FAQ's

Have a few questions? Here are some of the most common questions I am asked. If you don't find the answer you're looking for listed here or elsewhere on the site, please contact me and I will be happy to answer them personally.

Table of Contents

What is a Personal Chef?
Can I afford a Personal Chef Service?
Are all my meals going to be frozen?
How much freezer space do you need?
What does the price of this service include?
Do I need to be home while you are cooking?
In what cities do you provide your service?
How long does the consultation take?
Do you offer dinner party or lunch service?
Do you offer gift certificates?
Do I have to provide the cookware?
What menu items do you offer?

What is a Personal Chef?
A Personal Chef is a culinary professional that comes to your home and prepares a delicious, home-made menu that is customized to your tastes and specifications, as determined in the initial consultation. Your Personal Chef does all the menu planning, shopping, and cooking required for your menu or catered event.

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Can I afford a Personal Chef Service?

Actually, most people can't afford NOT to have one! With the meteoric rise in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease - having a Personal Chef is extremely affordable compared to paying for multiple medications to treat these lifestyle-related ailments that result from years of poor eating habits. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Chef Cari knows this all too well - she has a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing with a background in ICU, so she knows how your body works! Her knowledge is incorporated into her service. Her health care is now focused on prevention instead of reaction.

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Are all my meals going to be frozen?

With the standard service, the majority of your meals will be stored in the freezer. They provide the comfort of knowing a home made meal is available to you on your busiest nights! On the day of your service, up to 3 meals may be stored in the refrigerator for you to enjoy the first 3 days.

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How much freezer space do you need?

Ideally, about 75% of a standard freezer must be available for storage of your meals.

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What does the price of this service include?

The Personal Chef Service price consists of a service fee plus the cost of groceries. This fee covers all the expenses, except groceries, that are required to prepare the customized menu. There are no additional 'fees'. Your life is hectic enough, so this service is simple!

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Do I need to be at home when you are cooking?

You do not have to be home while cooking happens - just provide access to your kitchen! In fact, most clients are not home! The trust and confidence of clients is valued and vigilantly guarded. As Dinner at Your Door Personal Chef Service has expanded, your meals may now be prepared in a commercial kitchen and delivered to you on your scheduled date, as well.

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In what cities do you provide your service?

O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Lebanon, and the surrounding communities. If you don't see your community listed, please contact Chef Cari - the list is not all inclusive!

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How long does the consultation take?

It usually lasts about 30 minutes to one hour and is scheduled at your convenience. There is no cost or obligation involved.

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Do you offer dinner party or lunch service?

Absolutely! Customized catering is available for intimate dinner parties for two as well as appetizer parties/dinners for 125! Lunch items can be prepared in lieu of dinner items for your customized menu. If that fits your lifestyle and needs better, then Chef Cari will do it. If you have an event coming up you want to be unique and unforgettable, contact Chef Cari! You'll never know unless you ask...

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Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, gift certificates are available for all services offered. It's a great gift for new parents, those recovering from surgery, and as a special gift for someone who would enjoy having their needs taken care of instead of always taking care of others. It's THE perfect gift for the one who has everything.

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Do I have to provide the cookware?
No, your Personal Chef provides all the necessary equipment to prepare your menu in entirety when it will be prepared in your home. All you have to provide are clean, clear countertops, a working stove, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. Be sure to have plenty of space available in the refrigerator and freezer for all of the wonderful meals!
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What menu items do you offer?
This is a purely customized service, so there are no pre-set menus. If you like homestyle foods, that's what you'll get. If your tastes are more adventurous, that will be accommodated as well. For a sampling of what's been provided to clients, please see the Menus page.
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