Frequently Asked Questions
What do you offer?
I’m a private chef offering chef-led dining experiences in your home (and select venues) — from multi-course dinners and tasting menus to cocktail-hour canapés, family-style meals, and platters for celebrations, brand events, and special weekends.
How does booking work?
Send an inquiry with your date, location, guest count, and the vibe you’re going for. I’ll confirm availability, ask a few quick questions (preferences, allergies, timeline), and send a quote. Once the quote is approved, a 35% deposit is required to secure your date. After the deposit is received, I’ll send your proposed menu and we’ll finalize details together.
Do you offer four courses or tasting menus?
Most clients book a four-course menu. Tasting menus and concept menus are available by request and can be customized to four courses or expanded beyond. I also offer family-style formats, platters, and cocktail-hour canapés depending on the style of event you’re hosting.
Do you customize menus?
Always. Every menu is tailored to your tastes, dietary restrictions, and the type of experience you want to host. You can also share inspiration — a restaurant, a season, a travel memory, a brand, a theme — and I’ll build from there.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Yes. I can accommodate most dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. If there are severe allergies, please share details early so I can plan safely and confirm what’s possible.
Where do you serve?
I travel across New York and beyond, including New York City, the Hamptons, New Jersey, and Connecticut. I’m also available for destination travel for weekends and longer stays.
Is there a minimum guest count?
There’s no minimum guest count. I offer a two-person package for $500, and a $1,000 minimum for up to five guests. Starting with the sixth guest, pricing shifts to per-person, based on the menu format and service needs.
What’s included in the experience?
I handle menu planning, grocery sourcing, cooking, and kitchen cleanup. Depending on your event, I can also coordinate staffing, rentals, and service elements so hosting feels effortless.
Do you provide servers, bartenders, or rentals?
Yes — I can provide servers and bartenders as needed, and I can coordinate rentals through trusted partners. Staffing and rentals are quoted separately based on your event.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially for weekends and peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays, and the Hamptons). If you’re booking last-minute, reach out anyway — sometimes I can make it work.
Do you cook in any kitchen?
Most home kitchens work great. I typically prep at my studio and arrive with everything ready for final cooking, plating, and service in your home. If your kitchen is limited (or you’re hosting somewhere with restrictions), tell me ahead of time so I can plan the menu accordingly.
Do you offer beverage pairings?
Yes — beverage pairings are available for an additional fee. I can create a cocktail and non-alcoholic cocktail program, and I work with a sommelier for wine pairing recommendations. For alcoholic beverages, we’ll either work with a licensed partner for sourcing, or you can purchase the bottles and we’ll handle the pairing plan and service.
What about leftovers?
If there are leftovers, I’ll package them neatly for you at the end of the event.
What is your pricing?
Pricing depends on guest count, menu format, location, and staffing needs. Visit the Prices page for starting points, or reach out for a tailored quote.
What is your cancellation policy?
A 35% deposit is required to secure your date. Cancellations 15+ days before the event are eligible for a deposit refund. Cancellations 8–14 days before the event can be applied as a credit toward a rescheduled date (based on availability). Cancellations within 7 days of the event are non-refundable. Full terms are shared at booking.
Ready to plan your dinner?
Contact me with your date, location, guest count, and any dietary needs, and I’ll propose a menu and quote.