Chef Cassie will prepare your specified number of freezer-friendly meals all on one day and package them for the freezer, to be enjoyed at a later date. Up to three meals may be placed in the refrigerator to be consumed over the next several days. A personal chef service is for those people who have varied schedules and aren’t sure from one day to the next when or where they will be eating dinner. The requested number of entrees and the number of people who will be eating the food determines the cost of service. Standard weekly service does not include the cost of groceries.

How does a personal chef service work?
Chef Cassie will schedule a time to meet with you to determine your needs (i.e. frequency of meal preparation – weekly, bi-monthly, etc.) During the consultation, you will discuss your food likes, dislikes, allergies and/or special dietary requirements. Together, you and Chef Cassie will decide on your first week’s meals and formulate a menu. The chef will shop on the way to your home, prepare your meals (using our own equipment), package and label them (for the freezer or refrigerator) with instructions for reheating/serving and leave your kitchen just as she found it.

What is the difference between a Caterer, a Private Chef and a Personal Chef?
A caterer prepares meals in a commercial kitchen and brings them to the client.  A private chef is employed by one individual or family full-time, often considered “live-in”, and prepares up to 3 meals per day. A personal chef serves several clients and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.

Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, Chef Cassie will prepare your meals in your kitchen. She will bring the freshest ingredients available for your meals as well as her chef knives to prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day she will leave your kitchen just as she found it, but filled with the aroma of home cooking.

How long will you be here?
Chef Cassie will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours. The amount of time depends on the types of dishes you have requested and the number of servings being prepared, however total time in your home should typically range anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Chef Cassie can work with your schedule and make arrangements in advance so that your needs and calendar are in sync.

I’ll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch or help?
This can be a delicate situation, as the chef will be preparing several different recipes simultaneously and cannot be distracted by conversation, pets, kids, etc. It would be too easy to forget an ingredient or to forget about something in the oven. Chef Cassie is happy to chat with you or answer any questions for a few minutes before or after cooking for you, and she is always happy to answer any questions or take suggestions either by phone or e-mail.

Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees and side dishes that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator and heated to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. The chef will always leave you with easy to follow heating instructions for each entree and side dish that has been prepared.

How much freezer space do you need?
It depends on the number of meals you request, and the sizes of the containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount of freezer space. At the assessment, Chef Cassie will take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available.

Chef Cassie’s fees represent all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, the assessment process that she completes to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections. She modifies all of her recipes to reflect your wants and needs; does all of the grocery shopping; and prepares your meals in your own kitchen. Packaging, labeling and storing your entrees are all features included in the pricing.

How long will the food last us?
Depending on how many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home Chef Cassie can determine approximately how long your meals will last.

How often will we need your service?
Chef Cassie will be happy to help you determine how often you will want to schedule her personal chef service to best serve your needs. She will make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.