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Trust a pre-teen for calling out sloppy cooking or the lack thereof. North West didn’t hold back when she and Kim Kardashian were in conversation with Interview Magazine last year.
When the reality TV star asked her daughter to rate her cooking, North outright dragged Kardashian and said, “Last time you cooked was two Halloweens ago.”
A word of warning to easily-shamed parents with sassy kids: They will humble you. Oh, and if you refuse to cook a family meal, consider a private chef.
There’s no reason to chase Michelin-star dreams or be handcuffed to the kitchen counter. Hiring a personal chef can transform your day-to-day lifestyle into gourmet living.
Before you hand over your apron and fridge, know this: not all chefs are the real deal.
A personal chef isn’t someone who cooks. They’re part nutritionist, part artist, and, occasionally, part therapist.
The trick is finding the right one. Here are 10 smart, slightly nosy questions to ask before hiring someone to take over your newly installed Aga stove.
#1. What’s Your Culinary Training and Background?
This isn’t snobbery; it’s quality control. The main question here is how to hire the best personal chef for your home, but it requires you to ask many more questions, including this one.
Most elite private chefs have formal culinary degrees and professional restaurant experience, sometimes in Michelin-starred kitchens.
Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing suggests enlisting the help of a domestic staffing agency serving your area. That way, the agency can weed out any chancers before you make the mistake of hiring them.
However, don’t dismiss self-taught chefs too quickly. The rise of home-based talent has birthed incredible chefs who’ve chosen the intimacy of home dining over restaurant hustle.
#2. Can You Cater to Specific Dietary Needs or Allergies?
Gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, Ayurvedic, you name it, your chef needs to handle it.
If you’ve got kids, chronic health concerns, or wellness goals, this question is non-negotiable.
Bonus points if they ask follow-ups about cross-contamination or meal prep logistics.
And if they’re good at their job, Tasting Table says a professional chef should tailor meals with both taste and health in mind.
#3. What’s Your Signature Style?
Think of this like Tinder for taste buds. Do they specialize in rustic Italian? Farm-to-table vegan? Molecular gastronomy?
Knowing a chef’s preferred style helps match your cravings with their strengths.
For example, if you’re a meat-and-potatoes type and they’re into foams and fermentation, it might not be a happy pairing.
Ask for a sample menu – or better yet, a tasting.
#4. Do You Handle Grocery Shopping and Kitchen Cleanup?
Listen, if you’re hiring a personal chef and still stuck scrubbing pans at 9 p.m., something’s wrong.
Most private chefs manage everything from planning to plating to clean-up. This service should feel seamless.
Ask what’s included and what’s not. Groceries, mileage, and specialty ingredients can add up when they’re outside the base rate.
#5. Can You Work Around Our Schedule (and Chaos)?
Some households run on toddler tantrums and spontaneous Zoom calls. A good chef isn’t talented; they’re adaptable.
Will they be OK working while you host a book club in the kitchen? Can they meal prep for the week if you’re out of town?
This is especially important for families juggling a lot. Just ask Kim Kardashian. We’re betting the personal chef knew how to roll with it.
#6. Do You Offer Meal Planning or Day-Of Cooking?
Some full-time private chefs provide a comprehensive service complete with macros and snack options.
Others specialize in live cooking, dinner parties, or special occasions only.
Looking for someone to rescue you from weekday food fatigue? Clarify how far their services stretch.
Is it plated dinner each night, or grab-and-go lunch boxes?
#7. What’s Your Pricing Structure and What’s Included?
The price of hiring a private chef varies wildly. Entrepreneur explains that private chefs charge between $40 and $100+ per hour, or $300 to $600 per day.
This is dependent on location, experience, and client expectations. That’s why you should clarify:
- Is it per person, per meal, or a flat rate?
- Are groceries included?
- Do holiday meals cost more?
- What happens if you cancel?
No one likes a surprise surcharge, particularly one that shows up alongside your crème brûlée.
#8. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
As with any other job, a prospective employee must offer references. This isn’t paranoia but due diligence.
You’re letting someone into your home and trusting them with your food. Any reputable chef should be able to provide testimonials from multiple clients.
And if they’ve worked for celebrities, professional athletes, or billionaires? Even better. Just don’t expect the gossip; they sign iron-clad NDAs. Mind you, VICE gives a hilarious peek behind the curtain.
#9. Are You Insured and Background-Checked?
It may sound boring. Nonetheless, this is crucial. Accidents happen – a pan fire, a cut finger, or a broken stove top.
A professional chef should have liability insurance. If they’re placed via personal chef services, background checks and references are part of the process.
Independent chefs should also be willing to show credentials or provide a resume upon request.
#10. Do You Vibe With Us?
Yes, we’re serious. Your chef may be in your home several times a week.
They’re going to be sautéing 10 feet from your cat or discussing menu options while your kid throws spaghetti. It helps if you like them.
Are they friendly? Communicative? Confident without being arrogant? Trust your gut because this relationship matters.
The Deciding Bite
Hiring a personal chef isn’t a luxury anymore. Rather, see it as a lifestyle upgrade with delicious food.
From saving time and reducing food waste to making your dinner table the envy of your friend group, a good chef brings joy back to mealtime.
Don’t rush into making a decision. The best partnerships start with good questions, and maybe a sample of that lemon-garlic roasted chicken.
