Chez Ellen Personal Chef Services & Catering

FAQ

What is the difference between a personal chef and a private chef?

Usually a private chef is employed by one individual or a family full time and is often "living with them" 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 may be packaged and stored so that the clients may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.

Are you cooking in our kitchen?

Yes, I am prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen on our agreed upon cooking date, I bring the freshest ingredients for your meals along with my own utensils, and prepare your meals on site. At the end of the day I leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking.

How long will you be here?

If you request to prepare your meals in advance for several days I will be cooking different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. For your dinner parties for more people I cannot say exactly how many hours, however I am most willing to work with your schedule or situation, and we can make arrangements in advance so that my cooking date and time is compatible with your schedule.

During preparation and dinner, is it OK if I watch-or help?

As a professional, while working, being distracted by conversation or inquiries can become dangerous causing burns, cuts or mistakes. You are very welcome to check in occasionally, it is preferred that my focus remains on the job at hand but it would be my pleasure to give you some explanation of what I am preparing.

Do I have to be at home when you come to cook?No, as long as appropriate arrangements are made in advance.I’m a picky eater, will you adjust your recipes based on my likes and dislikes?By all means! Before your first day of service I will ask you a detailed questions to find out about your food
preferences, allergies, or other dietary requirements.What does the personal chef service include?

• Customized Menu Planning

Love pasta? Hate onions? Not enough garlic?
A Personal Chef Service takes the time to learn your individual needs and preferences. They use
this information to create delicious meals personalized to your individual tastes.

• Grocery Shopping
  

Don't have time to stop at the store and wait in line?
A Personal Chef Service performs the shopping for you. They purchase the freshest and finest
ingredients just before coming to your home and preparing your meals.

• In-Home Meal Preparation
  

Tired of the hassle in preparing meals everyday? A Personal Chef comes to your home with
everything needed and prepares multiple personalized meals in your kitchen.

• Storage and Cleanup
  

Dirty sink, pots and pans, greasy stove? The Personal Chef packages and stores your meals in
your refrigerator and freezer. They leave your kitchen sparkling clean and your home filled with
aromas of freshly prepared foods.

What are some benefits of having a personal chef?

Grocery Shopping and Fresh, Quality Ingredients
On your service day, your Personal Chef completes all of the shopping, selecting the finest and
freshest ingredients, so you can enjoy great tasting meals.

Easy to Prepare and Clean Up Meals
Personal Chefs offer a great selection of prepared and packaged meals conveniently stored in
your home refrigerator and freezer. The meals are easy to heat and prepare and even easier to
clean up. No more after-dinner drudgery.

More Free Time
No more do you have to worry about "What's for Dinner". No more shopping, going out, picking up,
or preparation of the evening meals. Think of all the extra time you will save by hiring a Personal
Chef Service. Time for the more important parts of your life.

Affordable Meals
A Personal Chef Service is cost effective and can actually save you money. How much time is
expended and money spent to dine out, pick up food, make trips to the grocery store, or prepare
the evening meal? A Personal Chef Service is a cost-efficient alternative.

I have a small business and am looking to decrease my medical premiums. Do you provide meal service and nutritional consulting to small businesses?

Yes. Please call me to discuss my affordable program to help improve the health of your workforce by changing their eating habits.

Do you offer cooking birthday parties for kids and children?

Absolutely! They are very popular. I'll provide all the ingredients, supplies, direction and supervision for the kids to cook a main course (pizza) and some sweets (decorated cookies) plus cooking-themed games and party favors. Call me at 510.465.CHEF to book your party today!

What are some of your favorite food web sites?

There are so many good ones but here are some I enjoy most:

The Food Section

Slashfood

NY Times Dining Section

Epicurious

Chow

Bitten Blog

ellen@chez-ellen.com