1) Can I Afford a Personal Chef?
Yes, you can! Having a personal chef is far more affordable than dining out 3-days a week. And, when you consider how much your time is worth, you’ll discover that prepared meals at home allow you more time to do the things that really add value to your life. A family of four can have weekly meals prepared by one of Dine With 9’s chefs for as little as $5 per meal. Stay healthy and enjoy delicious meals suited for your diet.
2) What is the difference between a personal chef and a private chef?
A personal chef has several clients but usually only services one client per day. They prepare meals for special occasions such as anniversaries and intimate dinner parties of 10 or less. They also prepare multiple entrees to be consumed over a period of 1-week. A private chef is employed full-time by an individual or family, and prepares all meals for one client.
3) How do you know my likes/dislikes and can you prepare special meals such as vegetarian, diabetic, low fat, low carb, recovering from an illness, etc?
Prior to menu preparation, we will do an assessment of your individual food preferences, allergies, health concerns and the goals you have for your body and fitness. We will provide alternatives to your previous unhealthy meal choices that will keep your taste buds satisfied and your overall health supreme.
4) Why do you prepare the meals in my kitchen and do I need to be home?
To save clients on the rental costs of using a commercial kitchen, our private and personal chefs prepare meals at the clients home. Our chefs are licensed and insured. They only need access to your kitchen to prepare the meals. You are not required to be present during the preparation of food.
5) Do I need to supply you with any special equipment?
Our chefs can work in almost any size kitchen. They need a clean stove/oven, refrigerator, access to clean running water, counter space…all in good working condition. The chef will clean the kitchen along with any pots, pans and utensils after preparing meals.
6) How long will it take?
Depending on the type of meal, we estimate about 8 hours to prepare 3-5 entrees with side dishes for a family of four. Menus for vegans, raw-food diets and some vegetarian and ethic cuisine require more preparation time. Menu planning and shopping time varies from 1 to 3 hours.
7) Who shops/pays for the groceries or is the cost included with the chef’s fee?
The cost of groceries are billed separately from the chef’s fee. The client is responsible for reimbursing the agency for the total cost of groceries.
8) Do you provide the containers?
Yes, we provide uniform containers to save space in your refrigerator and freezer. There is a one-time fee for the purchase of storage containers that can be reused by the chef. If you have your own containers, the chef can use them as well.
9) How will I know how to warm the food?
The chef will leave written instruction on how to reheat and serve food that has been prepared for later use.
10) Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. However, we do provide a better rate for continued employment of our personal chefs. It takes time to build a chef-client relationship. Your feedback is wanted and crucial. Our chefs are culinary artists and we want to place you with a chef that understands your needs and one that you and your family can appreciate.