Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Who needs a personal chef?
Anyone who values having freshly prepared, custom meals available at their convenience can benefit from a personal chef. Many people hire a personal chef because they lack the time or desire to cook. Great candidates include business professionals, expectant or new parents, busy families, seniors, individuals with specific dietary needs, and those recovering from an injury.
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?
A private chef is typically employed full-time by one client or family, whereas a personal chef works for multiple clients or families, often visiting two or more in a single day.
What areas do you serve?
I primarily serve the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), but I am available to travel to areas outside of the HRM for an additional travel fee.
Meal Prep FAQ
How long does the meal prep service take?
The duration of the meal prep service varies depending on the number of meals and the complexity of the dishes. On average, the entire process—shopping, cooking, and cleaning—takes 4 to 5 hours.
How often will you come to my house to cook?
As often as you want! I offer one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly packages to fit your needs. Plus, I offer discounts for multi-buy options to encourage regular meal prep sessions.
In-house meal prep services are available on a flexible schedule, so whether you need occasional meals or a regular routine, I’ve got you covered!
Should I be home when you prepare me meals?
Although you are not required to be present, I recommend being home for the initial meal service to give me a tour of your kitchen and discuss any specific preferences or instructions. If you’re unable to be home, I just ask for access to the property at the scheduled service time. Many clients choose to provide kitchen access and return to a fridge stocked with freshly prepared meals. However, if you prefer to be there, that’s absolutely fine as well.
How should I prepare for my personal chef services?
To get ready for your meal prep chef service, please make sure your kitchen, sink, and dishwasher are clean and easy to access. Clear space in your refrigerator for meal prep, and confirm that the ovens, burners, and dishwasher are working properly. I’ll take care of everything else!
How are the meals packaged?
Sustainability is a core value of my meal prep service, which is why I package all the meals in reusable glass containers. These containers are eco-friendly, durable, and perfect for storing your freshly made dishes. Not only are they great for keeping your meals fresh, but they can also be used to freeze food for later use.
Let me know if you’d like recommendations for where to purchase them or if you'd prefer I source them for you!
Private Dinner FAQ
What service do you provide for private dinners?
I provide a range of services designed to suit your private dinner needs, including Family Style and Individually Plated
Will you serve the food?
For family-style service, I will plate the food and serve it, allowing guests to help themselves. For individually plated events, I will serve each plate to the guests, with the option of additional server assistance if needed.
Regarding timing, I am happy to accommodate evening or late-night requests. Please note that there may be an additional charge for services provided outside of standard hours. Feel free to reach out to discuss specific timing and any extra fees.
Is there a minimum number of guests required?
I’m happy to accommodate private dinners for 2 to 10 guests.
How does the menu selection work?
Just like with meal prep, it’s entirely up to you! Have an idea in mind but unsure how to bring it to life? Let’s discuss it and figure out how to make it happen. If you’re looking for a simpler option, I can offer a selection of menu choices for you to choose from.
When will you arrive?
For private dinners, I will typically arrive at your house 3-4 hours before service.
Workshop FAQs
What kind of cooking workshops do you offer?
I offer personalized cooking workshops held at your home, where you can choose the topics and dishes you want to learn. Whether you're looking to master a specific cuisine, learn basic cooking techniques, or explore new recipes, I’ll guide you step-by-step to help you develop your skills.
Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! My workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cooks. If you’re new to cooking, I’ll guide you through every step, and we’ll start with easy-to-follow recipes. For more advanced students, I can focus on specific techniques or complex dishes.
How long is a workshop?
Most workshops last between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the lesson and the number of dishes you want to learn. I can customize the session length based on your preferences.
Do you provide all the equipment needed for the workshop?
I bring my own essential tools and utensils for the lesson. However, you will need to have a functional kitchen with basic cooking equipment such as knives, pots, and pans. If you’re unsure about what you have, feel free to ask, and I’ll be happy to provide a list!
Can I invite friends or family to join the workshop?
Yes! You’re welcome to invite up to 5 guests to join the workshop. This is a great way to make it a fun group activity. I can adjust the lesson to accommodate multiple participants.
Have more questions?
Email me at chef@emilyshrum.com or via the contact button below!