Frequently Asked Questions include:

How does the a la carte service work?
How is this different from Catering?
Who are a la carte clients?
How and where do you shop?
Does a la carte offer catering?

How does the a la carte service work?

First, I meet with each client individually to fill out a "client assessment" form which gives me a good idea of the client likes/dislikes. It also helps me pinpoint any health or medical conditions I may need to be aware of. At this meeting the client will pick out the meals they would like me to prepare for them. (Usually, I prepare 5 different dinner entrees, with sides or veggies - each entrée and sides would serve a family of 4, so if my client was an individual, they would have 20 dinners). The client and I then arrange a day for me to cook for them, in their kitchen.

On cooking day, I begin by grocery shopping for all of the groceries needed to prepare the 5 entrees and side dishes. I arrive at the clients house with my own professional equipment, and begin cooking. By the end of the day, I have labeled, packaged and put 20 single serving entrees and side dishes in the fridge or freezer. I clean the clients kitchen thoroughly, so that the only way they know I was there is from the great aroma! The client then can use the meals when convenient. (return to top of page)

How is this different from Catering?

A personal chef service, focuses on the clients daily dinner needs and provides individuals and families with 20 prepared dinners and appropriate sides which are left for the client to re-heat. The food is fresh, creative, home-cooked and healthy. A la carte does also offer catering. (return to top of page)

Who are a la carte clients?

Many people would benefit from this personal chef service:
Anyone who enjoys great food, but doesn't have the time or ability to cook.

• Families with busy parents AND busy kids
• Dual income, work oriented couples
• Work oriented singles
• Seniors
• Business people who travel, and would like to come home to a home-cooked meal
• Newly weds
• New parents
• New homeowners

(return to top of page)

How and where do you shop?

Great cooking starts with the freshest ingredients. We go to great lengths to find the best and most authentic products available & to utilize several shops and markets for seafood, beef, lamb, pork, poultry,
and fresh produce, including, Wegman's, Fish and Tails, local butchers, farmers markets and local farms. (return to top of page)

Do you offer catering?

Yes, a la carte does also offer catering if you need. Please contact Julia Allen, to discuss details and pricing. (return to top of page)