FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a Private Chef and a Personal Chef?
A Private Chef is employed full time by one individual or family and often lives in their home and prepares up to three meals per day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day. A Personal Chef provides multiple services that are custom designed for the clients' particular requests and dietary requirements.
Who needs a Personal Chef?
Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom-made meals ready at their convenience. Most people hire a Personal Chef because they do not have the time or desire to cook. Business professionals, expecting or new parents, busy working families, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from illness, etc. are all great candidates for Personal Chefs. If you are tired of fast food, the drive-thru, commercial frozen dinners or take-out, a Personal Chef may be a great investment for you and your health.
What areas do you serve?
Basil Personal Chef generally serves Miami-Dade County and Broward County.
How far in advance should I reserve a date?
It is recommended you reserve a date as soon as possible. Two months in advance is generally preferred to reserve your service date and make proper arrangements with the chef.
Who does the cooking?
Trained Personal Chefs do all of the preparation and cooking. Each Personal Chef employed by Basil Personal Chef has a degree in Culinary Arts or Culinary Management. In addition to having more than 3 years of experience in the culinary industry. Our Personal Chefs are also respectful, professional and ServSafe certified. Allow one of our chefs to simplify your life with fresh, convenient meals!
Do you deliver meals?
No, as of right now all food is prepared fresh within the client's home kitchen.
Do you have to do the cooking in my home?
Yes. Florida State Health Department regulations require all meals prepared by a Personal Chef to be cooked in the home of the consumer or a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen. Preparing these meals in your home ensures that you are provided with the highest quality food possible.
Do you have your food handler's card?
Yes. All employees have their current food handler's certifications.
Are you insured?
Yes. Basil Personal Chef has obtained liability insurance. This insurance is specifically for Personal Chefs who conduct services in clients' homes.
Did you go to culinary school?
Yes. The Chefs are formally trained and have their AA in Culinary Arts. Each chef has a culinary degree and/or 3+ years of experience in the culinary industry.
Can you provide references and a resume?
Yes.
Do you do dinner parties and/or catered events?
Yes! Basil Personal Chef team specializes in dinner parties and catering services for as little as two people or as many as fifty people.
Do you instruct cooking classes?
Yes. Cooking lessons are available for individuals and small groups of up to six people.
Do you serve outside your service area?
Yes. However, a small travel surcharge will be added to your bill.
How do you know what I like in my diet?
Your diet is the chef's first order of business. In the initial consultation, you and the chef will go over what you would like from your personal chef service - your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, etc. We also may ask you to fill out a small client questionnaire, this is done to completely personalize and customize your service to your liking.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
This varies from client to client. Each chef will visit various organic grocery stores to find the finest and highest quality ingredients. If you prefer a certain store or market your chef will do their best to accommodate you.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
Basil Personal Chef strives to use only the highest quality ingredients for your meals. All ingredients are sourced from local farms, markets, and specialty stores.
Do I have to eat organic ingredients? What if I can't afford it?
No, you do not. During your consultation, you will be given the option for organic or non-organic groceries. While organic is recommended for optimum nutrition and taste, conventional groceries are also available. Basil Personal Chef will work with you to create a grocery budget you are comfortable with.
Can I choose what I want to eat from a menu?
Yes! Your personal chef will provide you with a menu at the beginning of the week so that you can pick your meals for the upcoming week.
Do I have to be home when you are cooking?
No, you do not. In most cases, clients are working or running errands while their personal chef is preparing their meals.
How long does your service take?
Depending on the service, the number of entrees and complexity of each dish, personal chefs can take anywhere from 3-5 hours. The chef is happy to accommodate your schedule in any way we can and will give you a time estimate for each service.
Is it okay if I watch or help?
The chef will have a very specific production schedule they must adhere to in order to produce the best quality food in a timely manner. It is best for the chef to be uninterrupted while cooking so we can produce safe, delicious, high-quality food for you. However, the chef would be happy to chat/discuss with you before or after your personal chef service.
How often will you come to my house to cook?
Personal chef services are offered one-time, weekly, bi-weekly (every other week) or once a month.
Is there anything I can do prior to your visit?
Have your kitchen counters free of clutter, your sink cleaned and have space made in your refrigerator and freezer.
When do I pay you?
Payment will be made when your service is finalized. Each personal chef service consists of two fees: a chef's fee (the cost for the chef's labor) and a grocery deposit (the cost of the groceries). A grocery deposit is required for all services, usually half of your service total. A grocery deposit must be made a minimum of two weeks (14 days) prior to any dinner party, catering, tray pass, or cooking class. For in-home regular chef service, a grocery deposit must be made a minimum of one week (7 days) to the scheduled service date. The chef's fee can either be paid in advance with the grocery deposit or on the service date in cash or check.
How do I pay you?
Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all personal chef services, a 72 hours advance notice is required so that you can receive your deposit back. If you do cancel within 72 hours your deposit is forfeited.