Determining which chef is right for you can be a daunting task because not all chefs are alike.  In this 'guide to hire a private chef' we'll take a quick look at what qualities your perfect personal or private chef should have.

Philosophy Pairing

Just like pairing wine with a meal, you should be paired to your chef.  Look for chefs that share your taste of cuisines, flavor profiles, personalities, energy and attitude. The best pairing is a chef that not only cooks the food you like, but is also a joy to have cook for you.  Remember that a personal or private chef is not just a meal - it is an experience. You should feel comfortable with your chef, and they to you.

Sample Menus

Most private and personal chefs can create almost anything you can imagine, but a sample menu gives a glimpse into the foods they like to cook.  A sample menu expresses a lot about a chef - the dishes they execute well, what clients have enjoyed - but most of all it tells you a little more about the style of the chef.  If you don't like the flavor combinations in the chef's sample menu, then it might not be a good fit.  You'll want to look at the general theme of the menu, vs. picking it apart in detail, as everything can and will be customized to you.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

If you're looking for a chef during your travels then you probably won't be able to meet them in person beforehand.  Nor will you be able to sample their food before it's already prepared.  Photos of their dishes as well as a video preparing dishes can give you critical insight. Presentation is part of the experience and adds to your enjoyment of the meal.  Make sure you like what you see because if you do, you'll probably like it when you taste it as well.

Reputation

What have past clients said about this chef? What were their experiences?  Some chefs have been around for some time and others are just starting. Experience isn't necessarily a key indicator to whether you'll enjoy their cooking or not, but testimonials may.

The last and most daunting of tasks has been taken care of by Sneak Peek Eats!  Researching the chef that will meet all your requirements.  Information is at your fingertips with our advanced chef search.  You can easily and quickly select any combination of features you are looking for in a chef to find the right match!