What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef? A private chef is employed full-time by one individual or family, and is often “living in” and preparing up to three meals per day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them in the future. 

Where are the meals prepared? All your meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen, according to required food safety guidelines. Cooking your meals in my home and then delivering them to you would be easier but that is considered catering. The health department requires an inspected and approved commercial kitchen for catering

How long will you be in my home? Since everything is made from scratch it generally takes anywhere from five to eight hours to prepare your selected entrees and the accompanying side dishes. I cannot say exactly how many hours since each menu is different, but I am happy to make arrangements in advance so that my cooking fits into your schedule conveniently.

Do I need a big kitchen to have a personal chef? You do not need a big kitchen to have a personal chef. All I need to prepare your meals is a functional oven and stove and minimal counter space.

IHow will my meals be packaged? Your meals are packaged according to your preferences, the size of your family and whether or not you will be dining together. Generally, entrees will be packaged separately from side dishes. 

What will you use to package our meals?  I prefer to use glass Pyrex containers with lids since they are freezer-safe, microwave-safe and oven-safe. Using these dishes allows you to heat and serve your food without dirtying other dishes. However, if you prefer, disposable containers, such as Gladware and Ziploc bags, may also be used. Remember that you will have to transfer your food to an oven safe dish when using disposable containers. In either case, you will simply wash the containers after you have enjoyed your meal and have them ready for each cooking date in a predetermined location. The one time container fee for Pyrex averages $100 depending on the size of your family and the meal plan you choose. I will shop for these dishes for you at no cost and they will be yours to keep. The container fee for disposable dishes averages $15/cookdate. I will purchase these while shopping for your groceries on the cook date. These can often be washed and reused.

Could you use the containers that we already own? I am happy to consider using your container collection, but uniform-sized containers are going to take up less space in your refrigerator and freezer.

How much refrigerator and freezer space do you need? Needed fridge and freezer space depends on the number of meals you request and the sizes of the containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount of space. During the assessment, we will look at your fridge and freezer so I can show you what to expect based on the meal plan and container sizes you choose. Efficient storage is one of the reasons I prefer to use Pyrex containers with lids.

How difficult is it to heat meals? Heating meals is very easy and convenient. I will leave detailed heating instructions for each entree and side dish. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should be thawed overnight in your refrigerator before heating.

How often can you cook for us? Depending on the size of your family and the meal plan you choose, I can cook for you weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

What types of side dishes do you prepare? I will prepare two side dishes for each entrée. They will compliment the entrée and will also be selected and prepared according to your needs and requirements. Side dishes consist of a seasonal fresh vegetable, potato, rice, pasta, salad or quick bread.

Can this service help me lose weight?  While I am not a registered dietician, I am happy to prepare meals according to your doctor or nutritionist's specifications. I am also familiar with many popular diet plans, such as Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, Somersizing and Sugar Busters. My fee includes the research and time needed to prepare the healthful meals you require.

When do you shop for ingredients? Since quality ingredients make for quality meals, I grocery shop on the way to your home. Because I shop just before I arrive at your home, I'll be happy to pick up an additional ten items you may need such as bread, milk, juice, cereal, deli items, fruit, ice cream, diapers, pet food, etc. You may never have to step foot in a grocery store again.

Do you use processed foods? I use predominantly fresh produce and cook your meals from scratch. I use quality-processed ingredients where fresh equivalents are unavailable or cost prohibitive. For example, I use canned tomatoes, dry pasta and canned coconut milk. The only frozen vegetables I use are peas that are not usually available fresh, and sometimes frozen corn during the winter.

When and how do I make the menu selections for each cook date? I will email you a list of menu selections from which to choose approximately one week before your scheduled cook date. Please respond with your choices at least four days before the cook date. Or, if you prefer, I will devise your menu and surprise you with meals I know you will love.    

I will be home while you are cooking. Is it possible for me to watch? I view your kitchen as my office. Because I will be working with knives and hot burners, concentration is key to successfully preparing your meals. As much as I would love your company while I am cooking, my first concern is safety. Please feel free to quietly observe.

This sounds great, but can I afford this? When you consider the cost of groceries, the time to plan a variety of healthy meals, grocery shopping, cooking and clean up time, you will find the pricing to be quite affordable. You and your family can dine in the comfort of your home on healthy food, tailored to your specific preferences.

How do I pay for the service, and do I sign a contract? Payment for the groceries and the containers will be required in advance of each cooking date. Payment for the personal chef service will be required when I arrive at your home with the ingredients. I will either leave you with or mail you an invoice indicating the credit or debit balance for the groceries. Indulgence PCS accepts cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard via PayPal. The only “contract” to be signed is a Service Agreement that lists our agreed upon expectations, such as how many meals and how often I will cook, payment arrangements and my understanding of your dietary requirements. Either party may terminate the personal chef service at any time with five days notice.