- What is a Personal Chef?
- What do I look for in a Personal Chef?
- Who uses a Personal Chef Service?
- Can I afford a Personal Chef Service?
- What do I get with a Personal Chef Service?
- Are all my meals frozen and how much space is needed in my freezer for storage?
- What does the price cover?
- Do I need to be home on the cook date?
- What cities do you offer your services?
- Do you offer dinner parties or other services?
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Why should I choose Orchard House Gourmet as my Personal Chef?
What is a Personal Chef?
A Personal Chef does what our clients would do if they had the time to: plan menus, grocery shop, prepare delicious and nutritious meals and leave behind a spotless kitchen. I bring all our own equipment and pantry items. All I need is your oven, cooktop, sink, fridge and freezer and empty counter space to work our magic. You come home to wonderful aromas, a meal ready to eat and incredible food in the freezer. All you have to do is DEFROST * HEAT * EAT!
What do I look for in a Personal Chef?
- They belong to an organization such as the Canadian Personal Chef Association
- They have Food & Safety training, Personal Chef Diploma or Certificate
- Insured: All Personal Chefs with CPCA must carry liability insurance
- Are the willing to meet your individual requirements? It usually takes 3-4 "Chef dates" to fine-tune the cooking of your food tastes "just right".
- Do you feel comfortable with them?
Who uses a Personal Chef?
- New parents: You have more important things to do and likely not a lot of energy to cook dinner!
- Busy Families: Ballet, soccer, music lessons, late night at work . . . everyone has a hectic and individual schedule. Preparing healthy, appetizing dinners in a hurry is a challenge.
- Seniors: Who want to live independently and enjoy having healthy and delicious meals without the worry of cooking every night.
- Persons with Physical Challenges: Recovering from surgery or an illness? Having difficulty shopping, cooking and cleaning up? I do it all for you.
- Dietary/Medical: People with medical conditions requiring careful meal planning.
Can I afford a Personal Chef?
News stories about increasing child obesity and early onset of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses point to a serious nutritional crisis. Families coping with shift work, extra curricular activities, or business travel often settle for the easier choice of fast food to solve the dinner time dilemma. we all know we need to eat in a healthier way and that's where Orchard House Gourmet, Personal Chef Services can help. On average, a meal will cost $13.00 per person.
What do I get for a Personal Chef Service?
For our first meeting I come to your home for a free consultation where I will complete a detailed questionnaire about your food preferences and any special dietary needs. The results from that meeting are used to create your customized menus. Each menu will list entrée and some side dishes and be presented to you for your approval prior to your scheduled cook day.
Once your menu is approved a day is scheduled to cook in your home (this is usually done on a bi-weekly basis). I will arrive with all groceries and equipment to complete your meals. The food is prepared and packaged and labeled for the refrigerator or freezer. I clean your kitchen with only environmentally friendly products. You are left with clear and concise thawing and reheating directions that will ensure that your meal tastes fresh and wonderful.
Are all my meals frozen?
The majority of your meals will be frozen but you can choose to have a couple left in the fridge (these will need to be consumed within 2-4 days). Adequate fridge and freezer storage space is required for storing your meals.
What does the price cover?
A Basic Plan The Basic Plan is a 5 x 4 meal service consisting of 4 portions each of 5 entrées with sides. Clients may also purchase soups and desserts as add-ons to the basic service. Each time you book a service I will present you with a new menu plan based on information from the detailed questionnaire completed during our first meeting.
Cost: $225.00 service fee + groceries.
Payment is due the day of service:$225.00 + $100.00 deposit on cost of groceries. Upon receipt of the grocery bill, Orchard House Gourmet is reimbursed for the amount over and above the $100.00 deposit. If the grocery bill is less than the $100.00 then the client will be refunded the difference. A one-time container fee will be charged the first cook date, cost dependent on type of container chosen by the client e.g. Rubbermaid, Foil etc.
Do I need to be home on the cook date?
Not at all! Most clients are not at home when a Personal Chef arrives for the cooking day. Arrangements are made to provide a key and alarm code (if necessary). I value your privacy and trust, all information is kept in the strictest of confidence. I do ask that if you have pets that they are able to be kept out of the kitchen during our time in your home. This is for food health and safety.
What cities do you offer your services?
Orchard House Gourmet is happy to cook for you in Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Elora, Fergus and other communities in the area.
Do you offer dinner parties and other services?
I offer services for small dinner parties, bridal and baby showers, romantic dinners for two, and interactive dinner parties.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes, Orchard House Gourmet is pleased to offer gift certificates in any amount to be applied to any service I offer.
Why should you choose Orchard House Gourmet as your Personal Chef?
I will . . .
- Provide you with delicious, nutritious meals with minimum time and fuss.
- I will save you 10-15 hours a week by doing all the planning, cooking and cleanup.
- I will end up saving you money. How much do you spend each month for fast food, take-out, packages foods and restaurants? How often do you buy food to prepare but don't have the time or energy to cook it once you get home so it gets thrown out?
- I will help you with any dietary concerns: allergies, medical conditions, weight loss or simply healthy eating for you and your children.
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