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 “live in” and prepares three meals a day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one or two per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the clients’ particular requests and dietary requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.
Q. Do you cook in my kitchen?
A. Yes. I will bring all of the necessary kitchen tools. You supply the necessary containers. I’ll leave the heating instructions.
Q. What about the needed groceries?
A.You can chose to do the grocery shopping or we can add that to my services. I’ll shop for you and leave a receipt on the counter.
Q. How long will you be at my house cooking?
A. It usually takes 4-7 hours to actually cook, cool and store the meals in your home, depending on the meals selected. My time spent planning, grocery shopping, etc. is usually about three hours longer than the actual cooking time.
Q. What type of meals do you prepare? Can I choose the meals?
A. At our initial meeting we will discuss your likes, dislikes and any dietary needs you may have. This will allow us to customize your menu. You will choose your menu selection.
Q. Do I pay ahead for each cooking date? How far in advance can I schedule?
A. It is customary to pay at least 48 hours in advance of the cooking date. My services do not include the cost of groceries which allows you maximum flexibility in choosing menu items. I will estimate the cost of the groceries based on your menu selections. As much as I will try my best however grocery prices are flexible, I may owe you money back or you may owe me more money. I will leave your grocery receipt on your counter. You will need to provide the containers in advance of my cooking date. I will have quick pay available. You may schedule up to 3 months in advance. However, if I have any openings, I am happy to schedule on short notice.
Q. How is pricing set up?
My pricing is a service fee plus the cost of groceries. This allows for flexible meal options that fit your budget and for me to shop where you prefer to buy groceries. There are ways to increase your savings that we can talk through during the consultation. Also, we can review other service needs you may have during the consultation (breakfast, lunches, snacks, etc.).
Q. What are my options for payment?
I accept payment by cash, check, credit card, or Quick Pay.
Payment includes the service fee, grocery deposit, plus any additional fees and is required prior to the cook date (preferably 4 days). Grocery receipts will be provided on the cook date. Any difference in the grocery deposit and the actual price of groceries will be applied to the next service grocery deposit. I will provide an invoice that shows the final cost for the service and the amount due for the next cook date.
Q. What areas do you serve?
Area of Service in Illinois: Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Lake Villa, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winnetka. Counties Served: Cook County, Lake County
Q. Can I afford it?
A. Absolutely! When you add up the time and money spent on planning, shopping, cooking and clean up, the price can be quite affordable- not to mention the other benefits you may experience when you begin to devote that time and energy to other pursuits! The cost per meal is comparable to eating at a restaurant. However, with our service, you will be getting individually customized meals with your specific dietary requests in mind. You will eat in the comfort of your own home, at your convenience, and will have all the extra time saved to enjoy doing the things you love!
