FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Personal Chef?

A personal chef is a cooking professional who offers customized dining options in the comfort of your home. We take away the stress and bother of planning, shopping and daily meal preparation, leaving you free to enjoy dinner with your family. We relieve you of your kitchen chores, whether it’s for everyday meals, a party or a special event. We even provide cooking classes! Make your busy life easier. Come home to a delicious meal at the end of a long day. In 15 minutes or less, you can have dinner on the table!

What geographic area do you serve?

The Fresh Chef is based in Edmonds, but we serve a wide area in both Snohomish and North King County including the East Side. Travel up to 20 miles from our home base is included in the service fee. Beyond 20 miles, a standard mileage fee will be charged.

Why would I hire a personal chef?

If you’re in the habit of grabbing fast food for dinner on the way home from work, a personal chef service will allow you to eat healthier, and on your own schedule. Our goal is to provide busy individuals and families with healthy dinners at home, in order to avoid the unhealthy choices of fast food, mass-produced frozen and convenience food, and the inconvenience of eating out on a regular basis. All of our meals are tailored to your lifestyle and dietary needs.

How does the Dinner Service work?

Typically, a personal chef cooks for different clients, on different days of the week. Although we cook in your kitchen we bring all the equipment needed to prepare your menus. During each personal chef service, we prepare and package multiple meals to be consumed as needed. It is a complete service, from menu planning to grocery shopping, food preparation and clean up. You simply relax and enjoy your free time, a clean kitchen and fabulous, healthy food!

Who Needs a Personal Chef?

• Busy families who value the time spent around the dinner table
• Hard-working professionals who need a healthy alternative to dinner preparation
• New parents and expecting mothers who could use extra help with meal preparation or nutrition
• People with special dietary needs who may not have the time or expertise to prepare healthy meals
• Individuals who are recovering from surgery or illness
• Seniors who do not have the desire to cook on a regular basis
• Anyone who doesn’t want to or have time to cook!

Is the service affordable?

Absolutely! Consider what you spend on take-out food, meals at restaurants, and convenience foods at the grocery store, including deli items, and boxed and prepared foods (which contain lots of preservatives, salt, fat and sugar). Consider the food you end up throwing away because you never got around to cooking it.

Think about the time you spend planning meals, shopping, cooking and cleaning up. Consider the time spent waiting in line for fast food or convenience food at the deli or grocery. Your time is valuable, and a personal chef service can save you 10-12 hours per week! Wouldn’t you rather be spending time with your family or friends, or pursuing your own interests?

Your prices seem to be similar to the cost of a restaurant meal. Why is that?

The Fresh Chef provides a completely customized, personal Dinner Service, which is much more extensive than what you receive from a restaurant. Personal chef services include:

• An initial in-home consultation to determine your meal preferences
• The creation of a meal plan customized to your needs and wishes
• Menu planning and research for special diets
• All grocery shopping
• Meal preparation
• Storage of your meals
• Clean up
  

When you dine out, you must first travel to the restaurant, then wait for a table, wait for your food, hope your special requests are honored, hope the food is decent, pay for your meal, tip your server then drive back home.

With The Fresh Chef personal chef service, you can relax! You can rely on us to have a beautiful meal prepared, based on your preferences, waiting for you at home, to eat when you are ready. You won’t need to resort to low-quality, unhealthy fast food, or over-priced, mediocre restaurant food. You’ll also be less likely to make impulsive purchases in the grocery store on the way home from work, because you are hungry! And you’ll save money on the food you would throw away at the end of the week because you never got around to cooking it!

Where will you prepare my meals?

The Fresh Chef prepares meals in your home kitchen. Washington State Health Department regulations require that all food be prepared either in your home or in a licensed commercial kitchen. Preparing food in your home insures that you receive the highest quality meals possible. And common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, or soy, can be more easily avoided when preparing food in your own home, as compared to a commercial kitchen.

How will you know what I like to eat?

Our mission is to make every meal the very best you have tasted! In order to accomplish this, we must know your preferences and dietary needs. Before any meals are planned, we will schedule a personalized consultation in the comfort of your home (or other place convenient to you), to discuss your likes and dislikes, plus any special dietary requirements.

A detailed questionnaire will help create a personalized service plan that accommodates your food preferences, nutritional requirements, as well as your family’s schedule and meal habits. We then develop a menu based on your preferences, which you will be able to review and approve before your first service date.

What menus do you offer?

The Fresh Chef offers completely personalized service. We design your menu based upon your food preferences and dietary needs. We have literally hundreds of recipes-- including those we have developed at The Fresh Chef-- from every cuisine and style of food. This ensures you receive a variety of sumptuous meals. See examples of choices in Sample Dinner Menus.

What types of side dishes are included?

Side dishes may be seasonal fresh vegetables, potato, grain, legume or pasta dishes, green or fruit salads, soups or breads. We include at least one side dish per entrée as part of the Dinner Service, and you may order extra side dishes for just $15 each, plus the cost of groceries. You may request specific side dishes, or let us choose dishes that will complement your selected entrées or use seasonal ingredients. Try some of our freshly baked bread!

Can I order dessert?

Certainly. You may select something from our dessert menu, or we can create a special dessert of your choosing. You may select the dessert as one of the sides that accompanies your entrée, or add one to your meal plan for just $15 plus the cost of groceries!

Which Personal Chef Service Plan is best for me?

The Standard Plan

This plan works best for clients who prefer a set price and want basic menu choices. The cost of food is included in the price. Menus are chosen from a large selection of entrées and side dishes, but are still customized to determine your needs and preferences. This plan includes a free, initial consultation, menu development, grocery shopping, meal preparation, storage and cleanup and the cost of food. We prepare 5 entrées with appropriate side dishes, of 4 portions each for a total of 20 meals. This would serve a family of four for a week, a couple for two weeks, or an individual for one month. For prices click here.

The Custom Plan

This plan is ideal for those who prefer a more gourmet menu, or those with special dietary needs. You may want to eat more fresh fish, high-end meats or delicacies. You may want to eat all organic foods, or a vegan diet. You may wish to limit fat, salt or carbs. For every service visit, we charge a basic service fee, plus the cost of groceries. Your dinners can be as simple or elaborate as you like. The number of visits and the amount of meals prepared are tailored to your specifications. Click here to see pricing information.

The Fresh Service Plan

This plan works well for those who prefer all fresh, not frozen meals, or favor more frequent visits in order to receive the freshest food possible. With this plan, we can prepare more fresh vegetable, seafood or fruit dishes, or those that do not freeze well. We typically prepare three meals at each service visit; you decide on the number of servings each. As with the Custom Plan, there are virtually no restrictions on menu choices. We charge a basic service fee based on the number of servings. The cost of groceries is extra and billed separately. Please click here to see pricing information.

What does the Service Fee cover?

For those on the Custom Plan or the Fresh Service Plan, the Service Fee covers all menu planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, pantry items (spices, oils, condiments, staples, etc.), food packaging and clean up.

Can I taste a sample of your food before signing up?

We are unable to provide food samples, since Washington Health Department regulations require all food be prepared in your home. However, we are happy to provide the names of satisfied customers whom you may call as references.

Can you accommodate special diets, food allergies and restrictions?

Of course! We can plan your menu to meet any nutritional and dietary needs, including, low-fat, low sodium, South Beach, vegan and gluten-free. We already offer high-quality meals, made from scratch, and avoid processed items that have high salt, sugar, fat and preservative content. Ingredient lists can be provided for your peace of mind. We charge a $65 fee to cover additional time spent researching and planning your special menus.

Can I custom-design a service?

The Fresh Chef Personal Chef Services are completely flexible, and customized to your dietary needs and restrictions. We realize that many individuals and families follow restricted diets, for health or lifestyle reasons. Nearly any request, plan or diet can be accommodated!

Do you have a children’s menu?

We do not have a separate menu for children, but will be happy to prepare meals based on the likes and preferences of your entire family. We offer a large choice of kid-friendly entrées, such as homemade macaroni and cheese, pizza and pasta dishes. Many of our side dishes are a favorite with children, and you can order an extra one with your main menu to make the kids happy.

How will my meals be packaged?

The Fresh Chef offers a variety of options for meal packaging. You may prefer reusable plastic containers, such as Rubbermaid®, that can go from refrigerator or freezer to the microwave. If you are concerned about using plasticware in the microwave, we are happy to provide disposable paper or aluminum containers, or use your own Pyrex® or microwave-safe dishes. If you don’t have enough of these we can purchase them for you at cost.

For your first service visit, we will always use disposable containers such as Gladware®. If you continue the service, we will charge a one-time, non-refundable container fee of $60 for re-usable containers.

Are all the meals frozen?

This depends on the service plan you choose. If you are on the Fresh Service Plan, no meals will be frozen at all! If you have selected the Standard Plan or the Custom Plan, the number of meals frozen will depend on the frequency of our service visits. For example, if we come once per week, we will typically freeze 2-3 meals and leave the others in your refrigerator. If we come once per month, and prepared enough meals for the month (about 20), we would refrigerate 2-3 meals and freeze the rest. Ultimately, it’s up to you. Many families who are on the weekly plan choose to refrigerate all the week’s meals.

How much room do you need in my refrigerator and freezer?

We typically need at least 1 shelf each in your refrigerator and/or freezer. This will depend, of course, on the number of meals ordered.

Will you be using my pots, pans, knives and equipment?

No, we always use our own equipment! On your scheduled service day, The Fresh Chef will arrive with all the necessary tools, equipment and groceries to prepare your meals. We only use your major appliances, such as the stove, oven, and broiler to prepare your meals. All you need provide is a reasonably clean kitchen, plus refrigerator and/or freezer space to store your meals.

How long will you be in my home?

The time will vary, depending on the service provided. A typical visit averages six hours, but could last longer or shorter, based on the number of entrées selected, and the amount of servings for each. All of your meals will be made from scratch, using the freshest possible ingredients.

Do I need to be home while you cook?

Not at all. As a matter of fact, it is unusual for our clients to be home while we cook for them. Most are extremely busy and prefer to schedule a service when they are at work or out doing errands. Our service is very flexible, and can accommodate your busy schedule. We can arrange for either a key pickup, or arrive before you leave in the morning. We are licensed and insured!

How often will you cook for me?

It’s entirely up to you. The Fresh Chef personal chef services are very flexible and can accommodate just about any schedule. Our Standard Plan provides enough dinners for a family of four for one week (or a couple for two weeks, or one person for a month). During our initial consultation we will determine the best timetable for your family and life-style. Many clients prefer a weekly service, while others choose a monthly or bi-monthly service. If you select our Fresh Service Plan, we will visit once or twice per week. It’s completely up to you!

Can I buy a Gift Certificate?

Absolutely! Gift Certificates are available for any service, in any amount. They are excellent gifts for new parents, newlyweds, Mother’s Day, birthdays, thank you gifts and get well gifts! Our Cooking Class Gift Certificate is very popular.

Gift certificates are available for any of our services or dinner plans. Surprise your sweetheart with a gift certificate for a romantic dinner for two! Mom will certainly appreciate a gift certificate for a fancy brunch, right in her own home. A new mother or friend recovering from a serious illness will surely value a gift certificate for a week’s worth of dinners. And any busy family would love to come home knowing dinner is only minutes away!

How do I pay?

Because we are reserving an entire day for your personal chef service, payment for the visit is required in advance of the first service date. If you selected either The Custom Service Plan or The Fresh Service Plan, a grocery deposit is also required at that time. At each service, we will leave you with your suggested menu for the following service, along with a bill, due at the next service. We accept personal checks, business checks, cash, and Visa and MasterCard through PayPal.

Am I locked into a Service Contract?

Not at all. Many personal chef services require that you sign a long-term contract. We only do so if that’s what YOU want. You may opt for just one visit from The Fresh Chef or regular visits, based on what works for you. The personal chef service fees quoted to you at our initial meeting are valid for one year from that date.

Can I cancel my service?

Of course! Some clients like to try out our service, to see if it works for them. You may schedule just one visit, or a regular service. Even if you opt for a service contract, it may be cancelled at any time, for any reason, with just seven days notice. We are committed to offering a high-quality service. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please let us know immediately so we may remedy the situation in a timely and satisfactory manner!

If you cannot give us the seven-day notice, a $50 cancellation fee will be applied to your next invoice. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled visit, you will be billed for the entire regular service fee, plus groceries, if applicable.

How much does your service cost?

The Fresh Chef Personal Chef Services are tailored to your specific tastes and preferences, so the cost depends on a number of factors. We offer a Standard Plan, a Custom Plan and a Fresh Service Plan.

Are you licensed?

Certainly. We are licensed by the State of Washington. Additionally, all our chefs possess a Washington State Food Handler’s Permit. The Fresh Chef Personal Chef Service is a standing member of the United States Personal Chef Association, and an affiliate of the Puget Sound Personal Chef Association. Our chefs are graduates of the Culinary Business Academy and members in good standing of the USPCA, which upholds the highest standards of professionalism.

How do I get started?

Contact us via email or phone 425.741.3622. Or fill out our web request form. We’ll set a convenient time to meet in the comfort of your home to discuss a personalized meal plan. There is no cost or obligation for this visit. We’ll discuss your food preferences, any dietary restrictions, food allergies, etc. Our personal chef will work with you to design a customized menu based on your tastes and life style, and schedule. You will select a service plan that works best for you, and we will set an initial service date. You will be able to view and approve the menu before the service visit.

After your first service, there is no obligation to arrange additional visits, but once you’ve experienced the luxury of personalized, healthful and delicious meals, without the hassle of preparing them yourself, you’ll realize it’s no longer a luxury, but a necessity!

Do you offer catering services?

We are happy to arrange a dinner party, hors d’oeuvre social, special occasion event, romantic dinner for two, or even a rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding reception held in your home.

Can you cater an event held at a location other than my home?

Alas, no. Washington State Health Department rules mandate that all food be prepared and served in your home.

How much lead time do you need to cater a party or event?

It depends on the size of the party and whether you require serving staff. Generally, at least two weeks for an intimate dinner for two or small hors d’oeuvres party. For larger events, 4 weeks or longer is the norm. If you are planning an event around a major holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s, etc.), we may need additional lead time.

Will you need a deposit?

We require a 50% deposit when we book your date, with the balance due on the day of the event.

What is your cancellation policy on catered events?

When you decide on a date, we will collect a 50% deposit up front to secure that time. If you cancel within 2 weeks of your party, you will receive a full refund of your deposit, less a $100 cancellation fee. Events cancelled less than two weeks prior to the date forfeit the entire deposit.

Who provides the dinner ware?

Generally, most of our catering clients use their own dishes, glassware, silverware, serving dishes, linens, etc. If you are having a large party, we can arrange for rentals for an additional fee. If your party is more casual, we can provide one-time use (disposable) dinnerware at cost.

Can you provide wine or other alcoholic beverages?

Because The Fresh Chef does not hold a liquor license, we cannot purchase any alcoholic beverages on your behalf. However, we are happy to suggest wine pairings for your menu. If you opt for our full-service catering, we can provide a bartender to serve drinks.

Who handles event clean-up?

If we are just preparing the food, we will clean up all traces of menu preparation, leaving your kitchen sparkling clean and ready for your guests. If you choose a full-service catering option, we will clean up any dishes and serving ware associated with meal service. Should your guests stay longer than our contracted time, you will be responsible for any remaining cleanup.

Can you provide cooking classes?

Absolutely! Classes will be conducted in your home by our Executive Chef Virginia Blashill, who has a Masters in Education. The cost for a typical 4-hour class is $65 per person and includes all grocery items. Please call or email for a free, no obligation consultation.

 Testimonials and Resources