FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
-Prices vary dependent upon the services you select. -The basic cost is an hourly fee plus groceries, spices and supplies; -The hourly fee will be based upon the complexity of meals you select, and the number of dishes I will be preparing; Travel expenses, planning and grocery shopping are included in the hourly fee; The total amount of time necessary to cook and clean can range anywhere from six to twelve hours, subject to the number of dishes to be prepared. The following alternative price list may be applicable to your selected services, and are a good guideline for estimating preparation costs in advance. For advance meal preparation services; a meal is defined as 1 entrée and 2 side dishes, or 1 side dish and 1 dessert: -3 meals X 2 servings = $200.00 -3 meals X 4 servings = $240.00 -3 meals X 6 servings = $280.00 -4 meals X 2 servings = $240.00 -4 meals X 4 servings = $280.00 -4 meals X 6 servings = $320.00 -5 meals X 2 servings = $280.00 -5 meals X 4 servings = $320.00 -5 meals x 6 servings = $360.00 -Actual cost of groceries is in addition to the preparation costs outlined above; -Typical grocery costs can vary greatly and are directly related to the dishes you choose to be cooked. A broad mid-range of cost are $10.00 to $15.00 per serving for most dishes I prepare; -Nutritional values may vary dependent upon the ingredients necessary to prepare the meals you select. A print out each meal selected will be provided for your records upon final payment for services and groceries, upon their completion; -No charge for special need meal preparation; -Please present medical and/or special dietary requirements at least 72 hours prior to the date I will be cooking for you; -Subject to unforeseen special conditions which may incur additional labor costs, the final amount for your selected services will be provided to you during our “no cost” meeting at your home; -A deposit equal to 50% of the final service amount is required for first time bookings; -Final payment for all services and groceries must be made on the day services are provided; -Payment in cash or personal check is preferred. Make checks payable to Larry R. Martin; add 3% for PayPal payments. -Subsequent, continuing advance meal services must be paid within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of each service session, including groceries and supplies; -Service fees are discounted 10% for prepaid advance meal services which include estimated grocery costs; -Special accommodations are available for unique circumstances. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about your special needs.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
How I like to work: I like to start my client relationships with a 10 – 15 minute phone conversation to give you an early opportunity to get a first impression of me, and how I might be to work with. Following our phone conversation, if you agree we should explore further your desire to hire me to be your Personal Chef, then we would schedule a ‘no cost” 50 – 60-minute meeting at your home during which; -We will survey your kitchen’s assets and limitations. (No worries, what equipment you don’t have, I have and will bring with me should you hire me); -We will chat about the kinds of meals and dishes you typically eat,and the kinds of meals and dishes you’d like to try; -I’ll want to learn your personal dietary needs and taste preferences; -We will explore a personal menu customized to your specification; -Or, if you prefer, I will suggest a menu for you based upon what I understand your dietary needs, and personal preferences to be; Then after you have hired me, and a date is set when I will cook for you, we will finalize all menu plans together over the phone, in person, or by email; On your cook date, I will do all the shopping for you, assuring the freshest, and if possible, local ingredients are purchased and brought to your home for your meals; All the cooking for your meals will be prepared in your kitchen with your pots, pans and utensils if they are available, otherwise I will provide them; If I am preparing meals in advance for you, I will package, label and appropriately store your meals for you with heating and serving instructions for each dish; If you have booked a special event meal, I will remain in the kitchen throughout the evening, making sure your meal is cooked to perfection and ready for serving.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 50 years of experience cooking for families daily. My best skill is preparation of weekly meal plans for busy families. My goal is to prepare dishes with ingredients my clients are familiar with. I'm happy to learn your recipes or provide you with a selection of dishes which fit your personal tastes. I'm also happy to prepare new dishes for you, always with a mind on their compatibility with your I prepare meals for diabetics and special diet requirements; low carbohydrate, bio-hack, Bullet Proof, Paleo, Adkins, etc. I cook many different ethnic foods such as, Mexican, Casual American, Formal American, Southern American, Vegan, Mediterranean, Armenian, and others upon request.