Question 1

How does the service work?

Accepted Answer

• After the first contact (via phone, email, or through the dedicated website), we will follow up in the way most convenient for you (email, phone, or your preferred method) to discuss the experience you have in mind and wish to create.

At this stage, I will need to gather some essential information to perform my service: details about dietary preferences, any intolerances, the equipment you have available in your kitchen (to better plan my work), and any other details you consider important for menu creation.

• Based on the information gathered, I will send you a structured proposal of various dishes, from appetizers to desserts, via email. The menu is a proposal that can always be modified according to your preferences.

• The day before the lunch or dinner, I will do the shopping for the menu. I will purchase all the ingredients I previously indicated to you.

• On the day of the event, at least 3 hours before lunch or dinner, I will come to your home, assist with table setting suggestions, and begin preparing and cooking the service. If we agreed on a seafood menu or a canapé buffet that requires more time for ingredient preparation, I will inform you about the arrival time.

• After the service, I will clear the table, wash or load the dishes in the dishwasher, store any leftovers in your fridge or freezer, and tidy up.

Question 2

Drinks

Accepted Answer

Like the ingredients for your menu, drinks are not included in the cost of the service.

You can decide what to use: wines or beverages of your choice, purchased or already available at home. You could even decide to drink only water!

If desired, I can suggest a selection of wines from Selezione Tenconi (with whom I have collaborated for many years) to pair with your menu. These are carefully selected wines from all over Italy by sommelier and wine producer Giorgio Tenconi. They are not found in regular supermarkets but only in specialized shops.

There are no markups in this case—only the costs indicated by the price list. Below is the link to Selezione Tenconi.

Question 3

Why is the cost higher than a restaurant service?

Accepted Answer

And now the final question, which is also the one everyone wonders about:

Why is the cost higher than a restaurant service?

This is a common question, as people often initially look for a personal chef with the idea of saving money compared to dining out.

We need to clarify this point. The service offered is exclusive, and in this specific case, the menu is as well. The choice is entirely yours—it is not a restaurant à la carte menu but something personalized and unique!

Your experience is exclusive.

You should also consider that a professional dedicates their expertise and experience exclusively to you, spending practically an entire workday (between shopping and 5-6 hours or more of actual service).

The cost of the service decreases as the number of diners increases (starting from 4 diners up to a maximum of 10, after which the price remains more or less the same).

Those who are focused solely on saving may not choose a Personal Chef service.

However, if you want a moment of complete relaxation in the comfort of your home, with a tailor-made, personalized, and unique service, do not hesitate to contact me.

Question 4

What are the service costs?

Accepted Answer

The price listed on the dedicated page (see here) covers the service itself, while the costs for the ingredients and any wines included in the menu are not. The cost of the shopping will depend on the choices made. I usually handle the purchase of ingredients, but you can do it yourself if preferred. The shopping will always be based on a pre-agreed budget, ensuring the final cost is always under control. There will be no markups on the ingredients—only the cost indicated on the receipts.

You can choose dishes with affordable quality ingredients or high-end, expensive ones. Everything will depend on the choices made. I will always be at your disposal to create your personalized menu and advise you on ingredients, giving you an idea of market prices.

For example, the total cost for a service for two people, with a seafood menu consisting of two appetizers, a first course, a second course, and dessert, will be the service fee plus the shopping cost, which in this case is approximately €50.

If preferred, I can propose a fixed per-person price that includes the service and the cost of ingredients.

Question 5

How and when is the service payment made?

Accepted Answer

Typically, a deposit of €80 is required at the time of booking, which can be paid via the following link using the appropriate instructions (Credit Card, PayPal, or Bank Transfer).

The balance for the service will be paid at the end of the event in cash or via Card, PayPal (higher fees), or bank transfer.

If the service is requested at very short notice (72 hours before the event), full payment will be required at the time of booking (not including the shopping cost).

A regular invoice will be issued.

Question 6

Can the service be canceled? What costs will I incur?

Accepted Answer

For cancellations communicated up to the 7th day before the service date, a full refund of the deposit can be requested, or you may choose to reschedule the service or receive a credit voucher for a new booking or as a gift.

For cancellations communicated between the 7th and 2nd day before the service date, one of the following options can be chosen:

1. Issuance of a Voucher worth 100% of the total amount already paid, redeemable within 12 months from its issuance, for a new private chef service.
2. Payment of a penalty equal to the value of the deposit, plus any expenses incurred for the service (e.g., ingredient purchase, usually done the day before or on the same day).

For cancellations communicated on the day before or the same day of the service, a penalty equal to the full cost of the agreed service plus any expenses incurred (ingredient purchase, travel costs if applicable) will apply.

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