The terms personal and private chef sometimes get used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two professions. We detail their distinctions below:
According to the American Personal and Private Chef Association (APPCA), "a personal chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for the clients' particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored, so that the client may enjoy them at his or her leisure in the future." Additionally, he or she may assist an employer in other activities such as planning a menu for a party or special event.
A private chef, according to the APPCA, works full time for a single individual or family, preparing up to three meals a day. In larger residences, he or she may also be responsible for doing all of the family's grocery shopping and managing the kitchen.
Both personal and private chefs must be keenly sensitive to the likes and dislikes of their employers as well as any dietary restrictions. Due to the varying desires of employers or clients, many in-home chefs specialize in certain types of cooking like vegetarian or low fat, and market themselves that way.
So which type of chef do you need? That depends on your lifestyle. Do you like to cook, but wouldn't mind a few professionally prepared meals a few times a month, or would you rather be completely hands-off in the kitchen? The experienced staff at Colonial Domestic Agency can match you with a chef who fits your needs.