Expressively Your Personal Chef Service by Chef Deborah ™

Personal Chef Service How Does It Work?

Firstly, we will meet to determine what your needs are (i.e. frequency of dinner preparations - weekly, bi-monthly, whether you prefer the Standard Service or Fresh Service, etc.). Then we will discuss your food likes, dislikes, allergies and special dietary requirements. We will then decide on your first week's meals and formulate a menu. We will shop on the way to your home, prepare your meals (using our own equipment), package and label them (for the freezer or refrigerator) and leave your kitchen just as we found it.

What is the difference between a Caterer, a Private Chef and a Personal Chef?
A caterer prepares meals in a commercial kitchen and brings them to the client.  A private chef is employed by one individual or family full-time, and is often "live-in" and prepares 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, we do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On our agreed upon cooking date we will bring the freshest ingredients available for your meals along with our own pots, pans and utensils, and prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day we will leave your kitchen just as we found it and full of the aroma of good home cooking!

How long will you be here?
We will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. We cannot say exactly how many hours, but it will probably range anywhere from

3- 5-7hours. However, we are very willing to work with your schedule or situation and make arrangements, in advance, so that our cook date and your schedule are compatible.

I'll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch or help?
This can be a delicate situation, as we will be preparing several different recipes simultaneously and cannot be distracted by conversation, pets, kids, etc. It would be too easy to forget an ingredient or to forget about something in the oven. We would be happy to chat with you or answer any questions for a few minutes before or after cooking for you. Also, we are always happy to answer any questions or take suggestions either by phone or e-mail.

Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees and side dishes 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 always leave you with easy to follow heating instructions for each entree and side dish that has been prepared.

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. At the assessment, we will take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available. Efficient storage is one of the reasons we prefer to select the appropriate size, uniform storage containers for our clients

Can you use my containers?
Once again, uniform size containers take less storage space in your freezer, and we bring the appropriate containers for the entrees we are preparing each cooking date. Unless it has been determined otherwise, for most dishes we will be using heavy-duty vacuum-sealedbags, which have been designed to eliminate air pockets and will greatly enhance the quality of food that is being stored in the freezer. We will also use a combination of disposable containers that will be suited to the particular dish. However, if there is an entree that would be better suited in your own casserole or baking dish we can arrange that.

The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is that?
Our fee represents all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, the assessment process that we complete to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections. We modify all of our recipes to reflect your wants and needs; meal selections are submitted for your approval; all of the groceries needed for your meals are included; and your meals are all prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Plus, packaging, labeling and storing your entrees are all features included in this price.

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 prefer you may leave a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day we do the assessment.

How long will the food last us?
Depending on 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 one each night.

How often will we need your service?
We'll be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule our Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs. We'll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.

Standard Service
With our standard service, a client specified number of freezer-friendly meals are prepared all on one day and are packaged for the freezer to be enjoyed at a later date. Up to three meals may be placed in the refrigerator to be consumed over the next several days or weeks. Our standard service is for those people who have varied schedules and aren't sure from one day to the next when or where they will be eating dinner. It is also popular with people who enjoy dining out occasionally and don't want to commit to a regular weekly plan.

The requested number of entrees and the number of people who will be eating the food determines the cost of this service.  Standard service includes the cost of groceries (some premium items carry an extra charge) and is about the cost of a meal that you would order in a nice restaurant. 

Weekly, biweekly , monthly, and occasional services.

All packages include initial consultation and assessment, menu planning, shopping, cooking your selected meals, labeling, complete heating instructions, and clean up!

Grocery costs are included in my rate however packing cost is not.  If you have a special diet and or would like me to prepare from an organic line of products then there is an additional grocery. Packaging costs are determined by how you want your meals packaged. I will purchase any needed packaging supplies for you and include them with your bill.

Book ahead and save!  I offer pricing incentives to clients who commit to a regular schedule of service. Book a minimum of three months service to receive our pricing incentive.