional, how much refrigerator/freezer space you have, etc. On our agreed upon cooking day, I bring the fresh ingredients for your meals and prepare your entrees on-site. I will use most of my own pots, pans and utensils, or if you don’t mind, I will also use your equipment. At the end of the day, I leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!

How much freezer space do I need?

Of course this is determined by how many meals you ask me to prepare. Efficient storage is one of the reasons I provide the containers for you. I will be happy to use your containers if they are of appropriate size. Storage generally isn’t an issue. Generally, I use disposable paper containers that can be used in either your microwave or your oven.

How long will you be at my house cooking?

I will be cooking several entrees and side dishes, so it could take several hours. I cannot say exactly, but it will range from 4-6 hours. However I am happy to work with your schedule requirements.I’ll be home that day.

Is it okay if I watch--or help?

This can be a delicate situation, as I will be preparing several different recipes simultaneously and cannot be distracted by conversation, animals, kids, etc. If would be too easy to forget an ingredient or forget about something in the oven. I would be happy to chat or answer any questions for a few minutes before or after, or during my break. Also, I am always happy to answer any questions or take suggestions through E-mail or by phone.

What type of meals do you prepare? Can I choose the menu?

We will have an initial meeting where we come up with the first cookdate menu, based on your tastes and dietary goals. After you try the meals, we will “fine tune”…how much spice, portion size, less meat/more meat etc. I am happy to make any recipe you have or any recipe you see in a magazine or newspaper. You may wish to choose from my menu every time, or I will create a menu for your, based on your food preferences. Either way is fine with me. If you are selecting from the menu, I will need your selections 4 days before your cookdate. Please note: This is YOUR service, so if you want chicken casserole and glazed carrots every week, you’ll get them!

The cost seems to be about the same as I would pay for an entree at a restaurant--why is that?

The fee for a personal chef service represents all of the components that make up this customized plan, which is essentially bringing a restaurant to your home. For example, it includes the assessment process where we determine what you like to eat, food allergies, etc. You are paying to have me plan, grocery shop, prep, and cook your meals exactly as you like with the highest quality ingredients available for each season. There are no restaurant-type food stabilizers added. This is not mass-quantity food prep or home meal replacements prepared in a commercial kitchen…it is personalized home cooking. It is also a convenience for you to know that you have a refrigerator or freezer full of healthy, delicious meals that were made especially for you, that you can enjoy at any time. Going out to eat in restaurants is a great treat, but a personal chef service is just one more option for healthful, convenient meals. Also consider: no time and gasoline driving to and from the restaurant, no grouchy servers, and no temptations from the dessert tray (unless you ask for them, of course!)

Do I pay ahead for each cooking date? How far in advance can I schedule?

You may schedule up to 3 months in advance. I will collect a grocery deposit and chef fee from you when you schedule your first cookdate. After that, you may leave the agreed upon amount for me for the next cookdate when I come to cook for the first time. You may also pay several cookdates in advance, if you prefer, so that you do not have to remember to leave a check every time I cook.

How often will you come to my house to cook?

I can come weekly, biweekly, monthly or just occasionally. I will be preparing from three to five entrees, each entree serving 4 adults, as well as up to 3 appropriate side dishes. Portion sizes can be modified for larger families and there are various packaging options. You will decide how often I come based on how quickly you eat up the food. This is determined during our assessment interview and will be adjusted in the coming weeks to what works best for you.

Can I order half of the regular service?

I wish I could make that available to you, but it takes the same amount of time for planning, shopping and cooking to make 10 portions as it does for 20 portions.

Do you have gift certificates?

Yes--who wouldn’t love a Personal Chef gift certificate!! This is the perfect gift for new moms, seniors, busy professionals and families. Please contact me for more details.

Member, American Personal Chef Association
ServeSafe Certified Food Manager
Member, Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce
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