1. How does Gaia Gourmet Personal Chef Service work?

I will first meet with you for a free, no-obligation client assessment. We will discuss your food preferences, allergies, and special nutritional or dietary needs. Together, we will decide on a cooking schedule. I will then use this information to design your own personal menu, which you will have the opportunity to look over and make changes the week before. I create my menus based on your needs, chosing foods that are seasonal and available, and therefore are subject to change depending on market availability

2. What happens on your cooking day?

I will begin the work day by shopping for the freshest ingredients. I then arrive at your home with the food and special equipment, if needed.  Alternatively, we can have FreshDirect deliver the raw ingredients straight to your door before I arrive.  I will cook the meals as planned, packaging them in containers and leaving them in your fridge or freezer, along with simple heating directions. I will then clean your kitchen, including all dishes and equipment and remove the garbage when I am finished

3. Who needs a personal chef?

Anyone who has more than they can handle, juggling careers, family, and other matters that take up so much of your time. Usually, this results in dining out, ordering in, or heating up prepared foods that can be laden with preservatives. Even after planning and shopping for nutritious meals, often times the food gets thrown out anyways, because of lack of time and energy at the end of your work day. When you take all of these factors into account, Gaia Gourmet is a good value.

Other reasons might include: new parents, retirees, single parents, or those with special dietary needs. Whatever the reason, I want to help you spend your quality time where you are most needed, while still being able to arrange for healthy meals

4. Do I need to have special equipment?

It would be helpful if you have your own cookware, a food processor, a blender, and common utensils, but it is not necessary. I can help you purchase these items if you would like, and can bring some of my own kitchen tools on each visit, if needed.

5. Do I need to be home while my meals are being prepared?

No. The majority of clients are not. Some clients are home, and that is fine as long as interruptions are kept to a minimum to ensure I can complete my tasks in a safe, and timely manner.

6. How long is a typical cook day?

It varies, but typically about two to six hours. 

7. Are groceries included in the cost?

No. In most cases, the Gaia Gourmet service is "all inclusive." Everything is included in the price: research, meal planning, shopping, preparation, packaging, clean up, and trash removal. However, groceries are paid for separately. Many of Gaia Gourmet's clients use Freshdirect.

8. Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No, this is a personal chef service designed for your specific needs. You may have one cook date, or be on a regular cooking schedule.

9. How much does Gaia Gourmet cost?

The Gaia Gourmet is based on a minimum of $100 per day, for the first two hours of cooking.  All menu planning is included.  For each additional hour, there is a charge of $50. If you'd like Laura to shop for you, which typically takes an hour, there is a $30 charge. Generally, Laura can complete 2 to 3 full meals in the 2 cooking hours.

You may choose to use FreshDirect, which Laura can happily set up the orders for you, as long as there will be someone home to receive the groceries, or she can give you a shopping list for you to fill in your own time.