How to Choose your Perfect Private Chef

So, you’ve decided to hire a private or personal chef, but you want to know exactly what to look out for before deciding on who to choose or which agency to go with? It’s a sensible move. After all, the people you let into your home, your kitchen, your heart (via your stomach), will need to have the required credentials to prove their quality and value. That’s why we’ve put together some basic considerations for you to take note of below.

Reviews are the word

These days, our online reputation precedes us – especially in business. It’s the world we live in: reviews denote authenticity. Even so, it’s rare anyone receives solely positive reviews, because that’s not what people are like, and everyone has off-days. But if a company receives more bad reviews than good, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t right. That said, it’s important to see when the negative reviews were posted and how they were responded to. For example, if they were from a long time ago and there are several recent good reviews, it’s likely they’ve learnt from their mistakes. The same goes for positive reviews; if an overall rating is good, but the most recent reviews are negative, that’s a sign not all is well. Do your research and be sure to check both the company and personal reviews to get an overall picture of quality.

Experience tells all

Most private and personal chefs will have a background in hospitality. However, what’s important to note is the type of experience they have. Was it gained in high-end establishments? Have they performed various roles, such as front-of-house and management? Can they cook several types of cuisine? These are all important considerations. The more varied and experienced a chef, the more likely they are to seamlessly transition into different environments. For example, planning and implementation when cooking for families or groups requires knowledge gained outside of cooking expertise alone. Ingredients need to be purchased, timings need to be adhered to, while plating, waiting and tidying should come as standard.

Quality suppliers only

If you’re paying for quality, you expect quality. So, ask your private or personal chef who their suppliers are. Where do they get their fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced produce from? Do they go out and buy it themselves, or do they order from a reputable online source? Knowing where your food comes from should be one of your main considerations.

Communication and flexibility is key

The greatest measure of a private or personal chef is their first impression. How do they make you feel? Are they friendly, personable and eager to accommodate you? Do they answer your queries clearly and quickly? Are you left feeling positive about the upcoming experience? Are you looking forward to getting to know them and eating their food? If so, then you’re likely in capable hands.

Unlike personal chefs, private chefs will often come for an initial interview, which gives you plenty of time to get to know them and figure out whether they’ll fit into your home environment. If choosing a personal chef, it might be a little trickier to pin them down for an interview considering their potential losses were they to meet you, so you might have to rely on their professional conduct upon initial contact to gauge whether they’re right for you.

Health and Safety as standard

It should come as no surprise that your private or personal chef’s health and safety standards should be one of your top considerations. When it comes to food, there is so much that can go wrong, such as food poisoning or allergic reactions. That’s why safe working practices and good food hygiene standards should be in place. You can check whether your personal or private chef has up-to-date certifications by asking them to provide a copy for proof (the more the better!) Don’t be afraid to ask for further evidence or qualifications if you’re still unsure. Any chef worth their salt would be happy to provide them for you.

If you’d like to learn more about private and personal chefs, or you’d like to see how we can accommodate you, please visit the Al Martino Agency online here.