"The Distinctive Life" presented by the Distinctive Collection

16 17 bhgrecollection.com | | THE DISTINCTIVE LIFE® Volume 13 HOW TO HIRE A PERSONAL CHEF Personal chefs are ideal for families with busy schedules, high social demands, and strict food requirements, but finding a great one that checks all your must-have boxes can be difficult. However, you can take steps to make the process easier. Determine your needs Decide whether you desire a one-time hire or a longer commitment. Write down your dietary concerns and consider whether professional certification is important to you. Determine your budget. Search for candidates Look through online culinary and personal chef directories. Browse individual chef and chef association websites. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Post a job opening at local culinary schools. Interview chefs Meet with at least three strong candidates. Discuss their backgrounds and ask for at least two references from each. Inquire about a trial run or meal sample before signing a contract. GOURMET CU ISI NE WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRIVATE AND PERSONAL CHEF? While researching experts, you may find many who call themselves private instead of personal chefs. Is there a difference? Yes. Ensure you know exactly what you want from a chef and what service each professional provides. PRIVATE CHEF A private chef typically works with one client at a time on a full-time basis. He or she might do all the meal prep and planning for a single family every day of the week for months and years on end. Private chefs traditionally source and provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and even meals for entertaining, devoting all of their professional time to a specific household. PERSONAL CHEF Personal chefs have strong food backgrounds and are often graduates of prestigious culinary schools and programs. They usually work with several clients at once, becoming familiar with each one’s dietary needs and preferences as well as family and social requirements. CONS OF HIRING A PERSONAL CHEF There are many benefits to hiring a personal chef, such as a lower risk of something going wrong at a social gathering and the increased well-being of a family who relies on an expert to provide healthy meals. Are there any cons to hiring a personal chef? Some might consider the amount of research involved in finding the perfect fit a negative part of the process. But, after the initial time spent, a personal chef could be one of the most beneficial additions to your home.

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