Frequently Asked Questions
What's your service area?
I'm based in rural Northwestern Wisconsin. Currently serving Polk and Burnett counties. I'm willing to travel further, but may need to add a travel fee depending on location.
What equipment do I need for you to work in my kitchen?
At a minimum, you should have a working stove and space in the refrigerator/freezer to properly store food. Bonus points for an oven and microwave. Since I already tailor menus for your tastes and preferences, I can work around space and equipment limitations.
How much space do you need to work?
I can do a lot in a tight space. I need a clean sink and a few feet of cleared counterspace to work. In my own home, I prepare 95% of our meals in a 4 ft. countertop between our sink and range (we have more space available, but that's my spot).
What about pantry staples/groceries I already have on hand?
A few days before I go shopping for you, I will forward you a shopping list of ingredients that I'll need for the planned cook. Just let me know what you have on hand already, and set the ingredients aside for me to use (we can designate a cabinet area and space in your fridge for this purpose). I'm all about reducing food waste, so if you have something hanging around in your refrigerator/freezer or pantry, let me know and I'll find a way to use it up (assuming it's not expired, check those dates!).
What should the food be stored in?
Depending on what food I'm preparing for you, I'll store the food in your own containers, freezer bags, or individually wrapped. There are many options for plastic or glass storage solutions and I'm happy to recommend containers that would work best for you. If you like, I can order them on your behalf and add it to the cost of groceries.
What's your favorite dish to cook?
Short answer: something new - I love playing with flavors at home and trying new techniques (my husband has become a very useful taster/food critic/guinea pig over the years).
Beyond that, I love the flexibility and creativity of a great soup. I've been making the soup at Cafe Wren in Luck, WI for years now and I love playing with textures and flavors that a soup can offer. Soup is a great way to explore different cuisines - every culture around the world has their own stews and soups as part of their history.
What's the difference between a personal chef and a caterer?
As a personal chef, I prepare food for many clients in their own kitchens. A caterer prepares food offsite and delivers to an offsite location - requiring a licensed kitchen to prepare the food and a catering license.