FAQs

What kind of private events can you cook for?

I'm available for dinner parties as intimate as a two-guest date night or as large as a 30+ person affair. Passed apps and desserts, family-style meals, and picnics are a few other fun options to the traditional plated dinner party.

I'm having a destination birthday party---can you travel for my event?

Absolutely. Travel time and expenses may be added to the invoice, depending on location.

I'm hosting a large event. Is this something you do?

Although I specialize in dinner parties from 2-30 guests, I'm able to do much higher volume parties and can have a team of servers and bartenders service your party. Larger parties may require to be served family or buffet style.

Do you use a set or customized menu?

While I've created a few set menus to choose from, creating a customized menu for your party is certainly an option. During our consultation, we'll discuss your food preferences and any special dietary needs that you or your guests may have. From there, I'll present you with several customized options. The menu will need to be finalized at least five days before your event.

Do you offer a vegan menu?

Of course! In addition to vegan options, I'm happy to accommodate for a wide variety of diets, allergy restrictions, and different ethnic cuisines.

Are groceries included in your dinner party rate? Can I provide my own groceries and ingredients?

Groceries are invoiced at cost, and all receipts will be provided. I require a grocery deposit (typically between $100-$150), payable 48 hours prior to your event.

In order to maintain the integrity of the ingredients, I need to procure the groceries myself. However, if you have a special ingredient or source you'd like me to use, I would be happy to.

Do the groceries have to be organic?

While I prefer to work with organic ingredients for their superior taste and quality, we can discuss conventional grocery options to accommodate your budget. I try to buy local, and sustainably sourced ingredients when I can.

Do you provide alcoholic beverages with your meals?

There are several options in this regard! I am partnered up with a team of mixologists who can cater to your needs. If you are interested in a wine-paired dinner, we can also discuss options for having a sommelier do a tasting, and collaborate on a wine-paired, multi-course dinner. If you will be supplying your own wine, I am happy to make wine suggestions as well to pair with your event’s specific menu.

Do you provide centerpieces, dinnerware, or other decorative touches for my event?

Whether it’s a picnic or a black tie event with ice sculptures—-I am happy to take the time to arrange for any of the above for an additional fee.

Do you work with a staff? How many people will be in my kitchen on the night of my dinner?

Most often I work alone for smaller parties. For larger parties, additional staff will likely be brought on, but this will always be discussed in advance.

What sort of kitchen space and appliances do you need from me?

I will usually use the client’s pots/pans and bring my own supplemental tools as needed. I'll need a working stove and oven, plenty of refrigerator and clean counter space, and an empty sink and dishwasher when I arrive. Please also ensure that there are paper towels, dish soap, and an empty trash bin available. And while I love animals, please make sure pets are not in the kitchen.

Do you do all the clean-up?

Yes. Your kitchen will be left as I found it, with the dishwasher loaded.

Can I help you cook?

Unless otherwise arranged, the opportunity to do this would be during one of my cooking classes. On the day of your dinner party, please relax and allow me to do all the prep work and cooking.

How much does it cost to hire you for my dinner party?

Rates vary by menu, headcount, and party details--please reach out for a customized quote.

How far in advance do I need to book?

The more lead time I have to plan, the better! Four weeks is ideal, but I can accommodate up to 5 days in advance provided I'm available. A rush fee may be added to last minute bookings for larger parties.

How does payment work?

Upon booking, I require a non-refundable retainer of 50%, which will secure the date. In the event that you need to reschedule, I can apply the retainer fee to a new date (as my schedule allows), provided that a minimum of 5 days advance notice is given.

A grocery deposit is required 48 hours in advance of your event. Any remaining amount is due on or before the event day. Any unused monies will be returned to you.

Payment can be made by check, cash, or electronically via Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal.

Miscellaneous

What’s your service area?

I spend most of the year between Chicago, Malibu, Alaska, and Big Sky, Montana. For one-time events outside of my service area, a travel fee may be charged based on travel time, distance, and expenses. Usually, I can coordinate the timing of my travels with clients, so a travel fee doesn’t need to be applied!

Can I hire you for more than one day?

Yes! In addition to private event work, I'm available for full-time, part-time, and temporary private chef work both domestically and internationally.

What sort of cooking classes do you offer?

I offer private and small group cooking classes. Please get in touch to discuss a customized cooking class. I love to teach people about food and would love to share my passion for cooking with you!

Do you offer meal plans? What does this entail?

I do! After learning your preferences and dietary needs, I’ll create a new menu for you for each service (or the same menu, if you prefer). Meals will be fresh and/or frozen depending on your needs and the individual meal. Instructions on how to reheat and serve the meals will be provided.

What kind of restaurant consulting work do you do?

I've worked at the ground floor level of opening a restaurant, as well as guided long-standing restaurants through the process of staff hiring and training, inventory controls, SOP, menu writing, cost analysis, HACCP, and a variety of other services. I genuinely love helping businesses thrive and would love to hear from you if you are an interested restaurant owner.