FAQs

What is the difference between a Caterer, a Private Chef and a Personal Chef?

A caterer prepares standardized meals in a commercial kitchen and brings them to the client.  A private chef is employed by one individual or family full-time, often considered “live-in”, and prepares up to 3 meals per day. A personal chef serves several clients and provides unique meal experiences that are custom designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. It is not uncommon for Chef Cassie to be booked for recurring annual birthdays, family vacations, holidays, etc. Her repeat clients become like family, but the one time out of towner is equally as rewarding.

How long will you be here?

Chef Cassie will be cooking as much as possible on site, so plan for an arrival time of 1 1/2-2 hours before your event kicks off. The amount of time depends on the types of dishes you have requested, and the number of guests expected at your event. There will be a clean up period of roughly an hour after dessert is served, to allow for full clean up and resetting of the kitchen. Chef Cassie can work with your schedule and make arrangements in advance so that your needs and calendar are in sync.

I’ll be home the day of my event. Is it okay if I watch or help?

This can be a delicate situation, as the chef will be focused on preparing your creations, and cannot be distracted by conversation, pets, kids, etc. It would be too easy to forget an ingredient or to forget about something in the oven! Chef Cassie is happy to chat with you or answer any questions for a few minutes upon arrival, and the air is clear for conversation after dessert is served. She will come out and announce each course as it is served, with a full description, and possibly/probably share some fun knowledge tidbits as well. She is always happy to answer any questions or take suggestions either by phone or e-mail.

The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a restaurant – why is that?

Chef Cassie’s fees represent all of the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, the assessment that she completes to determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections, which are personally written/customized by Chef Cassie. She modifies all of her recipes to reflect your wants and needs; does all of the grocery shopping; and prepares, serves and cleans up your meal in your own space.