Service Policies & FAQ
Are you a caterer?
No. We are are Personal/Private Chef Service.
Personal Chef
A Personal Chef creates customized meals for individuals and families. They either cook in their clients’ homes or contract out of a commercial kitchen. All meals are prepared on one particular cook day and then packaged so the clients simply reheat and eat throughout the week.
Personal chefs plan menu, grocery shop, and cook. This service is great for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to cook or prepare meals. Also this service is beneficial for those who have trouble navigating special diets, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, Diabetic, etc….
Private Chef
A Private Chef is usually employed by one person or family. They cook in clients’ kitchen daily and may be responsible to prepare up to 3 meals per day and serve the meals fresh. They may or may not live with the family or have a residency for a period of time.
Private chefs shop offer a wide variety of menu selections which can be designed based on the client’s individual requirements and preferences. Ingredients are sourced carefully through quality purveyors and selected based on freshness
Private Chefs also provide services to curate special dinner parties or small intimate in home events.
Catering Chef
A Caterer prepares meals for a one-time event. From weddings and graduations to BBQs and birthday dinners, a caterer will usually provide a menu tailored to your specific event.
Caterers have a team of full or part-time employees working from a certified kitchen. Caterers are hired as needed. Client selects from a limited menu with set prices per dish or per serving and Ingredients are sourced in bulk from a supplier. They will make the food and deliver it to the venue or they may cook on-site and have full service meal set up.
How do I book your services?
All chef service bookings must be submitted thru Inquiry on www.thegourmettouch.com
Availability/ Hours of Operation?
The Gourmet Touch business hours* are Mon thru Friday: 9a - 6p; Sat: N/A; Sun: N/A
*These hours are office hours only
**Event availability is subject to calendar openness
How much advance notice to book services?
We require at minimum 14 day notice* for chef service bookings (cooking classes, private dinner/brunch, or personal chef meals). This ensures that we have availability in calendar and also allows ample time to create a quality experience.
What is your minimum/maximum of people you serve?
As a private chef service we desire to create a one of kind intimate and personal experience. Therefore, we provide service for 2 up to 20ppl.
Can I get a copy of menu?
The earmark of The Gourmet Touch is to provide a one of kind personal experience. Our curated menus are created especially for YOU! Therefore, a set menu is not available to be shared. Once service has been booked (with deposit), we will submit your menu options, based on your questionaire/consultation, for you to finalize a satisfactory experience.
Can you save my requested date for me?
An inquired date for service is not counted as booked or secured until a retainer/deposit has been submitted. If another customer books the same date with a deposit, then that date is no longer available, regardless if we have been in conversation about it.
What does your cost consist of?
Typically Personal /Private Chef Fee are inclusive of time & resources associated with: personal consultation, custom menu development & creation, local grocery sourcing & shopping, food preparation, cooking equipment & serviceware, dinnerware/ food packaging, tablescapes, and cleanup.
Grocery menu cost are billed separately.
Other additional cost can be: extra serving labor fee, travel fee, or convenience fee
What is your deposit requirement?
Most of our services require a 50% of total invoice retainer fee.
*Remaining balance paid at least 24hrs prior to event date
**For personal chef meal service, payments made according to invoiced plan
What Do I need to Provide?
Nothing!
As a Personal/Private Chef Concierge Service, it is our pleasure and goal to make sure you have a hassle free experience! Whether it is a personal chef meal service or a private dinner party, we provide the cookware, dinnerware, tablescape decor, and cleaning of kitchen! All you have to provide is a clear kitchen space and dining table serving area.
Do You Travel?
Yes! As a Private Independent Chef Service, we have the ability to come to wherever you are! Whether for a Private Chef Event, Cooking Class, or Chef Demonstration, we are willing to travel outside of our city and state. There is a travel fee (mileage & gas) to be included in your proposal. Depending on the distance and time of event, lodging accomodation may be requested also.