Doug's Kitchen

A personal chef service is perfect for busy professionals, new moms, seniors, and those who are recuperating from surgery or an illness.  A personal chef can also help you feed a household of guests, special anniversary dinners, dinner parties, birthdays, barbeques and other special events.

A personal chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and prepares multiple meals that are custom designed for the client's particular requests and diet requirements.  The meals are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them at their leisure.  A personal chef service is very affordable and is intended for busy individuals and families who don't always have time to shop and prepare healthy wholesome meals.

A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time, often "living in" preparing up to three meals per day.  This type of service is very expensive.

Yes, I prepare your meals in your own kitchen.  On our agreed-upon cook date, I will bring fresh ingredients for your meals along with my own pots, pans and utensils and prepare your entrees on site.  At the end of the day I will leave your kitchen clean and your home filled with the aroma of home cooking.

I'll be cooking several entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take several hours, usually between four to seven hours.  Each menu is different; we will make arrangements in advance so that my cooking fits conveniently into your schedule.

That is completely up to you.  Some of my clients are home during the cook date; some clients I seldom see.  When we book your cooking date, we will discuss house entry, pet arrangements and other specifics I may need to know.

As much as I would love your company while I'm cooking, my first concern is safety.  Distractions can easily cause burns or cuts: and since several different recipes are being prepared simultaneously, it is best to limit other activity.  This also helps to ensure excellent quality of your meals.  I would be happy to chat or answer any questions before or after, and I am always happy to answer any questions or take suggestions through email or phone.

During your free assessment we will decide upon the type of containers that best meet your needs.  Your meals will be packaged according to your preferences, the size of your family, and whether or not you will be dining together.  Generally, entrees are packaged separately from side dishes.  It is important to use uniform-sized containers for your meals in order to conserve space in your refrigerator and freezer.

It depends on the number of meals you request and the size of the containers.  During your assessment we will look at your space together and determine about how much I will need.

The side dishes will compliment the entree and it will be selected and prepared according to your needs and requirements.  The appropriate side dishes often consist of a seasonal fresh vegetable, potato, rice, pasta or salad.

Absolutely!  I am always happy to provide additional services such as extra side dishes or additional grocery shopping; however, it will entail an additional fee.

Yes!  I love to prepare new dishes.  If you provide me with your favorite recipe, I'll be happy to cook it!

It's entirely up to you.  It depends upon the size of your family, how many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home.  I'll be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule my services in order to best serve your needs.

Yes, I'm happy to prepare meals according to your doctor or nutritionist's specifications.  While I am not a registered dietician, my fee includes the research and time needed to prepare the healthy meals you require.

Absolutely!  This is one of my specialties!  I would be delighted to be your chef for your dinner parties, barbeques or any other special occasion.

Yes, arrangements can be made for either private or group cooking instructions.

Yes, gift certificates are the perfect gift for new moms, seniors, busy professionals, and patients preparing for or recovering from surgery.  It is also the perfect gift to give yourself and/or family members.

It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date, along with a deposit for the cost of the food.  I take cash or personal check.  Payment can be made for your upcoming cook date on the day I am cooking.