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Frequently
Ask Questions About Our Personal Chef Services
What
is the difference between a Private Chef and a Personal Chef?
 In
times past, only the wealthy could enjoy a Private Chef that
would help make their lives easier. Their Private Chef would
provide exquisite meals and work exclusively for the family…but
for a hefty price. [top]
Now in the
21st century, people are working more than ever and thus their
lives are also more hectic. They too would like to make life
a little easier and enjoy healthy meals. However, a Private
Chef may still be out of reach because of the high cost of having
a single devoted chef. A new service called a Personal Chef
is different because the chef is also devoted to the client,
but for only one day a week, once every other week or once a
month. The personal chef can still create as many needed meals
for the family, but the cost is reduced because the chef is
“shared” with other families who also seek to make
their life easier. [top]
Is
a personal chef expensive?
NO!
Actually, a personal chef is more affordable than you think.
When you factor in the time it takes to prepare a grocery list,
go to the store and fight everyone else trying to get their
shopping done, then taking it home and putting it away, then
coming up with recipes, taking the time to prepare the foods,
then cleaning up afterwards, then often throwing away unwanted
food (which is expensive), then deciding on take out one night,
etc…your time and effort is really spent! Also, factor
in the health costs you will have to pay later on down the road
because of all the bad cholesterol and fats you received from
fast food. With all of this in consideration, a personal chef
is not that expensive.
[top]
What type of meals do you provide?
All
meals provided will be based on your food preferences and needs.
A typical focus would be on the Mediterranean diet, which includes
the use of fresh vegetables, legumes, poultry and
fish. Preparation involves a simplistic approach to food with
emphasis of use of fresh, fragrant herbs and seasonings. Other
ethnic foods will be offered as well as traditional American
style food using beef,
pork, etc. [top]
How
does a personal chef service work?
You choose which type of service either based on the number
of people meals are prepared for or simply the number of meals
you wish to have provided.-
Chef Marc and company provides a menu created with your food
preferences and needs in mind based on a questionnaire that
you fill out. The menu changes seasonally to reflect what are
the freshest ingredients available.
-
You may choose which type of produce and meats you’d like
(organic or conventional produce and free range/organic meats,
eggs and dairy).
-
Chef Marc and company will come into your home on an arranged
day at your convenience to prepare meals and then cool and store
your meals in the refrigerator and/or freezer. The containers
used will be glass Pyrex, which are provided for a one-time
fee, and will be microwave and oven safe.
-
All you have to do is come home and follow the reheating instructions
provided to have a delicious, healthy meal without the clean
up or the hassle of leaving the house on a cold night to pick
up your take out. Best of all, there’s no need to worry
about what’s for dinner.
[top]
What’s
the difference between the “Bargain” and the “Great
Deal” service plans?
The
Bargain Service plan includes a visit by Chef Marc once a week,
bi-weekly or once a month if you choose. The main difference
is the portion sizes are double servings. For example, if
you order 3 entrees including a chicken dish, a fish dish, and
a beef dish for two people, each person will get 2 chicken dishes,
2 fish dishes each and 2 beef dishes each for a total of 12
meals. This service is more economical than the Great Deal
service. Finally, the bargain service may involve the storage
of food in both the refrigerator and freezer.
The
Great Deal service includes a visit by Chef Marc once a week.
The portion sizes are single servings. For example, if
you order 3 entrees including a chicken dish, a fish dish, and
a beef dish for two people, each person will get only 1 chicken
dish each, 1 fish dish each and 1 beef dish each for a total
of 6 meals. Persons who prefer to consume their food
closest to time of preparation generally choose this service.
[top]
Does your fee include the cost
of food?
Yes!
No need to worry about last minute changes in costs and you
can always budget accordingly.
[top]
Is
my town within your service area?
Olives
and Herbs serves Boston, the north shore, the south shore and
the metro west areas including Brookline, Brighton, Cambridge,
Winchester, Belmont, Watertown, Lexington, Lincoln, Wayland,
Waltham, Weston, Newton, Wellesley and Needham.
[top]
Are
catering services available?
Yes!
Olives and Herbs Personal Chef Service offers services for small
dinner and cocktail parties. Please contact us for a free consultation
or go here.
[top]
Do
you give lessons?
Yes!
Lessons can be given on an individual or group basis in a setting
of your choice. We also offer small lessons in Watertown and
large group lessons in Cambridge. Cooking classes are a great
idea for wedding showers or corporate functions or just an excuse
to get together with friends in a fun learning environment.
[top]
How
do I pay for my services?
For professional
chef services, after you have chosen your menu, your fee will
be due upon your cooking day.
For
catering services, a food deposit request will be sent to you.
The fee for catering services will be based on an hourly rate
and will be due upon completion of the catering job that day.
 For
Lessons, a flat fee based on the lesson of your choice will
be due immediately upon booking.
All deposits
and fees are due immediately upon receipt. Payments can be made
in cash, personal check or for added convenience by credit card
via PayPal, a secure web service. (go to PayPal
Now and easily set up your own account)
[top]
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