Home Chef FAQs

Getting Started with a Chef

getting started with a chef

Serving Tacoma to Everett & Seattle to Sammamish

Curious about hiring a personal chef but not sure where to start? You're not alone — for many of our clients, this is their first time exploring in-home chef services. Whether you're looking for help with weeknight dinners, a private dinner party, or healthy meal prep, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how personal chef services work, what to expect, and how to get started.

Hiring a Chef Near Me

After receiving your call or email with request for hiring a chef, Sahara will follow up with you to learn more about your specific needs and discuss a pricing overview. For clients wanting an in-home chef for weekly meal prep, we ask you to fill out a Food Questionnaire so we can understand your food preferences and dietary needs. Then, we choose a schedule and a chef to work with you! Your chef will arrange an in-person or virtual consultation to meet you before your first cook date and to take a preview tour of your kitchen.

A person in a white shirt and black apron takes an item from a well-stocked refrigerator while holding a notepad, showcasing impeccable hospitality etiquette.
Tacoma Personal Chef

Let's Talk About the Food

Just like our name says: Honest, good food.

Our personal chefs specialize in preparing wholesome, home-cooked meals using only fresh, whole ingredients — no shortcuts, just real food. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with herbs, spices, and seasonal ingredients to bring out rich flavors while supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Whether your tastes lean toward comfort food classics or you enjoy exploring global cuisines, your chef will create meals that align with your preferences and dietary goals. Menus focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, with room for indulgence when you want it.

From “meat and potatoes” favorites to bold, adventurous dishes, we’ve cooked it all — literally. Our recipe library includes nearly 6,000 tested recipes, giving you endless variety in your weekly menus.

Other Important Details

Honest to Goodness is fully licensed by the State to operate as a professional personal chef service. Each of our chefs is covered by general liability insurance through our corporate membership with the USPCA, giving you peace of mind every time we enter your kitchen.

Important Note: In Washington State, it is illegal to sell food prepared in a private home kitchen unless operating under approved Cottage Food Laws. At Honest to Goodness, we are fully compliant with all local health regulations. All meals are prepared in your home or in a licensed commercial kitchen, depending on the service.

Your safety and trust are our top priorities — we follow every rule so you can enjoy every bite, worry-free.

home chef faqs

Top 5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Personal Chef, as presented by Personal Chef Magazine.