Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
A Private Chef is employed by one person or family, full time and prepares all their
meals, often "living in". A Personal Chef has several clients, usually serving one client a
day and prepares multiple meals that are custom designed for that client. These meals
are packaged and stored so that the client may enjoy them as needed.

2. Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, the meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen as the Health Department
regulations require. Because the meals are stored immediatley after preparation they
are the freshest meals possible.

3. What do I need to have in my kitchen?
All that is required is a clean kitchen with a cook top, oven, sink, counter space to work,
and refrigerator and freezer space to store the completed meals. A microwave is nice but not required. We can use your pot and pans or bring our own. We have a full set of pots, pans, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies. At the end of the day your kitchen
will be left clean with the aroma of great food. Your meals will be ready to heat and
eat.

4. Do I need to be home?
No you do not need to be home. Many clients are not home during a cook session. A
cook session takes anywhere between 3-6 hours depending on the menu selections, side dishes, and the amount of food being prepared.

5. How is the food stored?
The meals can be packaged family style, or in single or double portions depending on
your needs. Packaging can be either disposable or reusable and that will be decided at
your initial consultation. All packages will include complete directions for reheating and
serving.

6. Can I afford a Personal Chef?
Absolutely! Most clients find the cost of a personal chef to be about the same as the cost of their groceries, take out, and restaurant meals. Then consider the time you will save without all the grocery shopping, running for take out, and waiting for service and food at restaurants. Now add the benefit of having a variety of healthy meals prepared to your individual needs and preferences. If you eat out often, this service may not only

save you money and time, but provide you with health benefits too. Aren't you worth
it?

7. Can you follow my special diet?
YES. We have Registered Dietitians with experience in special diets. We can customize your meals to follow specifi diets and allergy issues. All menus are planned or reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We can also provide counseling on your special diet as well as gut health monitoring.

8. How do I get started?
Contact us and we will schedule a time for your FREE consultation. During this
consult we will discuss your dietary needs, meal plan options, and food preferences.

9. What areas do you serve?
We travel throughout Northern Virginia, DC, and the western Maryland suburbs of DC (Bethesda and vicinity). 

Contact us to discuss any specific questions at info@mychefshirley.com or 703-209-3919