Definition: Personal Chef

What does a personal chef do?

I’ll come to your home and prepare entrees and side dishes -- enough for you, your family and friends or however many meals you would like. You decide how many you want to feed. You can eat what I’ve prepared for dinner right away, or leave some in the refrigerator to eat in the next day or two. You can also have me make extra and I'll be happy to freeze some for later use. This is FULL SERVICE. That is, I’ll shop for the food based on your menu selection and, if necessary, bring my own pots and pans, spices, herbs and all of the supplies needed to prepare your meals. And, when I’ve finished I’ll leave your kitchen as clean as when I arrived. It is important to remember that a personal chef doesn’t cater events. A personal chef is someone who buys the food, prepares it as desired, packages and stores or freezes the leftovers, and leaves your home.

Who uses a personal chef?

Anyone who is too busy to cook every day. If you are young, an empty-nester, have children, live alone, or perhaps are recuperating from an illness, having a personal chef is an easy way to eat well and eat what you like.

Who chooses the menu?

You do. We’ll discuss your likes and dislikes. If you have a favorite family recipe, I can prepare that for you as well.

What menu items are available?

Click here for a sample of menu items. But remember, you are the client and I’ll prepare what you desire, not want I want.

What if I have special dietary needs?

I can prepare foods that cater to your dietary needs -- low fat, low sodium, diabetic, even the South Beach diet. I can also purchase organic food and prepare it for you.

How often do you cook?

As often as the client would like -- once a week, occasionally, or for special celebrations when the client is too busy to cook.

How are the meals stored?

I provide all of the packaging, either for immediate use, refrigerator storage, freezer storage, and packaging for either oven or microwave use.

How does using personal chef compare to take-out foods and dining at restaurants?

Having a personal chef costs less than many take-out meals or going out to eat. More importantly, it’s tailored to your tastes, needs, and diet. And having a personal chef means you don’t have to stand in line in a crowded restaurant with hungry family or guests, or interrupt your afternoon to stand in line at the grocery store.

My fee is $75.00 per hour, which includes shopping, preparation, packaging, and clean-up. For a typical client, it takes approximately 2 hours to prepare 3 complete dinners for 5 people. That is delicious, nutritious dinners for 3 nights for 5 people, or 15 individual meals. Viewed another way, that is $10.00 per meal per person excluding the cost of food for which the client is responsible.