FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
All full meal services include - Individual Consultation - Menu Planning & Recipe Research* - Grocery Shopping (actual cost of groceries may vary*) - Meal Preparation/Assembly - Packaging & Labeling* - Complete Heating Instructions - Clean up! - Ongoing Communication and Support
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
How does it work? 1. Meet to discuss your needs. Discover your favorite foods, dietary restrictions, health goals as well as overall service desires. This first meeting is your complimentary assessment, but client input /communication is ongoing. 2. Plan your personal menu. Ensure you are only served foods you love prepared to your taste. Over 400 recipes are available and I will even make ones you have. There is no set menu you must choose from! 3. Schedule your Chef Day On a convenient pre-arranged date, I shop for fresh quality ingredients and bring them to your home. All meals are prepared on-site; no need to worry about delivery, pickup or freshness. 4. Enjoy! All your meals are packaged to meet your needs (single servings*, servings for two or family style). They are labeled and include heating instructions so each meal is enjoyed at its best.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Having a solid medical background to specialize in all types of custom diets gives a great flexibility to address a broad spectrum of health concerns. Brandy is an avowed foodie, and continues to increase her knowledge and experience. "Serving your needs personally!" is a reflection of her personality, and her willingness to constantly try new techniques, recipes and customize each meal for you. During the beginning years of Dining by Design, Brandy worked with various local chefs, restaurateurs and in private kitchens to obtain a priceless one-on-one training. Brandy also studied with the United States Personal Chef Association, anti-aging doctors as well as naturopathic physicians and personal trainers. Since moving back the Reno area in 2003, Brandy has worked with various public and charter schools to implement better lunch programs and create awareness of healthier eating with Washoe County School District students, administrators, staff and parents. This includes a pilot program of which she was the Culinary Director; the students planned, sourced (even grew!), shopped, prepped, cooked, served and cleaned up the on-site school lunch program as part of their curriculum. This independent program went on to be recognized by the National School Lunch Program. This recognition acknowledges a rigorous compliance with federal nutrition guidelines. Currently, Chef Brandy is studying with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to pursue her Health Coach Certification.