Does tastebudz cook in my kitchen?
Yes. Your meals are prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. You do not need to be home on the day that I cook in your home. On the cooking date, I will bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with my own pots, pans and utensils, and prepare your entrees on site.  At the end of the day, I will leave your kitchen clean and full of delicious aromas.

How do you choose which foods to cook for me?
Before we arrange a cook date, we will fill out a food assessment together that highlights your food likes, dislikes, allergies and dietary restrictions. I'll then take this information to make a menu designed specifically for you.

Are groceries included in the cost?
No, you pay my fee plus the cost of the groceries. The cost of groceries will vary depending upon your menu selection.
 
Do I heat the food?
Yes.  Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and heated through.  The items left in your refrigerator can just be heated and enjoyed right away. I will always leave you with easy to follow heating instructions for each entree.

Can I microwave the meals?
Some items, such as soups, stews and pasta sauces actually heat very well in the microwave. Other delicate items, such as sautéed fish and seafood, steamed or blanched vegetables, and stir-fried entrees should be warmed on the stove. Again, I will provide you with easy to follow heating instructions for all your meals.

Items that are broiled, roasted or baked are packaged in foil containers and are ready for reheating in your oven.

If you would prefer all microwavable containers, tastebudz will be happy to provide them to you. But be aware, some of the flavor and texture of the dish may be lost.

Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date?
Yes. It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date.  If you like, you may leave me a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day I am cooking.

It still seems expensive. Can hiring a personal chef be cost-effective?
It is certainly cost-effective if you eat out a lot, hit the drive-thrus regularly, have restaurants deliver meals to you, or do your own cooking.

The average family of four spends at least $250 per week on groceries. How much of the groceries that you bought last week were actually used to make meals? How much was thrown out because the ingredients spoiled before you had the time to cook them?

Think about the time, energy and effort it takes to get dinner on the table every night. If you shop for groceries once a week, you'll spend an hour at the store. Cooking a nourishing meal from scratch takes at least an hour per night. Then there's the clean-up. That's 15 hours per week of shopping, cooking and cleaning up. What would it be worth to you to have those 15 hours for more important things?

I'm not sure I'll need a weeks worth of meals prepared. Can I use your service on a part-time basis?
Certainly. You do not need to sign a contract, and you can set up a cook date as you often or as little as you need. Many clients enjoy once a week cook dates, but others prefer to not worry about defrosting their meals and opt for the fresher twice weekly service. You may have a lot of freezer space and want me to cook enough meals for two weeks or even a month — whatever you want can be arranged.

I prefer to eat light and reduced fat meals. Can you help?
Many items on my menu are healthy, low-fat selections. If you are on a special diet, I will accommodate and prepare entrees to fit your specific needs.

Do you cater parties?
Yes. I will be happy to shop and cook for your parties so you can enjoy spending time with your guests. tastbudz handles parties too small for many large caterers, such as sit-down dinner parties, buffets and cocktail parties. I can either prepare the food and leave it for you to reheat, or I offer full party service, including wait staff and clean up. See our Special Events & Parties page for more information.

Do you prepare romantic dinners?
Yes. tastebudz offers a five-course meal completely tailored to your needs. I'll set a beautiful table for you and your loved one, cook, serve, and then leave, so you can enjoy each other's company. See our Special Events & Parties page for more information.