FAQ

General Information & FAQs

1. What forms of payment do you accept?
   I accept Venmo, cash, and credit cards. A 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments.

2. Do you sell or share my email address?
   Absolutely not. Your information is kept private and is never shared.

3. What areas do you service?
   I proudly serve Traverse City and the surrounding region, including Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties.

   For additional locations, please contact me to discuss availability.

4. How far in advance should I book?
   To ensure the best availability and experience, I recommend booking at least 3 months in advance. Short-notice bookings may still be available, particularly outside of the busy summer and winter holiday seasons.

5. Are menus customized?
   Yes. Every menu is fully customized based on your preferences, dietary needs, seasonality, and the style of experience you’re looking for.

6. Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
   Yes. I regularly accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and other dietary needs. Please communicate all restrictions during booking.

7. Can I request specific dishes or cuisines?
   Absolutely. I encourage collaboration so your menu reflects your personal taste and desired experience.

8. How much does a private chef experience cost?
   Pricing varies based on menu selection, guest count, and event style. Custom quotes are provided after a consultation to ensure a fully tailored experience.

9. Is a deposit required?
   Yes. A 50% deposit is required to secure your date. This is fully refundable up to 20 days before your event. (Credit card refunds incur a $25 fee.)

10. What time do you arrive?
    Arrival is typically 1.5 to 2 hours prior to service, depending on the menu and number of courses.

11. Do you offer wine pairings?
    Yes. Wine pairing recommendations are available upon request and can be curated to complement your menu.

12. I'm staying at a vacation rental, and I'm not sure what the kitchen is like. Do you bring your own tools and equipment?

    Yes. I bring everything needed to execute your dining experience seamlessly. This includes all essential cooking tools, equipment, and professional kitchen supplies required for preparation and service. I simply utilize the kitchen space available at your vacation rental, so you can relax knowing everything is fully taken care of from start to finish.

13. I don't have the fanciest kitchen. Are there certain appliances or items you require?

    No need to worry about having a fully equipped or “fancy” kitchen. I bring all of the tools, equipment, and supplies required to prepare and serve your meal. As long as your kitchen includes the basics such as a stove, oven, refrigerator, and running water, I can comfortably handle everything from there.

14. Your Experience Includes:

• Collaborative menu design tailored to your preferences and dietary needs

• On-site preparation and refined, restaurant-quality plating

• Thoughtful ingredient storytelling and course presentation

• Full kitchen cleanup after service

• A seamless, stress-free private dining experience from start to finish