FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When is payment due?  Do you require a deposit?

I require payment of my chef fee plus grocery deposit from the client before the first cook day. I will give you a grocery estimate based on your particular service. Once we have established the service, I will give you a standard grocery deposit amount for each cook day. If you choose to change anything to your service, this grocery deposit may change.

Payment can be made by cash. Other forms of payment (like Paypal and credit cards) are coming soon.

At each cook date, I will give you a copy of the invoice and copies of your grocery receipts. Your invoice will reflect any balance or overage from the cook day. An overage will be credited toward your next cook date deposit.

2. Which pantry items will your personal chef provide?

I will provide basic items from my Personal Chef pantry like; flours, sugars, oils, vinegars, salts, peppers, and dry spices. If you are on a special diet and your menu requires specialty flours, oils, etc., I will purchase them and store them in your pantry so I can use them on future cook dates.

3. What type of containers do you use to store the meals in?

I highly recommend using Pyrex glass containers for meal storage. Pyrex can be stored in the freezer, refrigerator, and is oven safe. Pyrex, however, does not respond well to rapid temperature changes, so I caution clients against taking a container from the refrigerator to the oven. Let the Pyrex container sit out for a few minutes before putting it into the oven.

(Note: the labels that I use on the containers are "easy peel", and if you peel them off before they get wet, they will come off much easier. If there is a bit of adhesive left on the container, it will come off with warm water and a little dish soap.)

4. How much notice do I need to provide if I need to make a change to a menu item?

I am very flexible when it comes to making changes to your menu. Please let me know 48 hours before your cook day so that I have the necessary time to make changes to paperwork and grocery lists.

5. How long will my Fresh Seafood entrees store in the refrigerator?

Since seafood and fish taste best when freshest, I recommend eating them on the actual cook day. If not, I recommend enjoying them within 48 hours of the cook day or freezing them for another meal.

6. How should frozen meals be defrosted?

Frozen meals should be taken out at dinner time the day before consumption and placed in the refrigerator. You may want to place a small tray or plate under a container in the fridge so that any condensation will not settle on the refrigerator shelf.

Never defrost meals outside of the refrigerator or in the microwave. Food safety is of the utmost importance.