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A personal chef serves several clients – usually one  per day – and provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for the  clients’ personal needs and tastes, keeping in consideration any dietary  and allergy requirements. The meals are packaged and stored according  to the client’s needs, and heating instructions are left for the client  so he or she may enjoy the meal when convenient.

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All meals are prepared in our commercial kitchen on your cook date and then delivered to your home that same day. 

Disposable containers will be provided for your first “cook date.” After  that, you will be able to select from different options, including:  permanent Pyrex containers, aluminum containers, or any disposable brand  of containers. Pyrex containers are very popular because of their  versatility. The cost for a basic set of ten containers for a four  serving, family-style service is generally under $100. If you require  individual or double portions, it will require more pieces, but  generally will not exceed $150. Plastic containers are a less expensive  alternative, but you will need to transfer your meal to an oven-safe  dish if heating in a conventional oven. After you’ve enjoyed your meals,  simply wash the containers in your dishwasher and have them ready for  your next service date, storing them in a predetermined location. The  containers belong to you, even if you discontinue the service. However,  if you have your own containers you would like Chef Jones to use, please  let her know ahead of time and she will gladly use them.

Yes. Each entrée and side dish will have its own specific heating  instructions. All instructions are approximate, because all ovens and  microwaves vary in performance. Some fish and seafood items may not be  fully cooked by Chef Jones – but instead by you – and this will ensure  that the item can be fully enjoyed at the peak of its flavor. All items  will be clearly labeled.

If the entrée you select includes a side dish, choices will include:  seasonal vegetables, a potato, rice, grain or bean dish, or a salad. You  may request something specific or allow Chef Jones to pair a side dish  with the entrée.

The cost includes all the parts of a professional  personal chef service. This includes a detailed assessment of your  dietary needs, special diet research, menu planning, shopping for  ingredients, preparation, packaging and storing your selections. In most  cases, the cost of groceries is over and above personal chef fees.

Having a personal chef means you can enjoy a  restaurant-quality entrée that is carefully prepared according your  specifications in the comfort of your home. In addition, it may even  help control your food costs, as you will be less likely to impulse-buy  or choose low-quality fast food at the grocer. No more buying produce  with the intent of making a home-cooked meal – and never making anything  of it!

On your “cook date” Chef Jones will shop for all the ingredients at only reputable purveyors prior to arriving at your home.

Is it possible to order only one or two entrees?

Yes, however, the minimum fee would still apply.  Generally, in order to provide the best value to our clients, three  entrées, of two servings each is the least amount of food Chef Jones  will prepare at one time.

Depending on your specific needs, we can pre-determine how often to  schedule recurring “cook dates” that best suits your lifestyle. After  the initial “cook date,” all clients are booked on 3-month schedules;  whether, it’s monthly, biweekly or weekly. “Cook dates” are booked on a  first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, occasional service and  gift certificates are available for purchase and will be scheduled on  availability.

Payment for Culinary Jones services is required in advance. Chef Jones  reserves and dedicates an entire day for a client “cook date.” A grocery  deposit and a check for your selected service will be required prior to  your first “cook date.” All cooking fees are guaranteed for one year;  after that, fees may be subject to change. At Culinary Jones, our client  relationships are based on mutual trust and we ask that you please have  your payment ready for Chef Jones upon arrival on each subsequent  cooking date. Although there is no contract, Chef Jones prefers to book  clients on 3-month intervals. This will ensure that each client is able  to take full advantage of all services offered by Culinary Jones. As we  move forward, this can be reviewed and changed according to your  specific needs. There will be a service agreement in place that outlines  the terms of all client services.

Serving Maryland (Howard, North Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Baltimore  County, Montgomery County). For "cook dates' outside the Culinary Jones  service area, additional fees will apply.

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