How does this work?
First, we will meet to determine what your needs are (i.e.
frequency of your dinner preparations - weekly, bi-monthly, etc.).
Then we will discuss what your food likes, dislikes,
food allergies and any special dietary requirements are. We will then decide
on your first weeks meals and formulate a menu.
Usually 5 entrees are chosen, four servings for each
entrée. This will provide 20 dinner sized servings, enough for two
people for 10 days, Monday through Friday, for example. This is flexible
depending on size or preferences. Thereafter, you may call or e-mail
me with your choices for the next two weeks menu items. Usually, every
two weeks I will prepare these entrees in my state of the art commercial
kitchen. I will shop, prepare (using my own equipment), package (for freezer
or refrigerator) & deliver.
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What is the difference
between a Personal Chef and 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.
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Do you cook in my kitchen?
No, I have a state of the art, fully equipped commercial
kitchen, where I will prepare your meals, package & then deliver to
you!
This way you don't have to worry about a stranger in your
home, or any disruption in your already busy schedule & disruption
of your kitchen.
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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. I always leave you with easy
to follow heating instruction for each entrée.
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How much freezer space
do you need?
It depends on number of meals you request, and the sizes
of the containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount
of freezer space. We will take a look at your freezer to see 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.
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Can you use my containers?
Once again, uniform size containers take less storage
space in your freezer, we will discern which kind fit your lifestyle. If
there is an entrée 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. I have found that the majority of my
clients like the vacuum seal method. It is disposable and keeps the food
ultimately fresh!
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The cost seems to be about
what I would pay for an entrée 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 my commercial 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.
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Do I pay you ahead of each cooking
date?
I require a food deposit in advance for the upcoming cook
day.
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.
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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.
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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 without putting any pressure
on you.
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Can I order half of the regular
service?
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. However I
do customize. I am willing to take smaller orders, however depending on
where I will have to deliver, there may be a minimum order amount and or
delivery charge.
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Will this service help me
lose weight?
While the Chef is not a Registered Dietitian, he or she
can prepare meals that have been suggested by your doctor or nutritionist.
We have an extensive menu of low fat foods. We can work together to provide
you with the recommended meals you need. Remember, you should incorporate
some type of exercise program into your routine. Also, before beginning
any weight loss program you should consult your doctor.
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