What to expect from a private chef

At first glance, the task of a private chef seems straightforward: to cook. However, the reality is that this role involves much more than we might imagine. Let’s start by distinguishing between two main types of services: a one-time event and a full-service arrangement. In this article, we’ll focus on one-time events.

For a one-time event, such as a buffet for a party, a paella, or a more gastronomic-style dinner, the chef is hired to execute a specific event, and time is limited. Therefore, it will be difficult for them to meet needs that go beyond the event itself.

Nonetheless, a good private chef should have the ability to plan and organize everything related to optimal service execution. They should be able to anticipate potential issues in the kitchen (such as lack of supplies, insufficient tableware, equipment malfunction, storage issues, etc.) and work with the property’s designated contact to find solutions. Thanks to their extensive hospitality experience, the chef can guide the planning and organization of the event, a skill essential for a private chef which also a part of the valuable mise en place process.

In addition to this crucial side of a private chef’s work, they must also create a menu that meets the final client’s expectations. To do this, the chef will have several conversations with the appropriate person to better understand what the client is seeking. Active listening, reading between the lines, and a solid understanding are key to this part of the job. With all this information in mind, the chef will have a sense of what the menu should be. At this point, they must consider the time available and ensure the menu isn’t so complex that it can’t be executed on time, nor so simple that it fails to impress. Here lies the art of the private chef: finding the “sweet spot” with an exciting menu that’s simple enough to execute flawlessly.

The next step is to select the best possible ingredients for each dish by visiting markets and speaking with suppliers.

Once at the property where they will be cooking, the chef will arrange the kitchen space to execute the planned menu. There’s little to elaborate on during this stage, as cooking is what meets a client’s expectations when hiring a private chef. Of course, order and cleanliness are essential throughout the service—not only for the impression it creates but for the efficiency it provides.

In summary, when you hire a chef for a one-time event, they’re not just there to cook. They are hired to solve problems as well. You can count on them to plan and organize the event, and they will be happy to listen to your requests and guidelines to craft the perfect menu for the occasion. Additionally, they will always leave the kitchen at least as clean as they found it.

If you’d like to enjoy the services of a professional private chef, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.