Frequently Asked Questions
How does your personal chef service (home meal plans) work?
De la Vina comes to your home on your scheduled cook date and prepares custom gourmet meals using the freshest ingredients available. The meals are packaged and stored for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Begin with an initial consultation to discuss your needs and personal menu preferences.
Next schedule a cook date. De la Vina will plan a customized menu for your approval. Feel free to request as many changes as you like.
On your scheduled cook date, De la Vina will do the shopping, prepare, package and store your meals, plus kitchen clean up.
You will also receive nutritional facts and heating instructions for every meal.
Why hire a personal chef service?
Extra time for family, friends and yourself.
Convenient way to have healthy and nutritious meals right in your own home.
Customizable menus prepared to your preferences and dietary needs using the freshest ingredients available.
No planning, shopping, cooking or cleaning.
Who would benefit from a personal chef service?
Busy couples or singles
Familes who want to save time and eat healthier
People with special dietary needs, preferences or restrictions
Patients in medical recovery
New or expecting parents
Senior citizens
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?
Private Chef:
Cooks for one family, sometimes lives with the family.
Prepares meals as needed.
Personal Chef:
Cooks for several clients, usually one per day.
Prepares and stores multiple meals to be eaten at a later time.
Provides a more affordable service.
How often should I schedule a cook date?
Typically, for those who want a regular personal chef service, De la Vina cooks for you once every other week.
You may also choose a monthly service or even just a few times a year. Many factors can determine how often the service is best for you. De la Vina is happy to discuss the many options.
Are you license and insured?
Yes. De la Vina carries:
Liability insurance for property damage and bodily injury.
Oregon State Food Handler's Safety Certificate.
City of Portland Business License.
Do you use my cooking equipment?
De la Vina supplies all the equipment. Your cooking equipment, utensils, containers, dishwasher and cleaning supplies will not be used.
Can you cook the meals at your home and deliver them to me?
Oregon Health Department regulations require personal chefs to prepare food at the client’s home or in a commercial kitchen.
By preparing the meals in your home, you can be assured that your meals are of the highest quality and safe sanitary conditions exist. Also, the service is made more affordable without the extra cost of a commercial kitchen.
How long is an average cook date?
Usually 5-7 hours, but each client has specific personal needs and times can vary according to those needs. Scheduling arrangements are made in advance for your convenience.
Do I have to be home for the cook date?
No. Most clients actually prefer to be at work during the schedule cook date.
What do I need to do to prepare for the cook date?
Please provide space in the refrigerator and freezer and check to make sure they are functioning properly.
Have kitchen counters cleaned and clear to ensure a safe working environment.
If you have purchased reusable containers from De la Vina, please have them clean and ready so they may be used again.
How long can meals be stored in the freezer?
Our recommended length of storage for most meals is 90 days.
What forms of payment do you accept?
De la Vina accepts checks, cash, money order and credit cards/debit cards via Paypal.
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