Frequently Asked Questions

Who could use a personal chef?

Our personal chef service is for anyone who does not have the time, desire or ability to plan, shop for and prepare meals at home.  Our typical clients are living with hectic schedules, demanding careers, and they are tired of fast food.  They are often looking for healthier food alternatives, which aren't easy to find when dining out.

What's the difference between a caterer, a private chef, and a personal chef?

A caterer offers certain menus, prepares foods in a commercial kitchen, and then brings the food to your function or home. A private chef is employed by one individual or family on a full-time basis, preparing three meals per day.  A personal chef serves several clients.  He surveys clients to determine their food preferences and any dietary/medical restrictions they may have.  He then shops for the freshest, finest ingredients and brings them (along with his own cooking equipment) to the client's home.  The food is prepared, portioned to the client's specifications and then refrigerated or frozen for the client to enjoy later.

Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes, we bring all the necessary ingredients and equipment to your home and prepare the meals in your own kitchen.  At the end of the cooking day, we will leave your kitchen just as we found it, except that now it is full of the aromas of freshly prepared food!

How long will you be there?

We will be cooking several different items from scratch, so a typical cook day will last for approximately 6-7 hours.

Can you prepare special diets?

Absolutely!  We are very concerned about the special dietary needs and preferences of our clients, and we will make every effort to specifically address those.

Do you use my favorite recipes or your own?

Either way!  Chef Gerald will prepare meals based on your family recipes or he will use recipes from his collection and experience.

How do I heat the food?

Chef Gerald will leave a listing of the meals prepared, along with complete heating instructions.

Uniform size containers take up less storage space and provide for better stacking.  We will make recommendations for specific types of dishes but will defer to the wishes of the client.

Can you use my storage containers?

The cost of our service depends upon what the client wants. For "standard service" where we come into your home to prepare 5 entrees and appropriate side dishes, the charge is $300.00.  This provides a family of 2 with ten meals each.  Alternative arrangements can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. For "special events" the cost is based upon the menu selected, the food ingredients and the time it takes to prepare and serve the food.

How much do you charge?

How do I pay for the food?

We request that the client pay for the food and service in advance of the cooking date.  For established service, a check may be left for us on the day we are cooking.  For special events, one half of the estimated cost of the service is due at the time arrangements are made, with the balance due at the time of the event.