Epicurean Choices

What is a Personal Chef?

A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the client's particular tastes and dietary needs. These meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure.

Who benefits from this service?

This service is for anyone who wants to enhance their life.  People who just love the idea of coming home to affordable, fresh, great tasting meals.  These include: 

Busy families with children

New Moms

Working couples

Families with special dietary needs

Where are the meals prepared?
Chef Arlene will prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On the agreed cooking date she buys all the fresh ingredients for your meals and brings it along with her own equipment to prepare your entrees on-site. At the end of the day she leaves your kitchen clean, and full of the aroma of good home cooking!

Chef Arlene also offers a delivery service, if that is your preference.  Meals are prepared in a certified kitchen and delivered to your home.

How long does it take to prepare the meals?
Chef Arlene will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours(usually 3 to 6).  She is flexible and will work with you to fit the cooking date in your schedule.

How are the meals stored?
Meals will be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on your needs.  Meals that have been stored in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and then heated, to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. Chef Arlene will leave you easy to follow heating instructions for each meal.

How much freezer space is required?
It depends on the number of meals you request and the size of the containers you prefer.

What is the price for this service?
Pricing is dependent on the number of meals and servings required.  There are two pricing options.  First option is a fixed price all inclusive service.  For more info on all inclusive options please see the "Payment Using Paypal" page.  The second option is based on a service fee plus the cost of the groceries.

Example for a family of 4 people:

Meals for 4 days, each meal including 4 servings (total of 16 servings) will be charged as follows:

Service Fee: $250 (includes client consultation, menu planning, grocery shopping service, meal preparation, clean up, and heating instructions).

Plus Cost of Groceries: Dependent on menu choices.

When is payment expected?
It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date. Chef Arlene will ask for payment plus a deposit for groceries at your client consultation.