Frequently Asked Questions

How does this service work?

First, we will meet to discuss your particular needs and desires for Personal Chef Services.  At that time, we will discuss your food likes and dislikes, any food allergies and/or special dietary requirements you may have, and any particular special requests you would like to make.  After all, this is what puts the “personal” in personal chef.  We will then work together to select your first menu selections and formulate the entrees and side dishes for your first cooking date. This typically consists of three to five entrees and appropriate side dishes, with two to four servings of each to be provided.  Once we have established the menu for your first meal delivery date, we will schedule regular meal delivery dates that meets your ongoing needs, and payment will be made for your first meal delivery.

On your scheduled meal delivery date, I will show up at your home with your prepared and packaged meals, complete with heating and finishing instructions.  Your prepared meals can be stored in your refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to dine.  

Once we have established a regular meal delivery schedule, you may call or e-mail me with your meal selections for the following week.  This is usually done by 3:00 p.m. CST (4:00 p.m. EST) on Wednesdays, for meal delivery the following week.  

No muss, no fuss!! Just delicious meals prepared for you and your family to enjoy at your convenience!

What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?

A Private Chef is employed by one individual or family full time, is often “living in”, and is preparing up to 3 meals per day. 

A Personal Chef, such as The Portable Chef, serves several families and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for your particular requests and requirements.  These meals are packaged and stored so that you may enjoy them at your leisure in the future.

Do you cook in my kitchen?     

I can, but The Portable Chef has invested in a professional kitchen outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances and food preparation tools in order to provide you with the highest quality meals available.  Our kitchen is located in Jasper, TN and is regularly inspected by the Marion County Department of Health.  Should you desire meal preparation in your home, please contact me to discuss specifics.

Do I heat the food?

Yes.  Any meals that have been stored for you in your refrigerator or freezer will be heated by you to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor (meals stored in the freezer will need to be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator before heating).  

The Portable Chef Personal Chef Service includes easy-to-follow heating instructions for each meal that has been prepared for you that requires heating before you eat.

How much refrigerator or freezer space do you need?

It depends on the number of meals and servings you request, and the sizes of the containers.  The Portable Chef Personal Chef Service doesn’t generally require a considerable amount of freezer space.  We can take a look at your freezer to see just how much room you have available, but a standard-sized refrigerator/freezer usually has plenty of room for five meals serving four people with room to spare.  

The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is that?  

The cost for the service represent all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service.  For example, the assessment process that we complete to determine what you like to eat, how you like to eat, and whether or not you have allergies, sensitivities or medically specific requirements which will be taken into account when preparing your entrées is one of the features - that, along with customizing recipes to reflect your wants and requests, submitting meal selections for your approval, shopping for fresh ingredients, and packaging, labeling, delivering and storing your entrees are more features.

If you were to compare a personal chef service to restaurant service you could think or it this way: For a restaurant, you must drive to get there, possibly wait for a table, take a chance that your server is having a good day, and if you have allergies or special requests you don’t always have the guarantee that they will be honored, since most entrees are “assembly line” prepped in the kitchen.  After eating your meal you must pay for it, tip the server, and get back in your vehicle to drive home.

If you have a Personal Chef Service, you can heat your beautifully prepared entrees that have been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it in the convenience and comfort of your own home.  You can even enjoy it curled up on the couch in your “jammies” if you want.

Do I pay you ahead of each meal delivery date?  

Yes, it is customary to pay for service in advance of your meal delivery date.  

How long will the food last us?

Depending on how many meals you order, and how many times you eat at home will determine approximately how long your meals will last.  If you travel for business, or entertain in restaurants during the week, or just enjoy eating out on occasion the meals will last longer than if you eat in each night.  With a few exceptions, most meals will keep in your refrigerator for approximately one week; meals stored in your freezer will usually keep for 3-4 weeks.

How often will we need your service?

I’ll be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule the Portable Chef Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs.  We’ll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.

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