Why should I hire a personal chef?
If you are organising a dinner party you may consider a personal chef service. Many hosts, particularly those who are too busy or have little interest in cooking are willing to bring in a personal chef in order to experience the highest quality of cooking and impress their guests.
Likewise, those with a particular interest in cooking will benefit form the Dinner Party Showcase, allowing hosts and guests alike to undertake some of the preparation themselves and learn the techniques and skill behind preparing their menu.
A personal chef for a private dinner party is certainly a way to impress and often the preferred choice for the more discerning host. The personal chef will do all the work, allowing you to relax and enjoy your dinner party.
Frequently asked questions
Do I choose the menu or does Chef Rouse design one for me?
You can have as much or as little input as you like. Before the date of your dinner party or meal, Chef Rouse will visit you at home, or telephone at a convenient time to discuss your requirements. Here you can discuss themes, favourite foods, menu designs and such like. Chef Rouse specialises in creating completely one-off and bespoke dishes and can indeed create one for you.
What about special dietary needs?
Any dietary needs or allergies will be discussed and solved during you free consultation, prior to the event itself.
Is there a limit to the number of guests?
The recommended number of guests and further information can be found under the Services page. However, these numbers are not set in stone. If you require greater numbers than those mentioned on this site, please feel free to contact Chef Rouse to discuss your needs.
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Absolutely, yes!
Whose equipment do you use?
Chef Rouse will bring all required specialist equipment with him on the day.
Whose crockery do you use?
This is dependant on which package you choose to purchase from the Services page. Please refer to the details there for further information.
Glassware is to be supplied by the client unless prior arrangement with Chef Rouse.
Do you cook on site or is the food pre-prepared?
Chef Rouse will prepare items prior to arrival, depending on the menu chosen. Only the freshest ingredients are used but some items will need to be cured or marinated beforehand.
Preparation and sourcing of ingredients takes a great deal of organisation, and Chef Rouse is much happier to do this in his professional environment.
Who provides the wine or alcohol?
This is dependant on which package you choose to purchase from the Services page. Please refer to the details there for further information.
Who buys the groceries?
All items will be purchased by Chef Rouse.
Are there any additional costs aside from those stated?
Champagne, cognac and wines will incur additional charges. Prior to the event and following your free consultation, Chef Rouse will always provide you with a quote stating the full costs of the services you have requested.
How do I book?
Simply get in touch with Chef Rouse via e-mail or the telephone number provided on the Contact page and arrange a time for your free consultation. For the consultation itself, Chef Rouse will telephone at a convenient time to discuss your requirements. The consultation is free of charge and you are under no obligation to proceed with any services offered after the consultation has concluded.
During the consultation you can work with Chef Rouse to plan your perfect dinner party. Bookings can be made at that time or at a later date over the phone or by e-mail.
If you are interested in booking a cookery master class, please contact Chef Rouse by telephone or e-mail.
How much will it cost?
Standard prices are quoted on the Services page within this site. A full quote will be presented to you by Chef Rouse following your free consultation.
What about travel costs?
If you are based in either Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire or Hampshire, Chef Rouse will incur all travel costs. For in-house consultations and other services provided by Chef Rouse outside of these counties, reasonable travel costs will be paid by the client. You will be provided with proof of travel costs upon arrival to your event or consultation.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, this will be 30% of your bill price and must be placed at the time of confirming the booking.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations made a full seven days prior to the event will receive a full refund of their deposit. Cancellations made later, will unfortunately lose their deposit in full.
Do you offer any other services?
Feel free to contact Chef Rouse to discuss your requirements.
Can I change any of the details of the booking at the last minute?
The number of guests and venue can be changed up until two days before the event (note: the cost of the event will remain the same if the number of guests is diminished and will rise if increased. In the instance of the latter, the extra cost will be agreed upon by both client and Chef Rouse prior to the event).
Reasonable changes to the menu are acceptable up until seven days before the event.
How and when do I pay?
The remaining balance must be paid in full upon arrival of Chef Rouse at your event. Cash or cheque is accepted and you will be presented with a receipt upon payment.