Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?
A private chef is employed full time and/or exclusively by one individual or family and often lives in their home and prepares up to three meals per day. A personal chef serves several clients, usually one or two per day. A personal chef provides multiple services that are custom designed for the clients' particular requests and dietary requirements.
Who needs a personal chef?
Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom-made meals ready at their convenience. Most people hire a personal chef because they do not have the time or desire to cook. Business professionals, expecting or new parents, busy working families, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from illness etc. are all great candidates for personal chefs. If you are tired of fast food, the drive-thru, commercial frozen dinners or take-out, a personal chef may be a great investment for you and your health.
How far in advance should I reserve a date?
It is recommended you reserve a date as soon as possible.
Who does the cooking?
Chef Nikki and her team of independently contracted chefs do all of the cooking. Each chef is classically trained, experienced and knowledgeable about the food they are preparing for each client. Each chef has a unique set of skills to be paired with each client's unique needs.
Do you deliver meals?
Not currently.
Do you have to do the cooking in my home?
Yes. Georgia State Health Department regulations require all meals prepared by a personal chef to be cooked in the home of the consumer or a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen. Preparing these meals in your home ensures that you are provided with the highest quality product possible.
Do you have your food handler's card?
Yes, Chef Nikki is a current National Environmental Health Association Certified Chef.
Are you insured?
Yes. Chef Nikki is fully insured.
Did you go to culinary school?
Yes. Chef Nikki is formally trained and has her AA in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu – Atlanta.
Can you provide references and a resume?
Absolutely.
Do you do dinner parties and/or catered events?
Yes! Chef Nikki specializes in dinner parties and catering services for as little as two people or as many as forty-five people.
Do you instruct cooking classes?

Yes. Cooking lessons are available for individuals and small groups
Do you serve outside your service area?
Yes. However, a small travel surcharge will be added to your bill for areas outside of greater Atlanta.
How do you know what I like in my diet?
Your diet is the chef's first order of business. In the initial consultation, you and the chef will go over what you would like from your personal chef service, your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies etc. We also may ask you to fill out a small client questionnaire, this is done to completely personalize and customize your service.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
This varies from client to client. The Chef will visit various organic grocery stores to find the finest and highest quality ingredients. If you prefer a certain store or market your Chef will do their best to accommodate you.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
Chef Nikki strives to use only the highest quality ingredients for your meals.
Do I have to eat organic ingredients? What if I can't afford it?
No, you do not. During your consultation you will be given the option for organic or non-organic groceries. While organic is recommended for optimum nutrition and taste, conventional groceries are also available. Chef Nikki will work with you to create a grocery budget you are comfortable with.
Can I choose what I want to eat from a menu?
Of course! Visit the menu section of the website.
Do I have to be home when you are cooking?
No, you do not. In most cases clients are working or running errands while their personal chef is preparing their meals.
How long will does your service take?
Depending on the service, number of entrees and complexity of each dish, personal chef services can take anywhere from 3-5 hours. The chef is happy to accommodate your schedule in any way they can and will give you a time estimate for each service.
Is it okay if I watch or help?
The chef will have a very specific production schedule they must adhere to, to produce the best quality food in a timely manner. It is best for the chef to be uninterrupted while cooking so they can produce safe, delicious, high quality food for you. However, the chef would be happy to chat/discuss with you before or after your personal chef service.
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Is there anything I can do prior to your visit?
Have your kitchen counters free of clutter, your sink cleared and have space made in your refrigerator and freezer.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all personal chef services 72 hours advance notice is required before you must cancel. If you do cancel within 72 hours your deposit is forfeited.
Are side dishes included?
Yes. Each entree comes with one side dish specifically created to accompany your entree.
Are groceries included?
No, groceries are paid for separately from the chef fee.
Can I add additional dishes?
Absolutely. You can always add on an extra side, salad or soup if you feel you need a little extra.
I have small children; can you make special meals for them?
Absolutely. Chef Nikki can create yummy meals and snacks for your children at an additional cost.
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Catering, Dinner Party
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What is the difference between a formal dinner party and catering?
A formal dinner party consists of plated meal, served formally. Some people refer to this as "restaurant style" serving as the serving method is virtually the same as plated. Catering, or an informal dinner party, allow the guests to help themselves to as much or as little food as they would like. Food is either served buffet style in chafing dishes or "family-style" at the table.
How many courses are included with my dinner party or catering event?
A minimum 2 courses will come with your event service, but you can have up to 6.
Can I add more courses?
Absolutely! You can add up to six courses to your event menu.
How many guests can you serve?
Chef Nikki specializes in intimate events of 2-50 people.
How many guests can I invite to my formal dinner party?
Formal dinner parties are for 2-20 people.
Do you have servers?
Yes. Chef Nikki requires a server for formal dinner parties of 7 people or more. Servers are available for $50 each.
How do you hire your wait staff?
Each chef is ServSafe or NEHA certified, as well as being a culinary school graduate and/or worked in restaurants for 5+ years. Servers are friendly, professional and knowledgeable about the food being served and courteous of you, your guests and your home.
How is the budget for these events determined?
The budget for each party is unique depending on the guest count, size and style of menu you would like. Your total will consist of two things: Service Fee and Grocery Budget. The service fee is what a personal chef charges for services and labor. A grocery budget is the amount of money needed to spend on groceries for your event. Once you have decided on a final menu and guest count, the chef will create an estimate for you. Chef Nikki will then present you with a final budget for approval, ask you for a deposit and may ask you to look-over and sign a standard event contract.
Do you serve alcohol?
The clients are responsible for the purchase and serving of alcohol.
Cooking Demonstration/Party Questions
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Is there a menu I can choose from?
Yes. When you select your demonstration you will be sent a sample menu to select and choose from.
Can I create my own custom menu for the demonstration/party?
Yes. Chef Nikki specializes in custom menu creation for her clients.
Are the cooking demonstrations/parties held in my home?
Yes. All cooking demonstrations are held in the comfort and privacy of the client’s home.
How far in advance should I reserve a date?
As soon as possible.
How long will the cooking demonstration/party take?
Generally 2-4 hours in length.
How many people can I have in my cooking demonstration/party?
No more than 10 people. A small group ensures maximum time and attention with the chef.
What if I need to cancel or re-schedule?
All alterations and cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance or your grocery deposit is forfeited.