:: Comfort ‘N Spice - A Personal Chef Service by Chef Tira Collins ::

1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time, and is often “living in”, and preparing up to 3 meals per day.

A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so that the clients may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.

2. Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, as Personal Chefs, we will prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On our agreed upon cooking date, Comfort 'N Spice will shop for and bring the freshest ingredients for your meals along with our own pots, pans, and utensils, and prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day, we leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!

3. How long will you be at my home?
The time is contingent on the number of items and the type of food requested; so, we cannot say precisely how many hours will be required. Because we will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, it will take quite a few hours. For maximum convenience, Comfort ‘N Spice is willing to work with your schedule or situation. We will work with you to ensure that the cooking date fits compatibly into your schedule.

4. Do I heat the food?
Yes. The cooked food will be packaged per your specifications, labeled, and stored in your refrigerator. Comfort ‘N Spice will provide easy to follow warming instructions for all entrees or meals. We are trained in food sanitation and handling so we will also provide you with general safe food handling guidelines.

5. Can you use my containers?
Uniform size containers take less storage space in your refrigerator; thus, per your packaging requirements, we will pickup the appropriate containers for the entrees or meals we will be cooking for you. Container options and fees will be discussed during the assessment process.

6. What type of side dishes do you prepare?
We prepare side dishes that complete the entree you have selected - For instance, if you have ordered a New Orleans style gumbo, we may prepare a seasoned rice dish or a homemade cornbread to be enjoyed with the gumbo. If you order a pasta dish, we may prepare a mixed green salad with a homemade dressing or fresh green beans tossed with garlic and almonds.

7. The cost seems to be about what I would pay for an entree in a better restaurant - why is that?
Comfort ‘N Spice’s fees include all the components that make up a professional personal chef service. For example, our fees are inclusive of the assessment process that we complete to determine your eating preferences, allergies, sensitivities or medically specific requirements that must be taken into account. It also includes recipe research and development, meal planning and customization, grocery shopping, coming to your home to prepare your entrees in the safety of your own kitchen, plus packaging, labeling, and storing your entrees.

If you were to compare a personal chef service to restaurant service, you could think of it this way: For a restaurant, you must drive to get there, possibly wait for a table, take a chance that your server is having a good day, and if you have allergies or special requests you don’t always have the guarantee that they will be honored, since most entrees are “assembly line” ready in the kitchen. After eating your meal, you must pay for it, tip the server, and get back in your vehicle to drive home.

With Comfort 'N Spice Personal Chef Service, you can heat a beautiful entree that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements, and eat it in the comfort of your own home. You can even enjoy it curled up on the couch in your “jammies” if you want.

8. Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date?
Yes, it is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cook date. For your convenience, you may leave a check for an upcoming cook date on the day we are cooking (previous cook date.)

9. How long will the food last?
This depends on the type of food and how often you eat at home. Fresh, refrigerated entrees should be consumed within 3-4 days.