Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to contact you?

Either via e-mail at ChefLeslie@KitchenCrusader.com or by phone at 810-449-7941.

Who is Chef Leslie?

A life-long food enthusiast, Chef Leslie decided to make a career change to combine her love of cooking with her desire to run her own business. She is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Program at the Orlando Culinary Academy and is a certified safe food handler. She has been running The Kitchen Crusader since 2002, initially in the Orlando area and now in Michigan.

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

A private chef works for an individual or family on a full-time basis whereas a personal chef serves several clients, generally one per day. A personal chef provides multiple meals that are custom-designed for each individual client and are stored so clients may enjoy meals at their leisure.

Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes, we prepare meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On the agreed upon date, we bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with our own pots, pans, and utensils.

Can't you just deliver meals to me?

In order to ensure that your meals are prepared safely, we do our work in your kitchen. This allows for your meals to stay within the parameters of appropriate food temperatures and prevents cross-contamination.

How long will it take?

As we will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, anywhere from 4-8 hours. Arrangements are made in advance so that the cooking date will be compatible with your schedule.

How much freezer space do I need?

It depends on the number of meals you request and the size of your chosen containers. It does, however, require a large amount of freezer space.. At the time of your assessment, the Chef will look at your freezer and discuss space needs with you.

How will the meals be packaged?

Your meals are packaged according to your preferences; family-style, couples, or individually. They will be packed in disposable plastic containers, re-usable plastic containers, FoodSaver bags, or any other type of appropriate container depending on your meal choices and preference for oven or microwave heating. Any way, clean-up is a breeze! You will be asked to pay a container fee prior to your service. The containers become yours and will be suitable for the refrigerator or freezer and in some cases can go directly to freezer to oven/microwave to table.

Can you use my containers?

Uniform containers take less storage space in your freezer. We will bring the appropriate containers for the entrees we are preparing for each cooking date and will collect the clean containers from your previous cooking date from you at that time so we will actually be rotating containers in and out of your kitchen on a regular basis.

How do I heat my meals?

Heating meals is easy and convenient. We will leave detailed heating instructions for each entrée and side dish. Any entrees that have been stored in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator prior to heating. In some cases, there are entrees and sides that can go directly from the freezer to microwave/oven. Generally, the chef will leave dinner on the cooking date in the refrigerator, oven, or even your crock-pot for enjoyment that evening. You may also request that the chef prepare grill-ready items.

This sounds great! Can I afford this?

When you consider the cost of groceries, the time to plan a variety of healthy meals, shopping, cooking and clean-up time, you'll find the pricing to be quite affordable. If you were to add up the cost of all those groceries you buy with the intention of preparing and then end up throwing away each year, you may find you can pay for the service and then some!

If you were to compare the service to dining in a restaurant, you could think of it this way: For a restaurant you must drive to get there, possibly wait for a table and take the chance that your server is having a good day. If you have allergies or other special requests, you don't always have the guarantee that it will be honored since most entrees are done "assembly-line" style in the kitchen. You still have to pay for the meal, tip the server and drive back home. With a personal chef service, you can heat a beautiful entrée prepared specifically with you in mind and eat it in the comfort of your own home. No one needs to know that you are curled up on the sofa wearing your most comfortable pajamas.

Do I pay ahead of the cooking date?

It is customary to pay for the service in advance of your cooking date. If you like, you may leave a check for the upcoming cooking date on each cook-date.

How often will I need this service?

At your assessment, we will be happy to help you determine just how often you will want to schedule the service to best suit your needs. We'll make sure it supports your busy lifestyle without putting any extra pressure on you.

Can this service help me lose weight?

While Chef Leslie is not a registered dietician, she is happy to prepare meals according to a doctor's or nutritionist's specifications. She is also familiar with many popular diet plans such as Weight Watchers, Atkins, low-fat, low-sodium, American Diabetes Association, and others. You should consult your doctor before starting any new diet or weight loss program. It is also important to incorporate some type of regular exercise into your schedule.

Contact The Kitchen Crusader and begin your culinary journey today!
Serving the Michigan Counties of Genesee, Livingston and North Oakland.
Telephone: (810) 449-7941
E-mail: ChefLeslie@KitchenCrusader.com

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