Dinner’s On The Table - Personal Chef Service

What is a personal chef?

A personal chef is a culinary professional who designs and prepares personalized meals for clients, in their homes, on a weekly to monthly schedule. 

Who needs a personal chef?

Anyone who doesn’t have the time to plan, shop for and prepare home-cooked meals.  People who can’t, or don’t like to cook also benefit from a personal chef.  A typical client is someone who is tired of fast food or dining out and wants to enjoy healthy, delicious and affordable meals in the comfort of their own home.

What is included in Dinner’s On The Table Personal Chef Service?

Dinner’s On The Table meal service is the most convenient and economical way to benefit from what I do.  It’s an ongoing service based on your schedule. 

A meal consists of an entree and two sides.  The sides are usually an appropriate vegetable and a starch.  If you would like a garden salad, I will make enough for the first few days.  Appetizers, bread, desserts and extra sides are also available at an additional charge.

What kind of ingredients are used?

I use only the freshest seafood, vegetables, meats and dairy products available.  Preservatives are never used, and I season according to your taste.

Where do you shop for groceries?

Where I shop depends on your nutritional needs and menu choices.  I find the best places to find the freshest ingredients.  Typically, I will go to 3 or 4 different places to complete your shopping list.  If you like a particular item, be sure to tell me so I can bring it for you!

Is your service affordable?

Think about how much you spend on take-out food, restaurants and convenience foods at the grocery store, which includes boxed foods that usually contain preservatives, too much salt and too much sugar.  Include how much it costs to get to the restaurant.  You would be surprised to discover that a personal chef can be less expensive!   Hiring a personal chef is not a luxury item for the rich and famous.  It’s a necessity that’s affordable.

What intangibles can a personal chef provide?

What is your time worth?  What is your health worth?  Imagine coming home to a clean kitchen and a hot healthy meal in minutes, not hours.  The time you save on planning, shopping, preparing and cooking (for most families, 10 hours a week) can now be spent on family, business or entertaining.

Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes.  On our agreed upon cook date I will be cooking in the safety of your kitchen.  I will bring my own pots, pans and utensils.  After I have finished preparing and labeling your meals, I will leave your home so the only evidence of my having been there is the aroma of delicious meals waiting to be eaten.

Can you prepare Kosher meals?

Yes!  That’s an easy one.  Kosher meat is generally more expensive than treif meat, so that cost is factored in to the cook date.  The only difference is I will use your pots, pans, and utensils. If there are ten kosher kitchens, there may be ten different levels of kashrot.  If I bring my meat supplies to a kitchen where the family eats out treif, I don’t want to bring the same supplies to a Glatt Kosher kitchen.  I want to be able to ensure my clients that I can preserve the integrity of their kitchen. 

Do I have to actually cook the meals?

Not unless you want to.  For most dishes, the food is ready for you to heat and plate.  All meals will have instructions for you to follow that will enable you to quickly and easily finish the meal.  Certain items, like steak and some seafood, are best cooked immediately before serving, so if you like to fire up the grill, now is your chance.  If a meal has been frozen, I recommend that you take it out of the freezer the night before it is to be eaten and place it in the refrigerator to allow it to thaw properly.  When you come home, all you have to do is follow the heating instructions.  Most items can be reheated in the microwave. 

How do you package and store my meals?

As part of your initial consultation, we will discuss your packaging preferences.  On your cook date, as each entree is prepared, I will cool it and package it in the container of your choice, label each meal including the prep date, include finishing instructon and place it in your refrigerator.  You will then transfer those meals you will be eating later to your freezer.  I recommend allowing your meals to chill over night before being put in the freezer so the end product will be at its best when you are ready to eat it.

How long should the food retain its optimal flavor?

This depends on the packaging method you choose.  Most meals should be eaten within two months if frozen.  I don’t recommend freezing every component of every meal and I will label those items.  For example, meals with fresh, uncooked ingredients have a shorter fridge life and aren’t at their best if frozen.  Those meals kept in the refrigerator for quick use should be eaten within two to three days depending on the meal.

How often should I schedule your service?

This will depend on the amount of meals and servings of each you feel you will need for a typical week.  We will determine this at our first meeting and adjust as your schedule needs. 

Can you cook for my dinner party?

Yes.  I can cook for a small party, a picnic, just appetizers or whatever you need. 

How far in advance do I need to reserve your time?

I generally need two weeks to schedule my services, but feel free to call me.  I may have a date available.

Do I have to sign a long term agreement?

No.  I don’t require a long term contract for my services.  You can use my services as you need them.

What is your cancellation policy?

For all of my services, if more than 72 hours notice is given and we can reschedule there is no charge.  If you are not able to reschedule 1/2 of the subtotal will be charged.  If less than 72 hours is given without rescheduling, the full subtotal will be charged.  I purchase most ingredients the morning of a cook date, but some items need to be pre-ordered.  If I am able to replace your cook date with another, this fee may be waived.

Do I pay before your visit?

Yes.  It is customary to pay prior to your cook date, if you are a meal service client.   You pay me for your next meal service on your current cook date.  For small party service, I require half of the estimated costs prior to my service and the remainder on the day of the event.