What is a personal chef?
A personal chef comes in to your home to prepare a variety of authentic home-cooked meals, based upon your specific food preferences and dietary needs. These meals are packaged into containers, labeled with reheating instructions, and stored in your refrigerator and freezer. Your personal chef handles all the menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking and cleanup. You enjoy the good smells and convenience of having scrumptious meals prepared in your home!

Can I afford it?
Absolutely! Most of my clients are surprised to find out just how affordable this service is. Simply add how much money you spend on eating out during the week plus the cost of used and unused groceries (I really WAS going to cook that chicken). Add to that the intangible costs of the time spent traveling to and from the restaurants and the effects of unhealthy restaurant choices. The result is a hefty food bill for sure! A personal chef can not only save you money but it can save you time as well. It is estimated that hiring a personal chef can save you from 10-12 hours a week.

How often do I need to buy a service?
During the initial consultation, I also arrange a service schedule. Services can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even just on an "as-needed" basis. No contracts, no hassle.

What menus do you offer?
Menus will be customized based on our initial consultation and once I know your food preferences and dietary needs. I have an extensive library of recipes and am always testing out new menus. I also offer a discount for clients choosing my weekly 'set menus'.

Are all the meals frozen?
The majority of your meals are freezer-friendly; however, I also store a few nights' meals in your refrigerator, especially if one meal is a fresh fish selection. Refrigerated meals generally should be consumed within the first three to five days.

How is the food stored after cooking?
I will package the food either family style or single serving, depending on your preference. I will also leave complete step-by-step directions for heating each meal.

Do you have to prepare the food in my house?
Yes, because of health department regulations, food must be prepared in the safety of your own kitchen or in a commercially certified kitchen.

Do I need to be home?
No, you don't. In fact most clients are not at home during a cook date. Cooking normally takes five to seven hours, depending on the selection and the amount of food you have chosen.

What other services do you offer?
In addition to the traditional personal chef service, I can do private catering and group classes for parties of up to 12 guests. Gift certificates are also available.

How can I find out more information?
I can be reached via e-mail: ingrid@red-apron.com or phone at (434) 295-5247.