FAQs

  1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
    A private chef is employed full time by one individual or family, is often “living in”, and preparing up to three meals per day. Whereas 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.
  2. What type of clients do you serve?
    It runs the gamut:

    • Busy families where late afternoons or early evenings are spent shuttling kids back and forth to extracurricular activities. They’ve precious little time to prepare a delicious, healthy meal.
    • Working couples and singles who want to eat well yet who don’t have the time to devote to preparing the meals.
    • Post partum families and other post hospital clients who have a temporary need for my services.
  3. Do you cook in my kitchen?
    No, all meals are prepared in my commercial kitchen located in Edison, NJ. I will prepare and package your meals however you would like me to, based on our discussions during our initial consultation. Your meals will then be delivered to your home, by me or a member of my staff, on an agreed upon date and time.
  4. How long will it take you to prepare my meals?
    The turn-around time on your order depends on the complexity of your menu and the length of time it takes to finalize your menu. We can usually arrange delivery of your order within a few days of agreeing on the menu. This will be discussed during the consultation
  5. Do I heat the food?
    Yes. Any entrées that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, then heated to enjoy at the peak of their flavor. I will be leaving you easy-to-follow heating instructions for each entré.
  6. How much refrigerator or freezer space do you need?
    It depends on the number of meals you request and the sizes of the containers, but it generally requires a considerable amount of space. As part as our initial conversation, I will assess how much room you have available in your refrigerator and freezer.
  7. Can you use my containers?
    I supply all the containers. By doing so I ensure that everything is packaged to ensure the best possible quality of your food.
  8. What type side dishes do you prepare?
    I prepare side dishes that complete the entrée you have selected. For instance, if you have ordered a beautiful savory stew entrée, I will prepare a rice or potato side dish to be enjoyed with the stew. Many other entrées may include two side dishes consisting of vegetables and an appropriate starch.
  9. What if I want you to prepare additional side dishes as well?
    I would be happy to prepare whatever combinations of meals you like. There may be additional fees for certain combinations, which we will discuss during your consultation.
  10. The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entrée in a restaurant - true?

    Perhaps. But think of how much more you are getting:

    • The assessment process we complete to determine your likes, dislikes, whether or not you have allergies or medically specific requirements — all of which we take into account when preparing your entrées.
    • Customizing our recipes to reflect your desires
    • Submitting meal selections for your approval
    • Grocery shopping
    • Packaging, labeling and storing your entrées

    As for a restaurant…

    • You must drive to get there and possibly wait for a table.
    • If you have allergies or special requests, you don’t always have the guarantee that they will be honored, since most entrées 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…

    • Enjoy a beautiful entrée prepared specifically to your tastes and requirements.
    • Dine in the comfort of your own home.
    • Even enjoy it curled up on the couch in your “jammies” if you want!
  11. Do I pay you ahead of each delivery?
    We will discuss and agree on your total invoice prior to preparing and delivering your meals. It is customary to pay me prior to or upon delivery of your food.

  12. How long will the food last us?
    It depends on how many entrées you order, and how many evenings you eat at home. During our consultation we will discuss which entrées you want refrigerated and which ones you would like me to freeze. All food will be labeled and dated. Food packaged for your refrigerator will also have a “use by” date.
  13. How often will we need your service?
    That is completely up to you. I can help you determine just how often you will want to schedule my Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs. We’ll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.