Question 1

What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?

Accepted Answer

A private chef is employed full time and/or exclusively by one individual or family and often lives in their home and prepares up to three meals per day. A personal chef serves and visits several clients, usually one or two per day. A personal chef provides multiple services that are custom designed for the clients' particular requests and dietary requirements.

Question 2

Who needs a personal chef?

Accepted Answer

Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom-made meals ready at their convenience. Most people hire a personal chef because they do not have the time or desire to cook. Business professionals, expecting or new parents, busy working families, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from illness etc. are all great candidates for personal chefs. If you are tired of fast food, the drive-thru, commercial frozen dinners or take-out, a personal chef may be a great investment for you and your health.

Question 3

How does a personal chef work?

Accepted Answer

It's quite simple actually! Please visit How it Works for basic information.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I generally serve the Northern Virginia area, west of D.C. Specifically, I serve Gainesville, Centreville, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, Vienna, Fairfax, Ashburn, Haymarket, Willowsford, Creighton Farms, and Aldie.

Question 5

Do you travel to areas outside of the Gainesville area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for an additional commuting fee of $30 I will travel to private events.

Question 6

How far in advance should I reserve a date?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended you reserve a date at least one month in advance for meal services, and two months for private dinners and events. In other words, the sooner, the better!

Question 7

Who does the cooking?

Accepted Answer

My team and I do all of the cooking within your home kitchen.

Question 8

Do you have your food handler's card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am a current ServSafe Certified Chef; Expiration 12/11/2021

Question 9

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am fully insured as a personal chef to work within private residences.
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Question 10

Did you go to culinary school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I graduated with Honors from L'academie de Cuisine, located in Gaithersburg, MD. I worked at the Inn at Little Washington, a 3-Michelin star restaurant after culinary school.

Question 11

Will you sign a NDA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I completely respect your right to privacy and confidentiality.

Question 12

How do you know what I like in my diet?

Accepted Answer

Your diet is my first order of business. In the initial consultation, you and I will go over what you would like from your personal chef service, your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies etc. I may ask you to fill out a small client questionnaire, this is done to personalize and customize your service as much as possible.

Chef

Emily Ruch

Frequently asked questions