What is the difference between a Private Chef, Caterer and a Personal Chef?

Private Chef may cook one or all daily meals for one family. Some Private Chefs live with and even travel with the family. Caterer is typically preparing bulk foods in a Health Department approved kitchen, mostly for delivery to event site. Personal Chef (that's ME!) cooks for many clients, usually one per day. We prepare multiple meals, label and package for consumption as needed in the client's kitchen/home. There are some Personal Chefs that will assist clients with in-home entertaining but, as a Personal Chef, all foods are prepared there in the home.

What is a nutritionist?

A nutritionist is one that "applies the science of nutrition to the promotion of health". As a Nutritionist, I will give you the tools for you translate the science of nutrition into practice. I will help you tailor your dietary intake for optimum health and wellness!

How do I book my Nutritional Consultation/Counseling and/or Personal Chef?

That's easy, just call or email and we will arrange a time for your in-home consultation. It is best to plan the consult time when everyone who may be eating is present and can add his or her input. During that time, I will get all the details on likes/dislikes, food allergies and specific needs/goals that you may have regarding your meals.

If Personal Chef services are the order of the day, I will also take this time to have a look around your kitchen, checking cabinet, drawers and the pantry to see what you have. Ill also want to know the condition/availability of your kitchen gadgets and appliances. We will also discuss the specifics your "cook day".

I'm on a special diet... how can you help?

Most items on my menu are healthy, low-fat selections, or can be made that way. If you're on a special diet, I will accommodate and prepare entrees to fit your specific needs. If your doctor has prescribed a new diet and you need help adapting your current eating and shopping habits, I'm the person to call!

I want to lose weight... can you help?

Absolutely, I offer compete nutritional counseling to fit all of your needs! We can work on ways in which you can shop, cook and eat healthier without feeling deprived! I can re-formulate your "family favorite recipes" or come up with a complete weekly meal plan to help you accomplish your goals. You can combine nutritional counseling with my Personal Chef service for optimum convenience and results!!

How much time will I save with your service?

Did you know that most households spend upwards of 14 hours+ a WEEK on meal planning, shopping, unloading, prepping, cooking and cleaning-up? Imagine what you could do with and extra 14 hours a week!!

This sounds GREAT, but can I afford a personal chef?

Absolutely! When you consider the time, energy and money spent planning, shopping for, preparing and cleaning up after meals, you will find the pricing to be quite affordable! Not to mention all the groceries purchased with "good intentions" that get tossed!! If you consider all of this you will realize it is more cost effective for me to shop and cook for you than to spend your money on take out foods and/or eating out/tips/etc.

How long will you be cooking in my kitchen?

This time will vary depending on that day's menu and number of meals ordered. I may be there anywhere from 3-6 hours

Do I need to be home while you are there?

You do not need to be there. Actually, most of my clients are at work or out enjoying their day. Usually, I am busy preparing several things at once and will need to focus on the work at hand, cooking you quality meals! To do so, it is best that I work with minimal interruptions. Think of your kitchen as my "office" for the day!

Rest assured I understand you are trusting me in your home and I will do anything I can to ease any fears or concerns you have. If you would prefer to be there, we can work around that as well. I can also provide personal/professional references at your request.

Do you cook for singles?

Certainly! Many of my clients are busy singles. Some even share a meal plan with a friend. If this is your preference, both people will need to be present at the initial consultation. The cooking and packaging will be arranged in one home. The other person simply picks up their meals from there to keep in their own refrigerator.

Can you cook my food and deliver it to me?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. I would love to, but due to both state and county Health Department regulations, this is not allowed in the state of California, period! If some tells you differently, they're misinformed. Unless they have a licensed, Health Department inspected kitchen to cook in... and home kitchens are never approved for cooking perishable foods for sale!