Hallie Norvet

What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?

A private chef is employed full time and/or exclusively by one individual or family and often lives in their home and prepares up to three meals per day. A personal chef serves and visits several clients, usually one or two per day. A personal chef provides multiple services that are custom designed for the clients' particular requests and dietary requirements.

Who needs a personal chef?

Any individual who believes in the importance of having freshly prepared, custom-made 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, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from illness etc. are all great candidates for personal chefs. If you are tired of fast food, the drive-thru, commercial frozen dinners or take-out, a personal chef may be a great investment for you and your health.

How does a personal chef work?

It's quite simple actually! Please visit How it Works for basic information.

What areas do you serve?

How far in advance should I reserve a date?

Who does the cooking?

Chef Hallie Norvet does all of the cooking within your home kitchen.

Do you deliver meals?

Not currently.

Do you have to do the cooking in my home?

Yes. California State Health Department regulations require all meals prepared by a personal chef to be cooked in the home of the consumer or a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen. Preparing these meals in your home ensures that you are provided with the safest and highest quality product possible.

Do you have your food handler's card?

Yes, Chef Norvet is a current ServSafe Certified Chef; Expiration 10/17/2019

Are you insured?

Yes. Chef Hallie Norvet is fully insured as a personal chef to work within private residences.

Do you belong to any personal chef associations?

Yes. Hallie Norvet is a current member of the United States Personal Chef Association.

Did you go to culinary school?

Yes. Chef Hallie is formally trained in French Cuisine and has her Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from The California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Program, Pasadena, CA.

Can you provide references and a resume?

Do you do dinner parties and/or catered events?

Yes! Chef Norvet specializes in dinner parties and catering services for as little as 2 people or as many as 25 people. Please visit the dinner parties and catering page for additional information on both of these services.

Do you instruct cooking classes?
Yes. Cooking lessons are available for individuals and small groups. Please visit the cooking classes page for additional information and cooking class types.

How do you know what I like in my diet?

Your diet is The Chef's first order of business. In the initial consultation, you and The Chef will go over what you would like from your personal chef service, your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies etc. We also may ask you to fill out a small client questionnaire, this is done to personalize and customize your service as much as possible.

Where do you do your grocery shopping?

This varies from client to client. Each Chef will visit various organic grocery stores and/or farmer's markets to find the finest and highest quality ingredients. If you prefer a certain store or market your Chef will do their best to accommodate you.

What kind of ingredients do you use?

Do I have to be home when you are cooking?

No, you do not. In most cases clients are working, or running errands while their personal chef is preparing their meals.

How long will does your service take?

Depending on the service, number of entrees and complexity of each dish, personal chef services can take anywhere from 3-5 hours. The Chef is happy to accommodate your schedule in any way they can and will give you a time estimate for each service. 

Is it okay if I watch or help?

Preferably, no. The Chef will have a very specific production schedule they must adhere to to produce the best quality food in a timely manner. It is best for The Chef to be uninterrupted while cooking so they can produce safe, delicious, high quality food for you. However, The Chef would be happy to chat/discuss with you before or after your personal chef service.

How often will you come to my house to cook?

Personal chef services are offered one-time, weekly, bi-weekly (every other week) or once a month.

Is there anything I can do prior to your visit?

Have your kitchen counters free of clutter, your sink cleared, and have clear shelving or space made in your refrigerator and freeze to store your meals.

New Client:
Payment is due in full prior to each new client's first service date. This payment not only locks in their cook-date, but ensures that chef has the funds provided to purchase groceries and other expenses. For future services, payment can be arranged prior to or on the day of the client's service at The Chefs discretion. Check, PayPal and Cash are accepted for first time clients and service will not be confirmed until payment is made in full.

Payment:

Payment is accepted in Cash, Check, PayPal or Credit Card. At the end of your service you will be invoiced for your final amount which you can then pay by your preference. If you would like to be automatically billed each week please notify your Chef.

Cancellation:

We understand things happen and sometimes client's need to cancel. All cancellations must be made by the client at least two (2) days prior to their service date to receive a full refund. If the client cancels within the two (2) days prior to their service, their deposit will be forfeited to cover any incidentals/materials already purchased by The Chef.

Re-Schedule:

In the case that a client needs to re-schedule, it must be done at least three (3) days prior to their schedule service date to avoid a cancellation charge. The Chef will do her best to accommodate your new cook-date within her current availability.

"No-Show":

It is the client's responsibility to make sure someone is home to greet The Chef, and introduce them to the kitchen. If nobody is able to be home when The Chef arrives, please make sure you have discussed any entry instructions with The Chef prior to their arrival. If The Chef arrives to the client's home and the client is not home, does not answer, and/or is unresponsive via phone/email, The Chef reserves the right to cancel the service and any deposit made by the client will be forfeited. To avoid this situation from arising The Chef will confirm the service date and time prior to the scheduled date.

Menu Requests and Edits:

All final menu edits or submissions must be made at least two (2) days prior to the client's service date so The Chef has the proper time to plan, prepare and shop for the client's meals. Any last minute menu changes will be subject to an additional $50.00 late fee.

Everything. Each service package includes: Initial consultation, your choice of 3-5 complete entrees customized to your preferences, grocery shopping, prep-work, cooking, kitchen clean-up, packaging, labeling, storage and handling instructions.

How much do your weekly services start at and how are they priced?

Weekly one-time or recurring services start at $450.00 per service, including grocery costs.

Is the menu the same every time?

Not unless you want it to be. Your personal chef will do their best to create a new menu for you each service. Some clients go months without ever having a repeat meal.

Are side dishes included?

Yes. Each entree comes with one side dish specifically created to accompany your entree, sometimes two. 

Are groceries included?

Yes. Groceries are included and you can rely on the same weekly rate at each service. Special ingredients and/or additional portions/meals may be subject to an additional charge.

Can I add additional dishes?

Absolutely. You can always add on an extra side, salad or soup if you feel you need a little extra.

I have small children; can you make special meals for them?

Absolutely. Chef Hallie is happy to create healthy, delicious meals and snacks for your children.

How will my meals be packaged?

Disposable BPA Free Containers: Included in first service

Pyrex Glassware (Recommended): $100 one-time fee

Your Containers (Chef Approved): No cost.

Are the meals fresh or frozen?

Each service is individualized to your needs. Some services consist of all fresh food, some frozen, and some a combination of the two. Generally no more than 4 days of fresh food is left in your refrigerator. Any additional days of meals after that will be stored in your freezer. 

Do I re-heat my food?

Yes. You will be left with detailed instructions about how to heat your meals. If meals are frozen, simply thaw them in the refrigerator the day before and follow the easy re-heat instructions for your oven or microwave.

How much refrigerator/freezer space do you need?

That all depends on how many meals your request, however it usually occupies a shelf or two. The uniform Pyrex containers offered by Chef Norvet  are similar in size and shape, so they save as much space as possible, are easy to store and view.

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 Hallie can tell you exactly how many meals you will have and how long they will last.

- In terms of the shelf life, each meal lasts about four 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

What is the difference between a formal dinner party and a casual dinner party?

Formal Dinner Party: A formal dinner party consists of a plated meal, served formally. Some people refer to this as "restaurant style" as the serving method is virtually the same. One course comes in sequence after the other until all courses are completed. 

Catering/Casual Dinner Party: A casual dinner party allows the guests to help themselves to as much or as little food as they would like. Meals are served buffet style in chafing dishes, or "family-style" via large shareable plates to the table.

How many courses are included with my dinner party or catering event?

A minimum of three courses will come with your event service, however you can request and enjoy up to six.

Can I add more courses?

Absolutely! You can up to six courses to your event menu.

How many guests can you serve?

Hallie Norvet Personal Chef Service specializes in intimate events of 2 to 25 people. 

How many guests can I invite to my formal dinner party?

Formal dinner parties are for 2-20 people.

How much do event services start at?

Private event services start at $550.00 for two guests and increases by $30.00-$80.00 per guest thereafter. This does not include grocery costs.

How is the budget for these events determined?

The budget for each party is unique depending on the guest count, style, size, and complexity of menu you would like. Your total will consist of two things: Service Fee and Grocery Budget. The service fee is what a personal chef charges for services and labor. A grocery budget is the amount of money needed to provide groceries for your event. Once you have decided on a final menu and guest count, The Chef will provide an estimate for you. Chef Norvet will then present you with a final budget for your approval, ask you for a deposit, and ask you to look-over and sign a standard event contract.

Do you have servers or bartenders?

No, however we would be happy to recommend a trustworthy, affordable staffing company we have worked with many times.

Do you serve alcohol?

No. The client is responsible for the purchase and serving of all alcoholic beverages.