Renting a private chef

[CrashTD]

Has anybody got any experience with this kind of thing and what was it like?

I only want a 3 course meal for 2 not a massive dinner party. Will be away from civilisation in a cottage in Gloucestershire with the OH and

a)I dont want to cook
b)cant really get her to cook
c)we go out for dinner all the time so need something different

Thanks.

CTD

[21TonyK]

Have you hired a chef before? If not whats your budget and what style of food do you want? Do you want a local pub chef on his night off or an agency chef? Cost will vary from £75 to £500+, all plus expenses and ingredients.

Either way only go on recommendations and references and be very clear what you expect in terms of menu and presentation. And then again, ask for references and a portfolio (if a proper freelancer). If they question this just move on.

There are a lot of "chefs" out there many of whom are available as "private chefs" for a reason. But then at the top end there are some amazing chefs who only do private function work, make a very healthy living from it and have an amazing lifestyle full of jets, villas and champagne. /wish it was me

[CrashTD]

21TonyK said:

Have you hired a chef before? If not whats your budget and what style of food do you want? Do you want a local pub chef on his night off or an agency chef? Cost will vary from £75 to £500+, all plus expenses and ingredients.

Either way only go on recommendations and references and be very clear what you expect in terms of menu and presentation. And then again, ask for references and a portfolio (if a proper freelancer). If they question this just move on.

There are a lot of "chefs" out there many of whom are available as "private chefs" for a reason. But then at the top end there are some amazing chefs who only do private function work, make a very healthy living from it and have an amazing lifestyle full of jets, villas and champagne. /wish it was me

Never hired a chef, hence the questions.

I want the same level of food/presentation you would expect from a £40 per head restaurant. Would be happy if the whole thing came in at under £250 including the cost of food.

The date is also in 1 month from today which will probably rule out most chefs.

[Truckosaurus]

Giles Coren, the restaurant critic, did a whole piece the other week about how inexpensive it was to hire a young chef for his family holiday.

He sourced the chef via Leith's Cookery School.

[Mobile Chicane]

Perhaps a foodie PHer fancies making a few quid?

If you were anywhere near me, I'd do it for that, moreover with ingredients you can't buy.

[21TonyK]

CrashTD said:

Never hired a chef, hence the questions.

I want the same level of food/presentation you would expect from a £40 per head restaurant. Would be happy if the whole thing came in at under £250 including the cost of food.

The date is also in 1 month from today which will probably rule out most chefs.

Just to give you an idea. My head chef would want at least £250 for 3-4 hours on his night off, plus menu planning time. Then add in ingredients and messing around. Who is going to hire the linen and crockery, set the table, serve the food, do the washing up? Chefs "don't do that". By the time you've messed around you've booked a caterer and looking at silly money.

I'd find a really good restaurant and book a taxi, much simpler and cheaper!

[AJS-]

Get a restaurant to deliver.

[CrashTD]

Thanks for the info. I know it makes no financial sense but when we eat out 80% of the time another restaurant meal doesn't have the same effect. Plus I dont have to get dressed.

Will happily take a PH foody if they are good enough (no offence)

[1878]

CrashTD said:

Plus I dont have to get dressed.

So you're after The Naked Chef then?

[PeanutHead]

Why not go for ordering something special in, don't think there is much you can't get delivered to your door.
http://www.banquet-in-a-box.co.uk/gourmet-delivere...
or
http://www.just-eat.co.uk/

[Output Flange]

We rented a house around that area for the OH's birthday, and hired a chef to do a meal for 20-odd that evening.

I'll see if I can find his details...

[mattdaniels]

CrashTD said:

Never hired a chef, hence the questions.

I want the same level of food/presentation you would expect from a £40 per head restaurant.

Does your cottage in Gloucestershire have the ovens and catering equipment to create a £40-a-head meal or is chef going to rock up to be presented with a Baby Belling and a Microwave? Does it have the right crockery and dishes for the menu? You probably also need to think about who is serving the food whilst chef is cooking, who is going to clean down / wash up etc.

IMO your budget is a bit ambitious for getting a pro in. You could try for an amateur foodie or maybe catering college students though.

[CrashTD]

mattdaniels said:

Does your cottage in Gloucestershire have the ovens and catering equipment to create a £40-a-head meal or is chef going to rock up to be presented with a Baby Belling and a Microwave? Does it have the right crockery and dishes for the menu? You probably also need to think about who is serving the food whilst chef is cooking, who is going to clean down / wash up etc.

IMO your budget is a bit ambitious for getting a pro in. You could try for an amateur foodie or maybe catering college students though.

Its a proper house so has a 'real kitchen' which is all he needs.

He is bringing all his own gear, including plaes/cutlery.

Only 2 of us eating so I think I can manage the serving.

He is going to clean up.

He is indeed a pro, with time in Michelin star venues and numerous positive reviews in the papers. Granted I have gone over by £250 budget but not by a great deal.

Will keep you guys posted. Thanks for the help


ETA - Not getting dressed in the sense I don't need to put on a shirt. No nudity here I am afraid.

[Baryonyx]

I've always found the 'private chef' thing a bit funny. Especially if there are service staff hired for the function as well. I'd be uncomfortable with a stranger standing round listening to everything that was said at the table!