“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf
A good meal really can uplift your day, health and spirit. With the world becoming more aware of the benefits and importance of good nutrition and fresh food, it has never been more suited to invest in a personal, full time Chef for your family. Not only can you rest assured that there will always be fresh food prepared to your liking in your household, personal Chefs can open an exciting world of new tastes, flavours and food experiences in the comfort of your own home.
Here are our top tips to find the right full time chef for your family.
Diet/ health requirements
Private chefs come in many shapes and sizes, and nowadays you can absolutely find a personal chef specialising in your exact dietary needs and requirements. With so many excellent chefs out there, it really is worth it investing, and looking into exactly those chefs who are experienced in the exact diet/health lifestyle you are looking for. Not only can your personal chef make sure you (and your family) are sticking to the diet, he or she can also make it a much more enjoyable experience by introducing you to new dishes, flavours and taste combinations.
Having a full time chef will give you the opportunity to develop a healthier diet, allowing you to try out different diets to find out which one works best for you. With years of experience in food preparation and nutrition, your chef will not only provide you and your family with the most delicious, freshest meals, but they can also act as a diet or health coach. Your personal chef can develop meal plans, work with calorie control if required and fill your larder and fridge with wholesome, guilt-free treats, juices and smoothies.
There are several different types of personal chefs with various specialties. Make sure you know your options before starting your search!
Lifestyle
If you are going to invest in a full time chef, take your time to think about exactly what role you would like the chef to fulfill. Although this seems straight-forward, there are many ways a personal Chef can compliment your lifestyle.
Do you value routine, structure and meals at set times of the day? Do you travel regularly? Would you like to have food in the fridge or freezer when needed, or would you like your chef to be available as needed to prepare delicious meals and snacks?
When you start the interviewing process, it’s important that you have a clear idea of your general weekly routine. When you have a clear idea for how you will utilize a personal chef, expectations can be managed and realistic schedules can be made to avoid confusion and disappointment.
Children
Although the main aim of any personal Chef is to provide you and your family with excellent, freshly cooked meals and snacks, they can plan an important part in your children’s’ lives as well. Not only will your chef be knowledgeable about children’s’ nutritional needs, but they will become a part of your household, likely interacting with you and your children regularly.
A private chef can serve as an excellent educator for your children, introducing them to exciting new flavours and cultures, sparking their interest about where food comes from and helping them love eating vegetables. Finding the perfect personality is equally as important as finding a highly qualified and skilled chef. A person who will spend a considerable amount of time per week with you and your family should fit in well.
Hosting/events
If you regularly host guests or have events, make this a priority in your personal chef selection. Besides your day-to day breakfast, lunch and dinner, a private chef can uplift your dinner parties and events to new heights. With no need to hire temporary cooking staff or catering for your special events anymore, your personal chef can work with you weeks or months in advance to create themes, menus and sample dinners.
Many personal chefs have a background in events and restaurants, meaning they are skilled in preparing food for groups and providing outstanding menus that will not only taste outstanding, but will be a feast for the eyes too. Having spent time with you and your family, your chef will understand your taste, preferred flavours and personality, and will be able to create bespoke menus that will leave your guests talking about it months after.
We do understand that finding the right personal, full time chef for your family can be a lengthy process but it really does pay off to take your time in the selection procedures, as the perfect match can change your, and your family’s life. If you still have questions or would like any advice, then please do drop us a line, we are always happy to help or give impartial advice. We do have a wide range of excellent Private Chefs, Hotel Chefs and Restaurant Chefs on our books too, so if you’d like us to find your perfect personal Chef do get in touch and we would be delighted to guide you through the path of gastronomical excellence!