Services

Personal chef

There is nothing more pleasant in life than having in front of you a freshly cooked meal. I have to be honest with you, I don’t like nor enjoy a meal that has been prepared in advance or that has to be re-heated from a previous day. I can only count with my finger about three dishes that I can actually say the food tastes better a day after. One would be lasagna, left over pizza, and lastly any type of soup! This is my own personal opinion. I am a firm believer that a meal should be cooked with the very best fresh ingredients, the same day you plan to eat it. No re-heating in between is my motto! That is why I am not a believer of preparing foods in advance. If you came across this website and you want my services, I can give you endless reasons to hire a personal chef for any event of your choice. Maybe it’s because you want to plan a romantic dinner at home, or you have a gathering of friends you wish they dine at your home, or you simply want to relax and have your personal chef cook you a freshly meal that same day! You can even purchase a Personal Chef gift certificate for someone. Maybe it’s a new homeowner, or a family welcoming a new addition into the family. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone out of the hospital. Businesses can use this gift certificate as a thank you to valued clients and staff. Please contact me for a quote on the number of guests and type of menu you wish, and I will gladly provide you with menu options, from appetizer, soups, salads, and of course dessert, which can’t be left out! I can gladly help you with your lunch, dinner or brunch for up to 12 people. Please browse through the gallery for a menu of your choice! If you don’t see it, it doesn’t mean I can’t make it for you. It just means that the choices are endless!

Pricing There is a flat fee of $120.00 plus the cost of each menu per person.

This flat rate includes the purchase of the food, prep, cooking at the clients place and clean-up. This flat rate is up-to three hours of my time at your home for the event. Any additional time after the three hours will be charged at $65.00 per hour.

Paella

Paella is an exotic dish whose main ingredient is rice that is cooked with other ingredients such as fish, seafood, poultry, meat, vegetables, and legumes. Rice is the main protagonist of paella It is a typical dish of all the Spanish regions, especially Valencia, varying in each the type and quantity of ingredients. The yellow color that it acquires comes from the saffron condiment used. If you ask a Valencian for the definition he would say "a dish that is cooked in a flat paella with two handles, basically made with meat, vegetables, rice and legumes, which is cooked in broth until it is dry."

Behind the scene before preparing a Paella

The truth is, the paella does not start when I arrive at your place of choice. Whether it's seafood paella, vegetables paella, or for that matter any paella of your choice, the commencement began many hours before, at the market choosing the freshest ingredients. In the seafood paella after the provisions have been carefully selected, like fish, squid, mussels, clams and shrimps these have to be washed and cleaned. A further step that I personally do is to peel and devein each shrimp. After all the cleaning has been completed, a fish fumet is prepared. This is actually what will give the seafood paella its exquisite taste. In vegetable paella it will be replaced by a vegetable broth. I still have to make sure all my vegetables are washed and chopped! So you see, many hours of labor have elapsed before getting to your place!

There is always a good reason to gather a group of friends or family members and cook Paella with a glass of wine or sangria.

Let me be your personal chef to prepare this delectable dish. You have numerous paella menus from where to choose from. Minimum of 8 people, up to 100 people. See my reviews as to what guests have said about my paellas!

Pricing

There is a service charge of $125 dollars for events between 8 and 15 people plus the cost of the paella menu per person. See chart below for additional parties.

Note: A price surcharged of $55 will be applied for events further than a 40 miles radius from the Washington DC area.

Cooking Lessons

Cooking lessons

I am sure there have been times when you’ve wanted to impress your guests on a culinary dish, but for some reason it did not turn out the way you wanted! Or maybe you just want to gather a group of friends for an afternoon of culinary arts! Whatever your reason is, there is always room for improvement! I will be happy to work one on one or a group of up to five people. You just need to put the theme on what dish or technique you wish to improve. Maybe it’s a dish at your favorite restaurant that you want to replicate at home. I will bring all the ingredients necessary for the lesson or special equipment that may be needed. We will concentrate on the lesson that we have decided ahead of time. Call today to set up a date!

For pricing information please hit the “Let’s eat” tab below and specify what theme you are interested in.

Catering Services

What joy to be able to gather around a group of friends and being able to share appetizing food! I will be happy to cater your event, for up to 12 people for any occasion of your choice. Perhaps you’re thinking more of a brunch set up? Please hit the contact tab below and specify your occasion and number of people for your event. I will be happy to design a custom menu for your specific occasion.

Pricing There is a flat fee of $120.00 plus the cost of each menu per person.

This flat rate includes the purchase of the food, prep, cooking at the clients place and clean-up. This flat rate is up-to three hours of my time at your home for the event. Any additional time after the three hours will be charged at $65.00 per hour.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard .