Frequently asked questions.
General Questions
What is a subscription service?
Subscription service is available for clients who are looking for a higher level of service and would like to retain my services long-term. This allows you to have chef services scheduled and customized to exactly the way you need and want week after week. You’ll have the ability to text me with questions about your service at any time. These clients often may have special requirements such as a health condition, or a special diet, or they need to have my services set on autopilot where they do not need to worry about anything and just want to know their chef needs are taken care of. We are working in tandem to do what is best for you, you are my priority. Pricing for subscriptions is billed for 4 cooking days at a time and charged on autopay 4 days before the first of the 4 cooking days. Cancel anytime before the next billing date.
What are the benefits of a subscription service?
Save $5 per meal/cooking day. Up to $25 value
The first opportunity to book private dinner parties when new dates are available.
Personal access for emergencies or questions via text
Referral Program – You and your friend receive 20% off your next service
Hold your spot while on vacation.
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?
A private chef is usually employed by one client or client-family full-time. A personal chef works for several different clients and/or client families, sometimes visiting two clients in one day.
Who needs a personal chef?
Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom meals ready at their convenience. Most people hire a personal chef because they do not have the time or desire to cook. Business professionals, expecting or new parents, busy working families, athletes, older adults, people with specific dietary needs or allergies, and people recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery are all great candidates for personal chefs.
What type of food do you cook?
Chef Will has a repertoire of hundreds of recipes from which to choose. No restaurant, meal kit, or meal delivery service can compete with this level of variety when it comes to healthy eating. Chef Will can create entirely new culinary experiences for you by incorporating many international cuisines including French, Mediterranean, Asian, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and Indian, Chef Will also specializes in American comfort food, Cajun, and Southern cuisine.
What areas do you serve?
Bellingham, Washington and Whatcom County
Do you deliver meals?
No, all meals are prepared in your home kitchen.
Do you have your food handler's card?
Yes, Chef Will has a Washington State food handler card. Also, he is ServSafe (Manager Level) certified. ServSafe is a 2-day food safety training and certificate program administered by the US National Restaurant Association. The program is accredited by ANSI and a US nonprofit called the Conference for Food. This certification is far more rigorous and detailed than the food handler card required by the health department to work in a restaurant.
Are you insured?
Yes, Chef Will carries a general liability policy that protects us from any issues that may arise.
What are your health and safety protocols?
You and your family’s health and well-being are my #1 priority and food safety is equally as important. If a family member has mild cold/flu symptoms, please let me know so that I can wear a mask while in your home. If a member of the house has a fever or has vomiting or diarrhea, please let me know, we may need to reschedule our cook day. I will need to reschedule if I have a fever, or if I have vomiting or diarrhea.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
Chef Will visits various grocery stores and/or farmer's markets hand-selecting the finest and highest quality ingredients. Chef Will may visit up to 3 markets in one day to get the ideal product for your service. If you prefer a certain store or market, he can accommodate your needs.
Can I provide the ingredients and then you cook them?
Yes, I will send you a list of ingredients to have on hand. This gives you the freedom to choose the ingredients that fit your culinary lifestyle. However, It is a huge time saver for you to have Chef Will obtain your ingredients, it’s included in the service.
Do I have to be home when you are cooking?
No. In most cases, clients are working, running errands, or out of town while their chef is preparing their meals.
How long does a service take?
Our in-home chef service generally takes anywhere from 3-6 hours. Chef Will is happy to accommodate your schedule and will be there at the agreed-upon time.
Is it okay if I watch or help?
Helping, no. You are welcome to watch and ask questions, please keep in mind that Chef Will has a very specific production schedule. He must adhere to this schedule to produce the best quality and safest food in a timely manner. If you would like to learn how to cook, let Chef Will know and we can set up some 1 on 1 coaching sessions.
How often will you come to my house to cook?
Chef Will’s chef services are offered one time, several times per week, weekly, every other week, or once a month.
Is there anything I can do before your visit?
Yes, thank you for asking. Please have your kitchen counters free of clutter, your sink cleared, and adequate space made in your refrigerator and freezer to store your meals.
In-home meal service questions
What is included in a weekly meal service?
Each service package includes an initial assessment, your choice of 3-5 complete entrees customized to your preferences, recipe writing, grocery shopping, prep work, cooking, kitchen clean-up, packaging, labeling, storage, and heating instructions. The cost of the food is not included.ded
Is the menu the same every time?
Not unless you want it to be. The Chef will create 10-15 menu items that fit your dietary preferences, you pick the items you’d like to try based on the number of meals in your plan. Some clients want the same menu items every week, some go months without ever having a repeat meal. The choices are endless!
Are side dishes included?
Yes, a side dish or salad is included with each meal.
I have small children, can you make special meals for them?
Absolutely! Chef Will (who is also a Father) is more than happy to create healthy, delicious meals for your children.
How will my meals be packaged?
Reusable glass containers with snapping lids and mason jars work best. The Chef can provide you with links to purchase additional containers if needed.
Are the meals fresh or frozen?
Our services consist of all fresh food, some can be frozen. Generally, no more than 6 days of fresh food is left in your refrigerator. Any additional meals will need to be stored in your freezer.
Do I reheat my food?
Sometimes meals need to be cooked, like lasagna. You will be left with detailed handling instructions about how to cook or reheat your meals. If meals are frozen, simply thaw them in the refrigerator 2 days before you need them and follow the easy reheat instructions for your oven, toaster oven, or microwave.
How much refrigerator/freezer space do you need?
That all depends on how many meals you request. However, it usually occupies a shelf or two.
How long do meals last?
This depends on how many entrees and how many people are being served. Through this formula of entrees and servings, Chef Will can tell you exactly how many meals you will have and how long they will last.
In terms of shelf life, most meals have a maximum shelf life of six days in a refrigerator (two for fish/seafood) and up to one month in the freezer. All meals are clearly labeled and dated for easy selection.
PRIVATE DINNER PARTY AND CATERING
Do you cater?
Yes. I only release a few available catering dates every couple of months. Make sure to follow Wandering Chef Will on Facebook and Instagram as they go fast. Subscription clients get early access to available dates.
Do you serve alcohol?
No. The client is responsible for the purchase and serving of all alcoholic beverages.