Are you thinking about hiring a private chef for your family? Are you wondering how to best go about it? Here are some tips and advice to make sure the hiring process goes as smoothly as possible and you and your family have your dietary requirements catered for in the best possible way.
Your requirements
The first and most important aspect to consider when looking for a chef to work for you is what you, as a family actually need? Do you need someone who will work full-time or part-time, live in or live out? Do you need your chef to prepare any specific meals; do you have any special requirements such as allergies or intolerance’s within your family and do you need your chef to prepare formal or informal dinners or both?
All these aspects will impact on what kind of chef you should hire to make sure it works right for both parties.
It is worth using a Consultancy such as Nanny and Butler, who can source the perfect private chef for your family, in a safe and efficient way. Once potential candidates have been found, you can interview them and discuss your requirements to find an excellent fit for your family.
The chef’s duties
Chefs will be responsible for all aspects of food within the house, which means they will be responsible for ordering/buying food as well as preparing and making it. Chef’s will create meals plans and will liaise with families to make sure they are preparing the correct food. Chefs that work in private households may work with other staff members depending on the family situation. If a chef is working with other kitchen staff, they will usually take on the role of managing them to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly.
Chefs usually travel with the family, which means they can work in various locations, wherever they are needed.
Points to consider
Depending on your requirements and hours that you need your private chef to work, they can cost anything from £20.000 to £70.000+ per year. The hours that chef’s work will vary from family to family and you will find that most chefs have qualifications. Some will have studied specific areas of food preparation and management, which means they will be able to offer specific food selections for your family. This could include cultural specific foods as well special diets such as gluten free or vegetarian.
Chefs should follow hygienic food procedures at all times and making sure they are aware of safe food preparing and management will assist them in making sure health risks are minimised and families are kept safe. Most personal chefs will have attended special courses and it’s worth asking them to provide a certificate, if they have.
Whichever kind of chef you need to hire, it’s important to make sure you are clear or what kind you need and what food you would like prepared. Most chefs are skilled in a variety of areas but if you need something very specific it’s worth stating that during the interview process to ensure the chef will for well with your family.
Families often find that hiring a chef take the strain away from cooking everyday and free up time for other aspects of family life. When done correctly, hiring a chef can be a smooth process and in no time at all on you’re way to eating healthy. Nutritious food!
Written by Amy: Amy is a British Nanny and Governess with a Background in Childcare and Social Work. She is currently working with a team of Nannies as a Special Needs Governess.
