www.letleecook.comChef Lee Stevens
Personal Chef
(631)806-5990
letleecook@yahoo.com
Chef Lee holds a Suffolk County Food Handlers Permit and is Licensed and Insured
Chef Lee is a
Proud Member of APPCA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PERSONAL CHEF AND A PRIVATE CHEF?
Yes, a private chef works for one family and prepares all the daily meals for that family. A personal chef services several clients and prepares a set number of meals on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
WHO NEEDS A PERSONAL CHEF?
Although anyone can use and benefit from the services of a personal chef, the typical client is a dual income family that does not have the time to shop and prepare home cooked meals. Due to time constraints, these families' usually wind up eating take-out with the typical high salt, high fat content or commercial frozen food that is also over processed and full of chemicals.
IS A PERSONAL CHEF EXPENSIVE?
Not when you consider what you're getting. The service includes a menu custom tailored to your family's needs, food shopping for the freshest ingredients and preparation of the meal, start to finish. When you factor your valuable time spent shopping, buying at deli's or specialty shops and wasted food due to spoilage, the cost is not that high.
WHY DO YOU COOK IN MY KITCHEN?
Health department and zoning laws prohibit off site cooking in anything except a commercial kitchen. Your meals will be prepared fresh in your own kitchen, quickly cooled and then refrigerated for your safety.
HOW LONG WILL YOU BE IN MY HOME?
Since I will be preparing all your meals from scratch, I will normally be at your home from 5 to 8 hours depending on the number of meals selected. A cooking date convenient to your schedule will be arranged.
I'LL BE HOME ON THE COOK DATE, CAN I WATCH?
While I welcome client interest, I will be simultaneously cooking multiple meals and distractions can often cause mistakes or injuries. Your kitchen will be my ‘office' and I need to focus and concentrate on delivering a quality product to you. I will always be available to answer questions prior to my cooking time or after.
HOW OFTEN DO CLIENTS USE YOUR SERVICES?
Some clients will request a weekly service, others bi-weekly or monthly, and others on special occasion as my scheduling allows. The choice is entirely yours and will depend on your family's needs and wishes. There are no contracts or minimums to worry about.
HOW MUCH REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER SPACE DO I NEED?
That will depend on the number of meals you have requested and the size of the storage containers. When I do the initial client assessment, I will review your storage space and determine what will work best for you.
WHAT ABOUT STORAGE CONTAINERS?
When you initially agree to use the service, we will determine the best storage solution for you. You can make a one time purchase of high quality Pyrex containers at my cost or opt for disposable containers for each service at an additional fee. It is recommended that you use the suggested containers since their uniform size will allow for more efficient storage in your refrigerator or freezer.
HOW DO I HEAT THE MEALS?
I will provide you with specific instructions on reheating your meals. The containers that I provide can be used in the oven or the microwave, depending on your schedule. In general oven or stove-top heated meals are best, but sometimes today's hectic family's end up serving the evening meals to family members at different times requiring the microwave. (How did we ever get along without that device?)
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT I CAN ORDER?
Although I am flexible there is a minimum of three entrees, two servings each per visit. Please remember that with meal planning, shopping and travel to your home , it will take me almost as long to prepare three meals for two as it does to prepare five meals for four. The lather is more economical to you as well.
WHAT ABOUT SIDE DISHES?
Depending on your specific preferences, I will prepare appropriate side dishes for each meal. This will range from starches such as potatoes, rice or polenta to a variety of fresh vegetables. A full list of side dishes, desserts and special occasion items is available.
CAN YOU USE MY RECIPES?
Absolutely! If you have a family favorite, by all means give me the recipe and it will be added to your choices AND available to my other clients.