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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Chef Perron "dishes up" some answers

Is personal chef service expensive?

No! Meals can be as little as $12.25 per person, depending on how many meals you order per session. The more meals you order per session, the less expensive a meal is, regardless of how often service is scheduled. The cost of the service includes all groceries - everything. I may use a few tablespoons of butter, an occasional egg or cup of milk from a client kitchen, but other than that, absolutely everything is provided.

Are the meals frozen or refrigerated?

Most meals are frozen, however many clients enjoy scheduling service on a day of the week when they usually eat at home so that a refrigerated meal may be left behind. This offers me the opportunity to round out a menu with foods that aren’t freezer-friendly, such as fresh fish and salads.

How much freezer space do I need?

If you have a freezer on top model, you need at least one full shelf. If you have a side-by-side freezer, you need 2-3 shelves. Single-serve packaging usually requires a little more space.

Do I have to buy a set of storage containers?

As much as possible, I use client storage containers, such as Rubbermaid, Corning Ware, Pyrex, etc. I prefer if clients provide these storage solutions as they are re-usable and environmentally responsible. I have helped clients outfit their kitchens with these storage solutions in the past. If you are interested, the cost is usually between $100-$150 (one-time) for a full set. If I need to provide disposable storage solutions, I charge a small fee.

What does a client menu usually look like?

Every client menu looks different. I am happy to suggest popular, seasonal dishes for you, but you get to decide what you want to eat. When you first sign up for service I will discuss preferences, aversions, allergies and other needs to help me design a menu you’ll love. You can accept, modify or decline any single menu item. For most clients, I know what they like so well, they rarely request changes to the menus I suggest unless it is because they are craving something I've made them before. This is more difficult in the first few visits, but gets very easy. I learn as if my clients were another family for me to feed - who likes what and who doesn't. (It's kind of fun...) I also have experience cooking for particular diets, including for patients with various heart conditions and cancers, and have experience serving clients with special needs.

What is a typical schedule for service?

I can come to you as often or as infrequently as you like. Most clients prefer some sort of predictable schedule, but for some, that might be just once every four weeks. The most popular schedule is every two weeks. I also can make as many meals in a session as you want. For a typical client, that is 4-6 meals that each serve 4 adults (giving you 16-24 "plates"). Many of my clients have children and find their meals can serve more than 4 people. For some meals I get requests for double portions (for family favorites, or where leftovers or a second meal is desired.) Double portions are very affordable - I usually charge a nominal increase ($18 on average for the entire 4-plate meal).

Where is my food prepared?

All of your food is made in your kitchen and I leave it as clean or cleaner than when I got there. Everything is packaged and clearly labeled with finishing instructions appropriate for your situation. I usually am on site an average of 3 hours, and typically try to do this between 9am -3pm. I can accommodate other schedules if needed.  . I travel with a full pantry, knives, and essential kitchen tools, particularly those not found in every kitchen. I prefer to use client cookware if available and if clients are agreeable to that.

Do I need to be home on cook days?

It is not required that you be home, in fact most of my clients are not. One of the best things about personal chef service is coming home to dinner that you didn’t have to make.

What if I don’t like a menu item?

I guarantee satisfaction, so if you ever dislike a dish, I will always replace it with something else, so there is no risk to you.

How many meals are made in a single cook session?

Typically I make 4-6 meals per session, including appropriate sides for some meals, sauces, dressings, etc.

Will this work for singles or couples?

Singles, couples and single parents love this service! I can modify the portions or packaging/pricing to suit any need. Most of the time I do family portions but I do sizes all the way down to singles. Since I can package everything in any portion size you want, then you don't have to eat "leftovers" if you don't want to- you can eat everything freshly "finished". It is a nice way to keep variety in your meal rotation. For most singles or couples this smaller packaging means that while they eat the same meal 2 or more times per cycle, they eat them 3-4 weeks apart instead of back to back.

Can I make changes to my menu?

Of course. I typically leave a suggested menu for the next visit on the reverse of the current menu left at each visit. Many clients ask that if they don't get back to me, I should assume that they want the menu as suggested. I ask for changes no less than 2 days before the scheduled visit for my convenience in printing menus, labels/finishing instructions and invoices, but I shop on my way to your home.

How do I get started?

Getting you started requires only a little bit of paperwork and a bit of friendly chatting, and from there your life just gets easier and more delicious. Please let me know how I can be of service.

Do you do events?

I consider it an honor to be asked to assist with a special occasion. Events may take place in your home, at your place of business, or any place where an outside caterer would be welcomed.

Can you do small events? How many people can you serve?

I have done events as small as 6 and as large as 210.

How much do you charge for events?

Events are custom-designed and therefore custom-priced, but that doesn’t mean they are expensive! Events are generally more affordable the more people you invite. Cocktail events start at $10.20 per person and generally are less than $20 per person. Private four-course sit-down dinner parties start at $62.50 per person. Buffets for large groups are not priced per person, but may work out to less than $10 per person.

What kind of service can you provide for events?

If you can dream it, I can do it. I can do everything from menu planning and recipe development, shopping, pre-prep, prep, service and clean-up to just the services you need. Partial to complete party menus can even be prepared in advance and left behind in the manner of personal chef meals, with minimal effort required on behalf of a host/hostess to finish the prep. Additional professional chefs/kitchen help and service staff/servers are available. . Typically service for events does not include tableware, beverages, flowers, etc., though such things are available for an additional charge. We do not provide or serve alcohol, but we can offer wine recommendations and suggest bartending services, if desired.

Where is the food for my event prepared?

As a private chef, all food service is prepared on-site, in your kitchen.