Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Personal Chef?

Personal Chefs are a whole new branch of the professional foodservice industry. Our goal is to provide you with palate-specific meals that you can come home to and enjoy when it’s convenient for you.

By custom designing each menu and each meal to your individual requirements, your personal chef can ensure that each meal is delightful, satisfying and tailored to your dietary needs. All meals are prepared in the safety of your kitchen, with fresh ingredients selected and purchased by your personal chef on the morning of your cook date, providing you with the best quality and highest achievable level of food safety.

By having delicious meals to come home to, you will have more available time for family and recreation, better quality food than commercially frozen entrees, and the feeling that you’re “eating right” for your health.

Source: Personal Chef’s Association.

Will I have to provide the cooking equipment?

 

Generally, No. We bring our own cookware and cooking gadgets. However, there may be special cases where it is easier to use an item you already have on hand, like a food processor for example.

 

Do you need to cook the food in my kitchen?

 

Yes, Massachusetts state law permits a personal chef to prepare food only at the client’s home.

 

Do I have to be home for the service?

 

No. If you choose not to be home, we will make arrangements at the initial food consultation so that we may gain access into your home. You can choose to be home if you like but please be aware that we prefer to have minimal interruptions to ensure that all of the meals are prepared in a safe and timely fashion. If you would like to meet with us before or after we start cooking that day to discuss your meal preparations, we will be glad to make arrangements in advance.

 

How long will it take you to cook my food?

 

Usually several hours, depending on the service plan you choose.

 

Are the majority of the meals frozen?

 

It depends on the plan or service you decide on. If we prepare 20 meals and there are 4 people eating, we can leave 2 entrees in the refrigerator for the evening and the next day dinner, and the remaining dishes will be placed in the freezer.

 

How much freezer and refrigerator space do I need for storage?

 

Depending on the service plan you choose, we will need a minimum of half a shelf of freezer and refrigerator space each. For single clients, we will require more freezer space since there will be a larger number of individuals portions to store.

 

How do I heat the food?

 

Complete heating instructions will be left each time we come to prepare meals for you. Every entrée stored in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator and then heat in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

 

Can I use my containers?

 

In order to store your food as efficiently as possible, we prefer to select appropriate reusable containers to store your food. A one-time container fee of $50 is due on your cook date, which covers all containers and packaging for the duration of your service. 

 

How and when do I pay for the service?

 

Payment for the service fee (grocery costs are extra) will be due during the initial food consultation. Payments thereafter will be due one week prior to a scheduled cooking session.

 

What does the service fee include?

 

The service fee covers menu planning, grocery shopping, complete meal preparation (entrees and side dishes), food cooling and storage, kitchen clean-up and easy heat-and-serve instructions. Groceries are charged separately.