What is a personal chef?
A personal chef cooks for families and individuals who lack time, require a healthier diet or just don't want to be bothered shopping and cooking. We personalize a menu just for your particular needs, shop for the freshest ingredients, prepare and package your entrees and leave easy to understand re-heating instructions.
Do you cover all areas of the lower mainland?
Yes, I work in North and West Vancouver, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Shaughnessy, Kitsilano, White Rock, South Surrey, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Richmond and Abbotsford.
Do you prepare low-carbohydrate or special diet meals?
Yes, those include, but are not limited to low fat, low carbohydrate, low calorie, low gluten, zone diet, south Beach, organic, vegetarian, vegan, low sodium, Dr. Atkins' and wheat free. During our initial consultation I will conduct an in-depth assessment as to what foods you would like included and excluded or you can fill out our online client consultation form. I will then customize a menu to suit your specific tastes and nutritional requirements.
Is it affordable?
The average Canadian family spends $668.00 (statistics Canada) per month on groceries and restaurant meals. They also spend an average of 1.9 hours per day on cooking, washing up, and preparing meals. Add to that the grocery shopping, line-ups and parking. Times 20 days, that's 38 hours plus, per month. It all depends on what an extra 38 hours is worth to you.
How do I heat my food?
Each entrée comes with detailed re-heating or baking instructions printed on a label attached to your entrée. Some can go directly from the freezer to the microwave while others will need to be baked for 30-40 minutes in the oven.
Are the menus the same every cook date?
No, you can choose different entrées each and every time or re-order some of your favourites. It's all up to you. Our personal chef menu page is frequently updated so check for new entrées high lighted in ~~~blue~~~
What sort of containers do you use?
We use oven-ready disposable containers in single servings. Containers are a uniform size to maximize storage space in your freezer. They take up approximately two cubic feet in any configuration. Alternately, you may supply your own uniform containers or microwave-proof containers. Or you can purchase plastic containers from Travelling Gourmet for an additional one time fee.
What sort of ingredients do you use?
Only the freshest quality seafood, vegetables, herbs, dairy products and quality cuts of meats are utilized. We use no preservatives or artificial flavouring or stabilizers. We use only virgin and extra virgin olive oils, peanut oil (Asian dishes) and the odd tad of butter for flavour.
Is there anything that we need to do prior to your visit?
Yes, please have kitchen counters clean and free of clutter and leave space in the refrigerator and freezer. We require about 2 cubic feet in the freezer and a place to put the fresh meats, seafood and dairy products upon arrival in the refrigerator.
My freezer is a mess...do you clean it out?
Cleaning out refrigerators and freezers is not included as a part of our service. However, I will be happy to arrive early the first cook date and clean out old frozen foods and reorganize for an additional fee of $45.00, if you don't want to fuss with it yourself before I arrive.
Are side dishes included?
Yes, one side dish per entrée is included unless the entrée already has a starch or vegetable included, such as pasta dishes. I can offer suggestions for side dishes that compliment the entrée you have chosen, however, the final selection is always your choice. You also have the flexibility of choosing the..."no sides required option" , and receiving an additional three entrées, instead of the standard 20 entrée package.
What if I want additional side dishes, desserts or other items beyond the quantities you normally prepare?
I'd be happy to provide that service for you if time allows; however, it will entail an additional fee, depending on what is requested and the time for preparation. At our initial consultation I will leave you with a menu of additional items that can be ordered.
How often will I need your service?
I'll be happy to help you determine just how often you will require the service to best serve your needs. You may find that you want it weekly or every other week, depending on your particular circumstances.
Do I pay you ahead of the cooking date?
Payment in full is due 7 days prior to the date of service (credit cards, cheques, cash). Why not accumulate credit card airline points for eating? There is no long term contract required...you may use our services only one time or as often as you like.
Help! Can I call you if we have any questions about preparing or serving the food you made for us?
Absolutely! If the instructions I left for you are not clear to you, please feel free to call me anytime if you ever have any questions. I am usually home by the time you will likely be preparing your dinner. If I'm not home yet, please leave a message and I'll call you as soon as I get in. 604-921-1604
What if I need to cancel a pre-arranged cooking date?
7 days notice is required to cancel a scheduled cook date, or payment in full will be required if we cannot schedule another client on that day.
Are gift certificates available?
Gift certificates are available and make great gift ideas for new parents, newlyweds, anniversaries, mother's day, holidays and get-well wishes.
What's the difference between your entrées and what I can purchase in the frozen food section of my grocery store?
National Brand Name Frozen Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes, salt, sodium acid pyrophosphate, citric acid, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid, milk, dehydrated potatoes, mono and diglycerides, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bisulfite, citric acid, mixed tocopherols, partially hydrogenated canola oil, salt, lecithin, artificial butter flavour, beta-carotene, tbhq, dimethylpolysiloxane, modified food starch, spices, xanthan gum
Travelling Gourmet's Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes, skim milk, butter, parmesan reggiano, roasted garlic, kosher salt, black pepper.
Do you have references?
Certainly, references are available upon request.
Do you offer business consulting or private cooking classes? How can I start a personal chef business?
Yes, I offer both these services. Pricing is $125.00 per hour (three hour minimum) and includes groceries, supplies, equipment and course literature for cooking classes. Classes are available for one to four persons. Personal chef consultations are also available for those interested in how to become or start up a personal chef businesses. To make inquiries about these services, feel free to email or phone us at 604 921-1604
"The consultation session is well worth it. Frances is very forthcoming with her business insights, trade secrets and infinite knowledge about personal chef success. She is also very friendly and helpful and answered all my questions."
Jo Anna Cassie Dine Divine Personal Chef Service, Ottawa, Ontario
Can I re-produce your menus and website content onto my own site?
Please note that the information on our Travelling Gourmet menus and all of our website pages is for the convenience and personal use of our customers and website visitors. It is protected under copyright law and as such may not be reproduced on the internet or in print without our written consent. |