FAQS

1. Who needs a personal chef service?

Typical examples of clients who benefit from a personal chef service are: busy professionals and families, independent seniors, new parents, persons on restrictive diets, and anyone who craves delicious, healthy foods but don’t have the time, desire, or knowledge to prepare a meal.

2.  Do you have to cook in my home?

Because of the nature of a personal chef service, I have to cook meals in your home.  A personal chef service is not a catering service, which requires a commercial kitchen due to legal and licensing requirements.  By not conducting business in a commercial kitchen, the prices can be kept lower, passing the savings on to you, the client.  In fact, many of Green Cuisine’s clients actually prefer the notion that meals will be prepared in their home as they can assure their meals are made under sanitary conditions, plus they just love coming home to a clean kitchen and the aroma of delicious food!

3.  Do you use my equipment?

No, unless you specify otherwise.  All I will need is your stove, oven, microwave, sink, fridge, and freezer.  As well as counter space, of course.  I will bring all my own equipment to prepare your meals and clean up afterwards. 

4. How much room do I need in my fridge/freezer for storage?

This will all depend on the amount of meals being prepared.  If you have a small family, we will need less room for storage.  Most times, the built-in freezer in your fridge can be sufficient.

5. Can you use my storage containers?

Because I want your food to taste as if it was just prepared, I would prefer to use the containers I provide.  These are very stable and preserve the meal’s freshness.  Clients will have the option of using disposable, recyclable containers, but I try to encourage the use of  reusable containers such as Pyrex glass dishes.  However, upon our in-home interview I will assess your kitchen’s storage inventory, and we may be able to use some items you already have on hand.  Keep in mind that storage container fees are not factored into the price.  The cost of these will depend on the types of containers preferred by the client.  Disposable containers will require a one-time non-refundable set-up fee, or a small per service fee, depending on the containers used.  Reusable containers require a refundable deposit, and the money or containers will be returned to you if you ever decide to end service.

6.  Can you design menus for my specific diet?

Yes.  Actually, Green Cuisine prides itself in being very knowledgeable in restrictive and alternative diets.  Whether you eat certain foods by choice (vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, specific diets like South Beach or Body for Life) or possibly you are on strict guidelines due to medical reasons like allergies, celiac sprue, heart disease or diabetes; we will work together to design a menu relating to your needs.

7.  What about caloric breakdowns?

Green Cuisine can provide you with complete caloric breakdowns of your meals, although some circumstances may cost extra.

8. Are you insured?

Green Cuisine carries liability insurance to set your mind at ease while I am in your home.  Because I am owner and operator of the service and I do not have any employees, I will take full responsibility for what happens while I am working. 

9.  Can I be home while you are cooking?

Yes, but you must understand that while I am there, I will be working.  Because prices are based on an hourly estimate, outside stimuli may prevent me from completing my work in an efficient matter.  I do not mind conversing with clients while I work, but do understand that I will need to concentrate on the task at hand.  For safety reasons, I may ask that you keep pets and children out of the kitchen while I work.

10. Is there a contract involved?

I have designed what I call a “Service Agreement”.  It is not a binding contract, more of a statement that I will provide you with a service for an agreed price and frequent your home on predetermined days.  This is purely so both parties understand what is expected of each other.

11. How much do your services cost?

Menu plan prices are based on each client’s service plan, family size, and number of entrees prepared.  Please see our price list for more information.  Special events, cooking classes, and special services are charged accordingly.  I will try my best to work with you and your budget to create a plan to suit your needs.

12. Where is my money going?

Clients must understand that the service a personal chef provides consists of a lot more than just cooking.  The rates include every detail from initial consultation, meal investigation, personalized menu planning, shopping and fuel costs.  Finally comes the actual cooking, packaging, and kitchen clean up.  Green Cuisine provides an extremely personalized service, and you are paying for this complete attention to detail.  Know that each plan is designed especially for you, and no one else.