Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about my personal chef services, you’ve come to the right place!
How does it work?
It starts with a initial conversation to get a better idea of what you hope to get out of hiring a personal chef. I then like to meet in person where I come to your home for a free consultation that usually lasts around 1 hour. We discuss your taste preferences, food preferences/ restrictions and health goals. I will also explain my cooking style and nutrition perspective.
We’ll also discuss your food storage preferences (I prefer oven-safe glass containers), and I’ll have the opportunity to assess your kitchen equipment. Together, we will determine what kind of equipment, if any, needs to be updated or supplemented.
Next step would be to set up your trial cooking date for you to taste my cooking and decide whether or not you’d like to proceed with a regular arrangement. Several days before our first session, I’ll send you a menu proposal, which we can fine tune together. On your scheduled cooking day, I will purchase all the groceries and any additional pantry ingredients and/or equipment that may be required. From there, we’ll decide on a mutually agreed upon schedule moving forward. Before long, you’ll be coming home to delicious and nutritious home cooked meals. I will take care of menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, food storage, and clean up. All of your meals will be packaged, labeled, and stored to be enjoyed at your convenience. At the end of the day, I will leave your kitchen just as tidy as I found it.
Who can benefit from a personal chef?
Busy professionals with demanding schedules
Individuals experiencing illness, going through treatment or recuperating from injury
People on special diets
Those looking to lose weight or improve their health
Anyone who doesn’t like – or know how – to cook {yet :)}
New and expecting moms or those wishing to become pregnant
Anyone looking to come home to a home cooked meal without having to worry about shopping, cooking and clean up!
How often will you cook for me?
Most clients prefer once-a-week service, but that is entirely up to you. I can prepare meals once a week, twice a month, or just once in a while, when you need some extra help in the kitchen.
Where do you cook the meals?
All meals are prepared in the safety of the client’s kitchen.
Do I need to be home?
Whether you are home or not while I am cooking is entirely up to you. Appropriate arrangements must be made in advance for me to safely gain access to your house if you will not be home. We can discuss the details.
I’m following a special diet (gluten free, dairy free, etc) – can you accommodate my needs?
Absolutely! I have worked with clients with all different types of dietary needs.
Did you go to culinary school/what are your credentials?
I graduated from Johnson and Wales with a B.S. in Culinary Nutrition. I have experience cooking in a multitude of settings and have cooked extensively in the private homes of families and individuals throughout the NYC/Westchester/CT area. I have also worked along side culinary nutritionists and hold a certificate in Cooking for Illness from the Natural Gourmet Institute which is a culinary school focusing on health supportive cooking.
How much does it cost?
My service fee is based on an hourly rate, plus the cost of groceries. Please contact me for rates and for any questions you may have.
How do I get started?
Please contact me via my contact page to get started.