Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions.  Thyme2Dine~Personal Chef Service will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about the service.  If you have a specific question please click here to visit our contact page. 

TESTIMONIALS

What Is A Personal Chef? Is that different than a Private Chef?  A personal chef (PC) is different from a private chef in that a Private Chef would traditionally be employed by one person or family to prepare their meals on a regular long-term basis. This is often a live-in situation.   A Personal Chef is self employed and works with a number of clients to provide individually designed cooking services based upon their personal taste preferences and dietary goals.   A PC will prepare multiple entrees and appropriate side dishes on a single cooking date in the clients home kitchen. Generally one or two weeks worth of meals (usually dinners) are prepared at one time. These meals are then packaged, labeled, left with simple heating instructions and placed in the fridge or freezer to be heated and eaten at the convenience of the individual.

How Does The Service Work?  The service begins with an initial Dietary Assessment   to determine your eating preferences and dietary goals.  I will then plan a menu based on your specific eating preferences.  On the morning of the pre arranged cooking date I will go grocery shopping and arrive at your home with the ingredients to prepare your meals.  I will then package the food, clean the mess and leave you with simple heating instructions. You come home to a stocked refrigerator and freezer full of freshly prepared meals made just for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home at your convenience.

Do you have to cook in my kitchen?  Yes, I will be preparing your meals in your kitchen.  On your pre-arranged cook date I will shop for the necessary ingredients, bring my own tools and will require only your stove, oven, sink and counter space to prepare your meals. Food that is prepared in you home for you falls under different health regulations than food prepared at an off site location. Any food that is sold to the public requires an approved commercial kitchen.

How long will it take?  Since everything is made from scratch, it will take while to prepare your selected entrees and the accompanying side dishes. I cannot say exactly how long since each menu is different, but it will generally take between 4 - 6 hours to prepare your meals. I will be happy to make arrangements in advance so that my cooking fits into your schedule.

How difficult is it to heat meals?  Heating meals is very easy and convenient. I will leave you detailed heating instructions for each entree and side dish to ensure that each item is cooked properly. Depending on the type of dish and desired storage method, the entrees can be heated in your microwave, your conventional oven, or if you desire the can be stored in easy to use boilable bags. If you are unsure of the heating process, we can go over it following the assessment. You may also call me as questions come up.

How often will I need the service?  Depending on how many entrees you order, the size of your family and how often you eat at home each week, we can determine approximately how long your meals will last. If you travel for business during the week, or just enjoy eating out on occasion, the meals will take you further than if you eat in each night.

How long will the food last?  Frozen foods should be consumed within a 30 days of the preparation date as the items that I prepare do not contain the high levels of salt and other preservatives that are present in commercially prepared food. These items may be fine for a much longer period of time, but the quality and freshness will begin to diminish over time. Foods consumed after the 30 day period will be left up to your discretion. Fresh foods are intended to be consumed within 3 days of the preparation date.

Can you use my containers?  It is important that there be containers of the appropriate size, shape and quantity available when I arrive to prepare your meals. Also, uniform sized containers will take less storage space in your freezer and refrigerator. In order for me to ensure that there will be proper storage for the entrees you have selected, I will bring the appropriate containers on each cooking date. Each successive cook date I will take back the containers from the entrees that you have already enjoyed. The containers will be rotated in and out of your kitchen throughout the duration of the service. You will need to save the containers from the previous cook date as I will take those back for the next session. If you have appropriate casserole or baking dishes with secure fitting lids it may be possible to use them but I will need to do an inventory prior to the cooking date to ensure I will have the necessary containers to properly store your food.

My Doctor has placed me on a special diet. Can you help with this?  Special diets are not a problem. In fact, this is a very individualized service so whether you need to lower your cholesterol, reduce your intake of fats, sodium, sugars, dairy products or carbohydrates, I can work with you and your doctor or nutritionist to prepare your meals according to your special needs.

I'm tired of eating the same old thing week after week. Will there be enough variety?  You may choose from any of the many items on the menus. There are plenty of choices and I am always testing new recipes to add to my collection. There is no need to repeat an item on your menu unless you especially enjoyed it and would like it again. However, if there are any favorite foods or recipes you would like me to prepare for you we can discuss this during the assessment.

This food would be fine with me and my husband; Will my kids like it?  Yes, I can also create Kid-Friendly Meals to satisfy even the most selective tastes. Healthy versions of old favorites like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Fish Sticks, Cheese Burgers, Tacos, or Pizza. If you like, your children may participate in the assessment interview and I can include items that they choose to eat on the menu. The menu options that you have to choose from include a wide range of foods from from traditional comfort foods to gourmet meals. Of course, you might prefer to feed them their favorites and enjoy your special meals yourself.

I would like to have a friend over for dinner; can you prepare extra portions?  I’d be happy to provide extra servings for your guests, however, I will require a minimum of 48 hours as I will need to purchase additional ingredients and make adjustments to my recipes. There may be a slight additional per serving fee for this service.

I’ll be home that day. Is it okay if I watch or help?  On the cook date I will be considering your kitchen to be my office. In order to avoid any mishaps in the way of forgotten ingredients, burned food or even worse, personal injury (cuts or burns); I request that you allow me to perform my professional service with minimal interruptions. I would be more than happy to spend a few moments with you when I arrive to discuss today's menu or answer any questions you may have. I will also be happy to spend a short visit following the end of my cooking day to explain your menu, go over the heating instructions or answer any questions you may have. Please make the necessary arrangements for children and pets to be away from the kitchen area on the scheduled cook dates.

That Sounds Great, But Can I afford it?  A personal chef is definitely not for everyone, but if you hate the weekly chores of planning meals for your family, fighting traffic on the dreaded trip to the grocery store, preparing dinner and the time it takes to clean the mess afterwards, you just might be able to benefit from this service. You could choose the old standby of Pizza or Chinese takeout or drive to the same old restaurants, pay to wait for your average meal that was cooked just as it is for everyone else. You could pick up pre-made fresh or frozen meals at the grocery store. They can look pretty good, and even taste good too. These prepared foods are highly processed and often contain unhealthy amounts of fats, sodium, sugars, preservatives and other unwanted and unsuspected ingredients. When you consider the time you'll save by not having to plan your meals, go grocery shopping, cook and clean; combined with the cost of buying groceries that you often don't find the time to cook, ordering takeout or dining in local restaurants; a Personal Chef might be an option worth considering. There is also the added benefits of more free time, less stress and eating a healthier diet. What is your time and health worth to you? For specific questions on prices visit our Services & Pricing page. Click here for an on-line Dietary Assessment form.

Who Could Benefit From A Personal Chef? Working Couples, Busy Professionals, Seniors, New Parents, People with restricted diets, or anyone who wishes to enjoy healthy, delicious food without the hassles of shopping cooking and cleaning.  Do you feel like the day isn't long enough to do everything you need to? Do you use other professional services like House Cleaning or Lawn Care services to save time that could be better spent? A PC just might be the answer.

TESTIMONIALS

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