FREQUENT QUESTIONS"I get asked that a lot..."Q: What is the difference between a personal chef and a private chef?A: A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time and is often "living in", and preparing up to 3 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 clients may enjoy them at their leisure in the future. Q: In what areas do you offer the personal chef service? A: We serve Sarasota, Venice, Osprey, Bradenton, Long Boat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas of southwest Florida. Q: Do you cook in my kitchen? A: Yes, we prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen on our agreed upon cooking date, we bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with our own pots, pans ands utensils, and prepare you entrees on site. At the end of the day we leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking. Q: How long will you be here? A: I will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. I cannot say exactly how many hours, however I am most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we can make arrangements in advance so that my cooking date is compatible with your schedule. Q: I will be home that day. Is it OK if I watch-or help? A: As a professional, while working, being distracted by conversation or inquiries can become dangerous causing burns, cuts or mistakes. You are welcome to check in occasionally, but it is preferred that my focus remains on the job at hand. Q: Do I heat the food? A: Yes. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and heated to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. We will be happy to leave you easy to follow heating instructions for each entrée. Q: How much freezer space do you need? A: It depends on the number of meals you request and the size of the containers, but it generally requires a considerable amount of freezer space. Efficient storage is one of the reasons we prefer to select the appropriate uniformed-sized storage containers for our clients. Q: Can you use my containers? A: Once again, uniform sized containers take less storage space in your freezer. We will bring the appropriate containers for the entrées we are preparing each cooking date. If you will save the containers for us that held the entrees you have already enjoyed, we will take those back with us each cooking date, so we will actually be rotating containers in and out of your kitchen regularly. Q: What types of side dishes do you prepare? A: 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 polenta side dish to be enjoyed with the stew. Q: What if I want you to prepare additional side dishes as well? A: I would be happy to provide that service for you; however, it will entail an additional fee. Q: The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entrée in a restaurant-why is that? A: Although our fees are expressed as a "per entrée" or "per serving" fee they actually represent all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, the assessment process that we complete to determine what you like to eat, how you like to eat and whether or not you have allergies, sensitivities or medically specific requirements. One of the features of a personal chef service is that these factors will be taken into account when preparing your entrees. Other features include customizing our recipes to reflect your wants and requests, submitting meal selections for your approval, grocery shopping, and coming to your home to prepare your entrées in the safety of your own kitchen, plus packaging, labeling and storing you entrees. If you were to compare a personal chef service to restaurant service, you could think of it this way…for a restaurant, you must drive there, possibly wait for a table and take a chance that your server is having a good day. Then, if you have allergies or special requests, you don't always have the guarantee that they will be honored since most entrees 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 heat a beautiful entrée that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it in the comfort of your own home. You can even enjoy it curled up on the couch in your "jammies" if you like. Q: Do I pay ahead of each cooking date? A: Yes, it is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date. If you like, you may leave me a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day that I am cooking. Q: How long will the food last us? A: Depending on how many entrées you order and how many evening you eat at home, we can determine approximately how long your meals will last. If you travel for business, entertain in restaurants during the week or just enjoy eating out on occasion, the meals will take you further than if you eat in each night. Q: How often will we need your service? A: I will be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule my personal chef service to best serve your needs. We will make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you. Q: Can I order half of the regular service? A: I wish I could make that available to you, but the service doesn't work that way. For this to be a profitable business for me, I cannot take the same amount of cooking time and produce half the amount of food. It takes the same amount of planning, shopping, and preparation time to cook ten portions of food as it does for twenty portions of food. |
Personal Chef Service
Serving Sarasota - Venice - Osprey - Bradenton - Long Boat Key - Siesta Key - Lido Key - Lakewood Ranch
and surrounding areas of southwest Florida
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