Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about our personal chef services and how we can assist you.

1. What is the difference between a Personal Chef, Private Chef, and Caterer?

• A Personal Chef operates as a business owner. They handle buying fresh ingredients to prepare meals in your home or on location. A Personal Chef offers services such as private dining experiences, weekly meal preparation, in-home large dining events, and/or cooking lessons.

• A Private Chef is hired to work exclusively with one client or one family. They work in the client's home or designated cooking facilities and occasionally travel with their clients. 

• A Caterer prepares meals at a commercial kitchen or health department-approved cooking facility and transports food to the client's event.

2. What is the cost of Sweet Iola's personalized dining experiences?

• Sweet Iola's offers two private dining experiences: The Chef agrees to provide personal chef services, including meal planning, suggested wine parings, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and post-event kitchen cleanup for the Client.

  • Purposeful Joy at the Table (The Heirloom Package $120 per person + the cost of groceries) (additional upgrade fees may be applied depending on the client's service request) - The Client's best serveware, flatware, drinkware, and table coverings will be used for the special occasion.

  • Together in Unity at the Table (The Inheritance Package $170 per person + the cost of groceries) (additional upgrade fees may be applied depending on the client's service request) - The Chef will supply serveware, flatware, drinkware, chargers, napkins, table coverings, floral arrangements, accents, and table lighting.

• Sweet Iola's offers a weekly meal preparation service. The minimum order requirement is $120 + the cost of groceries. The per-serving cost is as follows: Breakfast $10, Lunch $15, and Dinner $20. The meal preparation will be completed at the Client’s home.

• Sweet Iola's offers in-person cooking lessons for one starter, entree, side, or dessert. The participants will cook during the lesson. The service pricing is $120 for two attendees and $240 for four attendees. The Client's kitchen space and appliances must be able to accommodate the requested group size. The Client will cover the cost of groceries.

3. What is the maximum size for a personalized dining experience?

• Sweet Iola's provides quality dining experiences for 2-10 people. 

4. Can the Client buy the groceries instead of the Personal Chef? 

• No, the Personal Chef will handle buying fresh ingredients to prepare meals in your home. The Client covers the cost of the groceries.

5. Can reservations be made the week of for Sweet Iola's services? 

• A minimum of 21 days is required for reservations. This will provide time for adequate planning for the event or service request and ensures the client has an amazing experience. 

6. What does Sweet Iola's need from the Client on the special event day?

• The Client agrees to provide a clean, pest-free, rodent-free, and functional kitchen with necessary equipment, including appliances, cookware, and utensils for the Chef’s use. (Note: The Chef will bring any specialty tools or equipment required for specific dishes unless otherwise agreed in advance.)

• Clean is defined as a kitchen that is ready for use with: No dirty dishes, cookware, or utensils in the sink, on the countertops, on the stove, or inside the oven. The countertops and floors should also be clean. This ensures a safe, efficient, and high-quality culinary experience.

• If the kitchen does not meet basic health code standards (i.e. no running water, no electricity, no gas for prescribed appliances) the Chef cannot provide service. This will trigger a client cancelation, and the deposit and 25% of the service fee will be forfeited.

8. How does the process work to reserve Sweet Iola's personalized cuisine experiences?

• Inquiry Request: Send an inquiry email to sweetiolas@yahoo.com. Please include your name, the type of cuisine experience you are interested in, and your best contact information so we can respond promptly. 

• Sweet Iola's Response: A Client Intake Form will be emailed directly to you within 24 hours. Please complete the form and email it back to sweetiolas@yahoo.com. 

• Verification: The Client will be contacted to verify information submitted. 

• Quote & Virtual Interview: The Client will receive a quote. Upon acceptance of the quote, a virtual interview will be conducted to view the Client's kitchen space, including all necessary equipment such as appliances, cookware, and utensils required for the Chef's use.

• Contract: The Client will receive the contract, which must be signed and returned within 3 days. The finalized contract, signed by all parties,  will be sent to the Client. 

• Deposit & Payment Schedule: A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required upon signing the Contract Agreement. Subsequent dates will be provided for the mid-point payment and full payment. 

• Pre-Experience Call: The Client will be given a 72-hour pre-experience customary call to reaffirm the location, guest count, food allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions, the functionality of the kitchen, and the requested tableside menu. 

• Special Culinary Event Day: The Chef is arriving to craft a memorable, personalized cuisine journey just for you. From the first bite to the last, expect flavors tailored to your taste and a dining experience like no other!

7. Does Sweet Iola's offer gift certificates for personalized dining experiences?

• Absolutely! A Sweet Iola’s gift certificate is a unique and thoughtful way to treat your friends or family. Give the gift of an unforgettable dining experience they’ll always remember. Choose from two options: $400 for a 2-person dining experience or $800 for a 4-person dining experience. To learn more or to purchase a gift certificate, feel free to call us or send an inquiry.