Getting your own private chef is an expensive proposition and there are not all that many who can afford to have someone on staff at their home all the time. A personal chef, however, is a much more affordable option if you're interested in shifting some of the weight load of cooking daily meals onto someone else.
According to the American Personal & Private Chefs Association, there are over 9,000 personal chefs working in the US (probably more who want to be personal chefs or are working in other capacities at the moment, too) and over 70,000 clients who use their services on a regular basis. The chefs don't necessarily come in every day and cook dinner for their clients, but instead try to use their time more efficiently so that they can handle multiple clients. Some will spend a day a week in a different home, preparing several meals while they are there and refrigerating or freezing them. Others rent commercial space and prepare all of their clients' meals in advance, then deliver them directly. Prices average about $200-400 per day, but keep in mind that that price includes the ingredients and cooking time for 3-5 meals for four (or more people), which comes out to an average of $18 per entree.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-13-2007 @ 1:25PM
Jordan said...
I have looked several times for a quality chef to come to the house. I would like someone that would interview us on what foods week like and ingredients and come and show us new dished to make under these guidlines.
Jo
http://www.cerealinsider.com
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3-13-2007 @ 9:03PM
Sindy said...
I work for a personal chef and he does indeed consult with his clients as to their likes dislikes and any dietary restrictions. You are not likely though to find one who will show you how to make your own dishes because if you can make them ...you won't need the Chef. http://to2sassy.blogspot.com/
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3-14-2007 @ 1:59AM
Chef JoAnna said...
I might be a bit biased, but having a personal chef cook for you is the best bargain for 'household help' around.
and @ Sindy, if someone wants to learn how to cook, I happily give cooking lessons, but the reason most people hire me is because they don't have the time, ability or inclination to cook.
...and as long as I'm gonna post, I might as well offer: I answer questions via instant messenger here: http://www.ChefJoAnna.com/chefchat Ciao!
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