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 often lives in, preparing up to three 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 his or her leisure in the future.
Does the chef cook in my kitchen?
Yes, meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. 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 dishes on site. At the end of the day the chef will leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking.
Do I need to be home during the cook date?
No, you do not need to be present during the cook date. Just make sure arrangements have been made in advance to allow the chef entry to your home. Your chef will secure your home at the end of the cook date according to your directions.
How long will the chef be here?
The chef will likely be cooking several different entrées and side dishes from scratch, so it will probably take several hours. However, your personal chef will typically be most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and make arrangements in advance, so that the cooking date fits into your schedule.
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 re-heated, to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. Your personal chef will leave you with easy to follow heating instructions for each dish.
How much freezer space is needed?
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 available. Efficient storage is one of the reasons many personal chefs prefer to select the storage containers for their clients.
How much is it going to cost?
The fees represent all of the components that make up a professional personal-chef service. For example, the assessment process that a personal chef completes to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections. They modify their recipes to reflect your wants and needs; meal selections are submitted for your approval; many small pantry items such as spices, flour, vinegars and oils are included; and your meals are all prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Plus, packaging, labeling and storing your entrées 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. After eating your meal you must pay for it, tip the server, and get back in your vehicle to drive home. Plus, many chain restaurants serve prepackaged foods that come off the back of a truck and are reheated. Your chef will only prepare fresh foods from scratch.
If you have a personal-chef service, you can heat a beautiful entrée that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it in the comfort of your own home.
