What is the difference between a Private Chef, a Caterer, and a Personal Chef?
A Private Chef is employed full-time by one family and prepares and serves all of their meals every day. A Private Chef often lives with the family. A Caterer cooks food from a limited menu offsite in a commercial kitchen and delivers it to a family or event. A Personal Chef has several clients but usually only services one per day. A Personal Chef customizes your menu, cooks in the safety of your own home, and stores your meals in a manner in which you can enjoy them at your convenience.

Will you customize the meals to my tastes and health requirements?
The beauty of a personal chef service is the personal customization of your meals. The first step of our service includes a complimentary assessment of your dietary needs and culinary preferences, as well as the needs and preferences of other members of your household. Please note that Chef Rebekah is not a dietician, nutritionist, or an allergist, but she will accommodate you as much as possible with your special needs diet.

Do you do my grocery shopping?
The chef purchases all items necessary for your meal plan, focusing on the freshest, in-season ingredients.  If you request organic items, she will do her best in providing these to you.

Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes. On our agreed upon cook date, Chef Rebekah will prepare your meals in your kitchen, regardless of size. As long as you have the basics--- a stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, and sink, she can maneuver in any kitchen! She will bring the freshest ingredients for your meals, along with her pots, pans, small appliances, and utensils as needed. At the end of the day, she will clean up, leaving your kitchen sparkling so that you can come home to fresh, home-prepared meals to enjoy at your leisure.

How long will you be in my home?
The time the chef will be in your kitchen will vary depending on your menu selection and requested quantity of food. Since she will be creating several meals virtually from scratch, it will likely take her several hours. You do not need to be present in order for Chef Rebekah to cook. Most clients of It’s All Gouda! prefer going on with their daily lives while the chef concentrates on creating their customized meals.

How do you store my meals?
Chef Rebekah  will rapid-cool your meals and seal them in either disposable plastic containers or reusable glass/pyrex containers. Dishes that you wish to eat in the immediate future will be refrigerated, and meals you wish to store longer than a few days will be frozen.

How do I heat my meals?
Any meals that the chef has stored for you in your freezer should be placed in your refrigerator to defrost overnight. You will heat your entrees in either the oven or the microwave. You will always be left with specific heating instructions for each meal.

What is included in a meal?
A meal consists of an entrée and two sides, usually a vegetable and a starch. If you would like salads, we will provide these for you in place of your vegetable side if you choose. Please note that the chef can only provide the salad service for about 2 meals, to be eaten within 2-3 days for optimum freshness. If you would like appetizers, bread, or desserts, these are available at an additional charge.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. However, please keep in mind that it takes time to build a chef-client relationship. Your feedback is crucial. If you are not satisfied after your first meal service, please let us know how we can improve so we can continue this relationship.

Is the service affordable?
Please consider several factors-- the amount of money required for meals and tips at restaurants, the amount of time it takes to grocery shop and cook healthy meals, the sodium and preservatives lurking in your fast food and convenience foods, and the amount of gasoline used to acquire these meals. When you add it all up, you’d be surprised about how reasonable the cost of a personal chef can be! A Personal Chef saves you hours of precious time, prepares fresh, customized meals for you without all those extra preservatives.

Are you insured?
It’s All Gouda! offers full liability insurance to its customers. Chef Rebekah is also ServSafe certified by the National Restaurant Foundation, which means she earned the same certification in food safety that restaurants are required to have. Not only do you receive wonderful meals, but you will also enjoy peace of mind!