A personal chef prepares meals for a client in the client’s home kitchen.  Meals can be prepared either for dinner parties, special occasions, small events, and gatherings.

A personal chef is different from a private chef, in that a private chef is employed exclusively by one client and may even live in the client’s home.  A personal chef is also not a caterer, someone who prepares food in an off-site kitchen and often for large groups.  Personal chefs generally prepare meals for smaller gatherings, vacation rental customers, or families.

The booking coordinator will assist with planning menus and work out details for a dinner or party. The chef may meet with the client to discuss food needs or make selections, and also look at the kitchen layout, appliances, and equipment.  While the personal chef may bring some of his own utensils and supplies, most of the cooking process will be done using what the client has available.  A Personal chef will do all the food shopping, prepare the meal, serve the guests, and clean up afterward, giving the client a “less work – less stress” experience.

When hiring a personal chef to cook for a dinner party, a menu and a food cost estimate will be created for the client to approve.  Once the client approves of the menu and fee, a deposit or an expense account is agreed upon to purchase the food.  The client pays for this in addition to the cost of  chef’s services and gratuity.