How to Find a Private Chef

A private chef can offer gourmet cuisine in the privacy of your home.

Using a private chef is becoming more and more popular, according to the American Personal and Private Chef Association (APPCA). Reasons to hire a personal chef are many: You may not have time to plan and prepare nutritious meals. You may not know how to cook. You may be looking for a weight-loss meal regimen. Or you may want to hire a chef for a party, event or vacation. Finding a chef takes some research, but resources abound.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Telephone

Instructions

1. 

   Consult friends to find a quality personal chef.

   Ask friends and neighbors. Even if none of your friends has a personal chef, they may know someone who does. Networking is never out of order and can be especially helpful when seeking personal services personnel. After all, you would certainly ask friends to refer a doctor, dentist or lawyer. Meeting your family's nutritional needs is just as important. With friends, you can feel comfortable getting a sincere opinion. Good friends will take care to let you know of any likely negatives of the personal chef and his service. Directory listings are helpful, but a personal recommendation or referral from someone you trust is like gold.

2. 

   Check the internet for chef names and contact info.

   Search the internet. You can start by typing the words "personal chef" into your favorite search engine. This may result in individual chef listings, along with chef advertisements, if the search engine accommodates them. You can compile a list of chef prospects and contact them by phone or email to discuss their rates and menu of services. According to the APPCA, chefs may charge a flat fee, plus the cost of groceries for one-time events. But if you plan to use them regularly, you may be eligible for discounted rates. Such sites as HireaChef.com and the PersonalChef.org are dedicated to helping you find a private chef in your area.

3. Get in touch with professional organizations. In your internet search, you may have come across such organizations as American Personal & Private Chef Association and the U.S. Personal Chef Association. These organizations allow you to search via their sites for a chef in your area. You can also contact them by phone or email if you have questions about using a private chef or about the process of hiring one.

Tips & Warnings

• Finding a chef who is a member of a professional organization may help assure you of his professionalism and knowledge, according to HireAChef.com.

• Be sure to check personal and professional references, as well as verify the chef carries liability insurance, before you hire her to work in your home.

References

• Hire a Chef: Guide to Hiring a Personal Chef
• APPCA