How much would you love a personal chef?

When someone first mentioned to me a few years ago that they would like for me to come in and cook for them, I was a little surprised but delighted. Then the idea has really taken off and now, being “Chef Carolyn” is one of my favorite things to do! 

Hiring a personal chef to come into your home or vacation house is a great idea for a variety of special occasions including company training, anniversary celebrations, birthdays, or even just a special event you want to commemorate. It’s an especially thoughtful gift to give a loved one!

How Personal Hiring a Personal Chef Works

Here is how it works: you contact me to schedule the session (or purchase the gift for your loved one). I call with a few ideas for menus to choose from but am also more than open to using some of your own ideas and recipes. For example, say your family loves your grandma’s recipe for a dish but don’t want to make it yourself. I can use her recipe and you get the delicious taste you love without all the work!

I also often use a client’s own dishes, especially if they have fancy or special dishes or cookware that gets used infrequently (if at all). This makes it easier on me but, more importantly, it gives the client the opportunity to have a beautiful, yet familiar, tablescape. Amazing food seems to just taste better when served in a beautiful setting, right?

As I’ve built this part of my business, I’ve served a variety of foods. Like I mentioned, sometimes people have specific recipes they want me to use. Another popular dish is my Hasty Bake and, of course, there’s steak! I do a lot of steaks because a lot of people are learning that’s one of my specialties!

Both my clients and I love the idea of having someone come in and cook for them without any of the hassle of them having to grocery shop or cook. It’s been a lot of fun building relationships with clients, especially the ones that are repeat customers! It’s much different than catering because I’m there working in their kitchen instead of making food in my kitchen and dropping it off, like I might in a traditional catering situation.

There are plenty of neat opportunities near Grand Lake with people on vacation or visiting their own lake house! I’ve also found that owners of VRBOs and AirBnBs appreciate offering my services as a potential amenity of staying at their property.

Locally Sourced

Besides the convenience and fun, people are also often drawn to the idea of so much locally sourced, locally grown food being part of their menu during their stay. I also have a lot of fun trying new cookware. For someone who loves to cook, that is a dream come true! I’ve been able to cook in some pretty unique set-ups, including a Viking cooking top.

I love what I do and this personal chef thing has been especially fun. I would love to cook for you when you’re on vacation in the area or even if you’re local and want something special!