Hiring a private chef is a personal decision. You are inviting someone into your home to feed the people you care about. These nine questions help you find the right fit.
1. What is your background?
Look for real restaurant experience: time on a serious line, in a high-volume kitchen and in a fine-dining one. It shows up in timing, technique and calm under pressure.
2. Can I see sample menus?
Ask for menus from past dinners, and for how the chef adapts to the season. Our sample menus show our starting point.
3. How do you handle allergies and dietary needs?
A good chef asks early, plans around it and never treats it as an afterthought.
4. What does the price include?
Clarify whether the quote covers groceries, prep, cooking, service, cleanup, travel and any staff. Our per-guest pricing includes shopping, prep, cooking, plating and kitchen cleanup.
5. What is the minimum?
Most private chefs have a minimum spend or guest count. Ours starts at six guests with a $1,100 minimum.
6. Do you work in my kitchen?
Most do. Ask what the chef brings and what they need from you, such as oven space, counter space and a clear sink at the end of the night.
7. Who serves and who cleans up?
For parties of 12 or more, a server makes the evening feel seamless. Confirm who clears, who washes and what state the kitchen will be in when they leave.
8. Are you insured, and what are your cancellation terms?
Ask for the details in writing, including deposits, rescheduling and weather policies for any outdoor element.
9. Can I speak to a past client?
Reviews matter. Look for specific comments about food, communication and cleanup, and read them on a site you trust, such as Google.
When you are ready, request a date and tell us about your evening.
Ready to plan your event?
Tell us your date, guest count and town, and we will reply within one business day.
Request a Date See the service