Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Personal Chef Meal Delivery Service?
A Personal Chef Meal Delivery Service offers custom meals, prepared just for you by a properly licensed and insured chef who meets your unique dietary preferences and requirements. All meals are prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen and delivered on the day they were cooked to your home or business. I do not cook in clients’ homes.
My kids are picky, my mom has dietary restrictions, I’m trying to lose weight. Can you cook meals that meet my special dietary requirements?
Absolutely! Before I cook for you, we will go through a detailed assessment. We discuss your dietary needs, restrictions and preferences. No dietary requirement is off the table, including low sodium, low carb/sugar, low potassium, SCD, AIP, Keto, Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, texture/swallowing issues, calorie-restricted, high protein, vegan, vegetarian and more!
How do I pay you? Can I pay with a credit card?
I accept Zelle/QuickPay, Venmo and personal check. Venmo allows payment via credit card.
What if I’m not home when you deliver my meals?
Meals are usually left outside your front door in a disposable thermal bag. If you won’t be home and prefer to have your meals left in your garage or a refrigerator/freezer, arrangements must be made in advance. That might include giving us a garage-door code, key, etc.
What kind of containers do you use, and can you use my Pyrex?
Disposable storage containers suitable for oven or microwave heating are provided. If you prefer your meals to be stored in Pyrex or similar, I am happy to do so.
Where Do We Offer Custom Meal Delivery Services?
Fresh From Your Kitchen is a personal chef service based in Long Grove, IL. We offer custom, chef-prepared meal delivery to clients in Chicago’s North Shore and North and Northwest suburbs. We serve Barrington, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, Inverness, Lake Zurich, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield, Glenview, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mettawa, Lake Bluff, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mt. Prospect, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates.
What Does a Personal Chef Service Cost?
Custom meal delivery package pricing starts at $250, plus groceries.
Will you cook old family recipes for me?
Yes. In most cases, I am happy to prepare your recipes.
Can I give your personal chef services as a gift?
Of course! Personal chef gift certificates are perfect for new parents, friends or family home from the hospital, mother and fathers of the bride and just to say “I love you!”
How long does the food last?
Most meals will hold in your home refrigerator for 3-4 days. Uncooked fish should be eaten or frozen on day 1. All food, except salads, can be stored in the freezer for up to 90 days.
Do you have policies or procedures I need to be aware of?
To keep Fresh From Your Kitchen Personal Chef Service running as smoothly and professionally as possible, I adhere to the following policies and procedures. If you have questions or need clarification, please ask!
Policies & Procedures
Payments
Payment for personal chef services and groceries are required at the time of booking to reserve your cook date. For regular clients, payment for your next scheduled cook date is expected at the time of delivery to hold your spot. If payment is not received and alternate arrangements have not been made, your calendar spot will be open for booking. Excess funds from grocery shopping will be refunded or credited. If I am over budget on groceries, the difference is expected to be paid upon notification or with your next payment.
Cancellation
Except for emergencies, to receive a full service fee refund, notice of cancellation must be received seven days prior to your scheduled cook date. Grocery deposits will be refunded if not used on your behalf. Clients requesting persistent, consecutive, non-planned cancellations, will be offered a spot in my monthly or occasional rotation.
Scheduling
At the beginning of each quarter, I will provide a list of your upcoming cook dates for confirmation or cancellation as needed. Other cancellations and service adjustments can be made with proper notice.
Menus
Suggested menu selections will be pitched via email the week before your cook date and should be confirmed within 24 hours of the menu being sent unless you made other arrangements. If I do not hear from you, I will prepare your menu as pitched. Menu changes and portion adjustments cannot be made after groceries have been ordered.
Delivery/Home Access
If you are unable to receive your meals during the confirmed window, you can either provide home access or pick up your delivery from my kitchen.