FAQs
General Questions
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?
A private chef is employed usually by one client or client-family full time. While 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, seniors, people with specific diets, people recovering from an injury etc. are all great candidates for personal chefs.
How does a personal chef work?
It's quite simple actually! Please visit How it Works for basic information.
What areas do you serve?
Hallie Norvet Personal Chef Service serves the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles area. Generally 20 Miles from the zip code 91377. Specifically serving the cities of: Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, West Hills, Westlake Village, Topanga Canyon, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Encino, and the surrounding areas.
Do you travel to areas outside of the Los Angeles metropolitan area?
Yes! For an additional fee Chef Hallie will travel. Please contact us to discuss details.
How far in advance should I reserve a date?
It is recommended you reserve a date as soon as possible for meal services, and two months is preferred for private dinners and events. In other words, the sooner, the better!
Do you deliver meals?
No, all of our meals are prepared in-house.
Do you have to do the cooking in my home?
Yes. Los Angeles County and The 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 5/29/2023
Are you insured?
Yes. Chef Hallie Norvet is fully insured as a personal chef by the USPCA to work within private residences and for events up to 25 guests.
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 Classic 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?
Yes. We do not however disclose any personal information from current or past clients out of respect for our client's privacy and NDA restrictions. We do offer testimonial's from previous clientele as well as professional references from previous work in restaurants.
Will you sign a NDA?
Yes, Chef Hallie Norvet completely respects your right to privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Do you do dinner parties and/or catered events?
Yes! Chef Norvet specializes in dinner parties and catering services for as little as 2 guests or as many as 25 guests. 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 your Chef's first order of business. In your initial consultation, you and The Chef will go over your likes, dislikes, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies etc. We also may ask you to fill out a small client questionnaire for more specific diets, this will help us create the menus that align most with your diet.
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. Your Chef 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, please notify your Chef and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
Hallie Norvet Personal Chef Service strives to use the highest quality ingredients for your meals. All ingredients are sourced from local farms, markets and specialty stores.
Do I have to eat organic ingredients? What if I can't afford it?
No, you do not. A blend of conventional and organic is free of charge for each service. If you would like an all organic chef service we can do that for an additional fee.
Can I provide the ingredients and then you cook them?
No. Chef Hallie perosnally does all of the grocery shopping to ensure the quality, safety, quantity, and availability of your ingredients. If you do have a special ingredient on hand that you would like The Chef to use, then please do tell your Chef.
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 personal chef is preparing their meals.
How long does a service take?
Our in-home chef service generally takes anywhere from 3-5 hours. The Chef is happy to accommodate your schedule in anyway, and will give you an estimated time of arrival 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.
Service Policies
New Client:
Payment is due in full prior to each new client's first service date. Your first payment securs your cook-date, and ensures your Chef has the funds needed to purchase groceries and other expenses. For future services, payment can be arranged at the Chef’s discretion.
Payment:
Payment is accepted in Cash, Check, PayPal or Square. 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. For weekly chef services, all cancellations must be made by the client at least four (4) days prior to their service date to receive a full refund. If the client cancels within the four (4) days prior to their service, they will be charged a $75.00 cancellation fee.
"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 fee.
In-Home Meal Service Questions
What is included in your meal plan?
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 create a new menu for you each service. Some clients go months without ever having a repeat meal.
Are side dishes included?
Yes. Each menu item comes one or two side dishes and sauce(s) to compliment 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 additional portions may be subject to an additional charge.
Can I add additional dishes?
Absolutely.
I have small children; can you make special meals for them?
Absolutely. Chef Hallie (who is also a Mother) is more than happy to create healthy, delicious meals and snacks for your children.
How will my meals be packaged?
Brilliance Rubbermaid Containers (Recommended): $100.00 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 meals will be stored in your freezer.
Do I re-heat my food?
Yes. You will be left with detailed handling 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 Brilliance containers offered by Chef Norvet are similar in size and shape, save space, and are easy to stack, 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 has a maximum shelf life of 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.
Catering, Private Dinner Party and Catering Questions
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 2-14 people.
How much do event services start at?
Private event services start at $600.00 for two guests and increases per guest thereafter. Grocery costs are charged separately.
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 chef 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 estimated chef fee and grocery budget to you. Then, upon your approval, you will be asked for a deposit, and sign an event agreement.
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. Servers are required for any private dinner with 6 or more guests.
Do you serve alcohol?
No. The client is responsible for the purchase and serving of all alcoholic beverages.