GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who needs a personal chef?
Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom meals ready at their convenience. Most people hire a personal chef because they do not have the time or desire to cook. Business professionals, expecting or new parents, busy working families, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from an injury, etc., are all great candidates for personal chefs.
How does a personal chef work?
It's quite simple, actually! Please visit our home page for information.
What areas do you serve?
Vibrant at Home Personal Chef Services serves Central Phoenix, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas.
Do you travel to areas outside of the Phoenix Metropolitan area?
Yes! For an additional fee. Please contact us to discuss details.
How far in advance should I reserve a date?
It is recommended you reserve a date as soon as possible for meal services, and two months is preferred for private dinners and events. In other words, the sooner, the better!
Do you deliver meals?
Not currently. We believe that cooking in clients' homes is the most sustainable way to prepare custom meals.
Do you have to do the cooking at my house?
Yes. Maricopa County and the Arizona State Health Department regulations require all meals prepared by a personal chef to be cooked in the consumer's home or a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen. Preparing these meals in your home ensures you have the safest and highest-quality product possible.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are fully insured as a personal chef to work within private residences and for events with up to 25 guests.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes, we always respect your right to privacy and confidentiality.
Do you do dinner parties?
Yes! We do provide small dinner parties. Please contact us for more details.
How do you know what I like in my diet?
Your diet is your Chef's first order of business. In your initial consultation, you and the chef will review your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, etc.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
This varies from client to client. If you prefer a certain store or market, please notify your chef, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
We use the highest quality ingredients for your meals.
Can I provide the ingredients, and then you can cook them?
No. Our chefs personally hand-select all ingredients to ensure their quality, safety, quantity, and availability. We also inventory your pantry and utilize food items you already have.
Do I have to be home when you are cooking?
No. In most cases, clients are working, running errands, or out of town while their personal chef is preparing their meals.
How long does a service take?
Our in-home chef service generally takes around 6 hours. This includes research, planning, shopping, cooking, labeling and storing the meals, and cleaning the kitchen.
How often will you come to my house to cook?
Personal chef services are offered on a weekly basis.
Is there anything I can do prior to your visit?
Have your kitchen counters free of clutter, your sink cleared, and have clear shelving or space made in your refrigerator to store your meals.
Cancellation:
We understand things happen, and sometimes clients need to cancel. The client must make all cancellations at least two (2) days before their service date to receive a full refund. If the client cancels within two (2) days prior to their service, their deposit will be forfeited to cover any incidentals/materials already purchased by the chef.
"No-Show":
The clients are responsible for ensuring that someone is home to greet the chef and introduce them to the kitchen. If nobody can be home when the chef arrives, please ensure you have discussed any entry instructions with the chef before their arrival. If the Chef arrives at the client's home and the client is not home, does not answer, and/or is unresponsive via phone/email, the chef reserves the right to cancel the service, and any deposit made by the client will be forfeited. To avoid this situation, the chef will confirm the service date and time before the scheduled date.
Menu Requests and Edits:
All final menu edits or submissions must be made at least two (2) days prior to the client's service date so the chef has the proper time to plan, prepare, and shop for the client's meals. Any last-minute menu changes may be subject to an additional fee.
IN-HOME MEAL SERVICE QUESTIONS
What is included in your meal plan?
Each service package includes: Initial consultation, menu design, your choice of meals customized to your preferences, grocery shopping, prep-work, cooking, kitchen clean-up, packaging, labeling, storage, and handling instructions.
How much do your weekly services start, and how are they priced?
Weekly one-time or recurring services start at $425 per cooking session. The cost of groceries is not included.
Is the menu the same every time?
Not unless you want it to be. Your personal chef will do their best to create a new menu for each service. Some clients go months without ever having a repeat meal.
Are groceries included?
The cost of groceries is not included.
Can I add additional dishes?
Absolutely, additional time will be needed to make more dishes. The chef will adjust the cooking session fee accordingly.
I have small children; can you make special meals for them?
Absolutely. We love creating fun and delicious lunch boxes and family-friendly meals.
How will my meals be packaged?
We highly recommend using glass containers for environmental and health reasons. We are happy to use any containers that you already have. If you need to stock up on containers or upgrade, let us know, and we’ll purchase and invoice you for your cooking session.
Are the meals fresh or frozen?
The meals are all fresh. Heating and freezing instructions will be provided.