Why do I want or need a Personal Chef?

Well, you're browsing this site, so you must have your reasons. Maybe you don't have time to cook in the evenings. Maybe you just don't want to--too tired, or you'd like to devote your time to other things. Fast food is not an option for you. Firemelon Chef Services provide a way to enjoy wonderful, healthful gourmet food fast and without going out.

Why FireMelon?

Simply put, it's the best. You won't find a better personal chef service out there. The proof is in the product, folks. Most personal chef services are people that work from a database of recipes. I do too, MY database of recipes. Firemelon's dishes are unique, tried and true in the field of the real world. I've been doing this a long time, and I bring years of culinary experience to you. I will create anything you desire, and if it's the straight traditional, meat and potatoes kind of thing, you got it...but don't expect it from my menus. With Firemelon, you get a real chef. With a real history. And a world of knowledge and adaptability. I have cooked countless dishes in commercial kitchens, and am testing new recipes every day. One of my greatest pleasures is when clients ask me: So, what's new?

How much is this going to cost me?

Not nearly as much as you'd think. And before we get into it, let me just put this on the table first. Not only is Firemelon the best, hands down, we're also affordable. Now, in this day and age, why on Earth would we want to do that? That's easy. Because what comes around goes around. Firemelon wants all of our clients to feel like they've got the best service for the best deal. We want to build relationships that last. We want to build relationships with your friends that last. Check the Personal Chef Services page in this site for our package options and prices. Then do some comparison shopping. Ask questions. Then call us for an initial meeting.

How does a personal chef service work?

Well, we can tell you how Firemelon works, and it operates in much the same way as a traditional chef service (if you've already looked into the industry). We take a no nonsense approach to this biz. In a way that makes more sense to all of us. First you'll browse this site, brochure, or menus and get an idea of what kind of package and what kind of entrees you'd like. How many people will we be cooking for? What are their food preferences? Then, you'll call firemelon and we'll arrange for a meeting with your personal chef. And, we can do this anywhere, by the way. In your home, over coffee at your favorite neighborhood coffee shop, etc. Whatever's most comfortable for you. We will discuss the packages and estimate food costs. You pay for the food and the service. The service will be a flat rate based on the number of entrees you order.

We will show up at your home at the predesignated time to prepare the food, with all necessary cooking utensils, cookware, and storage materials. You don't have to provide a thing, but a kitchen and we'll take care of the rest. And, we cater to how you want this service to work. If you want us to get in, get 'er done, and get out...you got it. If you want to drop in and ask questions...we encourage it. There are no secrets here. If you want to know exactly how to prepare these meals we prepare for you, that is fine with us. 

Your dishes will then be packaged by serving and refrigerated or frozen until you are ready to enjoy them. The chef will be in your home between 3-5 hours tops, and will leave your kitchen clean and shining. All that will be left will be the aroma of the freshly prepared dishes you ordered.

We will leave reheating instructions for you. Most entrees can be reheated in the microwave. Some may require 10 minutes or so in the oven. Regardless, we'll leave total and simple instructions on reheating, and minimize the work for you.

Why do I have to pay for the food when I am already paying for the service?

For many reasons, all of which are beneficial to you--the client. Firemelon is a customer service based company and all policies are open book. First of all, let's look at the savings. When you dine out, naturally, some dishes are more expensive than others. Tenderloin is more expensive than chicken breast. Rather than upcharge you an arm and a leg for the finished product of the more expensive dish, you'll just pay for the raw product at cost. And all our entrees cost the same. The chef is only paid for his service. You save money. We must be crazy. Yeah, we'll see...

Secondly, if we were to buy the food, prepare it and charge you for the preparation of the food rather than just for a service, you have to pay sales tax on the service. We are not a prepared foods business. In order for a prepared foods enterprise (restaurants) to be profitable, they have to buy from vendors in bulk. If we never deal with a food vending company for the rest of our lives it would be too soon. Product is inconsistent, often inferior, and simply a crap shoot as to whether it's going to be up to your standards. WE shop for YOUR food. We hand select each ingredient from the best possible stock. We know where to get the best meat. Where to get the best vegetables. Where to get specialty items. And we also know who's got the best price for the best quality. This is simply the best way to do it, folks. No doubt about it.

There are no hidden fees and food costs are estimated up front. It's going to run around 25-35% of the service cost for whatever package you select, just to give you a ballpark on what the final invoice will be.

Where will you get my food?

At the usual consumer venues. Grocery stores, like Tom Thumb or Kroger for staples. For Specialty items, we got Whole Foods, which Firemelon prefers for specialty items, Central Market, Wild Oats, etc. Because this is your food, we can shop your preference of vendors, if any. There is also a wealth of ethnic groceries in Dallas, due to our diverse culture, that are simply wonderful to procure those exotic and unique products that no one else carries, and we make the effort to shop local businesses whenever possible.

Why cook in my kitchen versus a centralized location?

Because we are a service, the service has to be performed on your turf. Otherwise, we are a prepared foods business. This has many advantages to you. First, you know that your food is prepared fresh and frozen fresh. There are no "shelf lives" or "expiration dates". Safe and thorough reheating instructions are left for you. All of this makes entertaining and/or eating well a snap.

Also, this is a fun business, with a fun relationship between chef and client. Some clients like to hang out and learn about the food the chef is preparing. We encourage questions, and have no "secrets". We are happy to tell you whatever you want to know about food and cheffing.

And, please know this: your chef will leave your kitchen cleaner than he found it.

How will my food be packaged?

FireMelon is a premium service without the premium charge. I do not charge my clients for storageware. Not only that, but I use a more expensive, double sealed, freezer safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe set of storageware which I will purchase before our first cooking date. You will need to have refrigerator and freezer space available for the containers. Each container will be labelled and detailed reheating instructions will be provided (as well as nutritonal analysis if you so choose).

I go beyond what most personal chefs provide in this area because, well, I can, and I believe the extra care shows in the service. I know that after you've used FireMelon as your personal chef service that you won't be satisfied with anyone else. i'm not satisfied with an average performance and neither should you be.

'Nuff said...