Chef Cher
Chef Cher
is a proud member of APPCA
Chef Cher
is ServSafe certified
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Frequently
Asked Questions
- What is
the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
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 client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.
- Do you
cook in my kitchen?
Yes,
I do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On
our
agreed upon cooking date, I bring the fresh ingredients for your meals
along with my own pots, pans, and utensils, and prepare you entrees in
your kitchen. At the end of the day, I leave your kitchen
sparkling clean, and full of the aroma of good home cooking!
- How
long will you be here?
I'll
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 willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we
can make arrangements in advance so that my cooking date fits into your
schedule compatibly.
- I'll be
home that day. Is it ok if I watch - or help?
On
a cook date, I consider your kitchen to be my "office". In
order
to avoid any mishaps in the way of forgotten ingredients or, worse yet,
an accident caused by distracted attention, I request that you allow me
to perform my professional service without interruption. If
you
would like me to arrive and spend a brief time visiting and answering
questions, I will be happy to make arrangements to do so. I
will
also be happy to spend a short visit at the end of my cook day.
- Do I
heat the food?
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. I will leave you easy to follow
heating instructions for each entree.
- How
much freezer space do you need?
It
depends on the number of meals you request, and the sizes of the
containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount of
freezer space. Efficient storage is one of the reasons I
prefer
to select the appropriate size storage containers for you.
- Can you
use my containers?
Once
again, uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer,
and I will bring the appropriate containers for the entrees I am
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.
- What
types of side dishes do you prepare?
I
prepare side dishes that complement the entrees you have selected - For
instance, if you have ordered a beautiful savory stew entree, I might
prepare a rice or polenta side dish to be enjoyed with the stew.
- What if
I want you to prepare additional side dishes as well?
I'd be happy to provide that service for you.
However, it will entail an additional fee.
- The
cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant -
why is that?
My
fees represent all of the components that make up a professional
personal chef service. For example, the assessment process
that
we complete determines what you like to eat, how you like to eat, and
whether or not you have allergies, sensitivities, or medically specific
requirements. Taking this into account when preparing your
entrees is one of the features - along with customizing my recipes
to reflect your wants and requests and submitting meal selections for
your approval. The grocery shopping, coming to your home to
prepare your entrees in the safety of your own kitchen, plus packaging,
labeling, and storing your entrees are more features.
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 to get there, possibly
wait for a table, take a chance that your server is having a good day,
and 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 entree 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 want.
- Do I
pay you ahead of each cooking date?
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 I am cooking.
- How
long will the food last us?
Depending
upon how many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home
we can determine approximately how long your meals will last.
If
you travel for business, or 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.
- How
often will we need your service?
I'll
be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule
my Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs. We'll make
sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on
you.
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