How does this work?
- Call or email us. When you’ve decided what your events or needs are, and when you’ll need our services, contact us. We really appreciate potential clients who use our Contact Us form because it gives us specific information we need to create your custom plan. We will review your requests, then we’ll spend a half hour or so talking about specifics. You will receive a 30-minute free consultation. She’ll then send you an invoice for payment of the non-refundable menu-and-booking deposit.
- Custom menu and deposit. Chef Callie will create and send your custom menu after you have paid the non-refundable $250 booking fee. The menu-and-booking deposit will be applied toward your final invoice. Should you decide for any reason not to engage Chef Callie, the menu-and-booking deposit is non-refundable.
- Revisions. We are happy to make up to two additional revisions in your menu and services within two weeks or 10 business days of the original custom menu and plans. Revisions beyond two will be charged at $50 per revision. No revisions can be made within two weeks of the scheduled date.
- Schedule the date. We require you to book your date(s) a minimum of three months in advance. We may sometimes be able to accommodate short-notice events, so please do not hesitate to contact us if your time frame is less than three months.
- Pay your mandatory deposit. A $250 non-refundable menu-and-booking deposit is required before we create your custom menu. The $250 mandatory deposit will be applied as a credit toward your invoice. If for any reason you cancel your scheduled date, the $250 deposit is not refundable. We accept all credit cards. We explain our other payment policies later.
What kinds of services do you offer?
- Private chef services. We specialize in private chef services for couples, families and special events in Key West. This means we create custom menus, purchase and prepare your meals and clean up afterward. We can do one meal or every meal, cocktail hour, snacks and picnics during your time in Key West. We can provide services for one or for a wedding party. We generally cook on-site in your home or vacation home, using the facilities in the home. We provide many of our own serving pieces. Our pricing can include additional linens, seating and tables. We work with local vendors to provide rental equipment and amenities when large numbers of guests are expected. We can provide table arrangements and decorations, again working with local vendors. We also work closely with UVA of Key West to pair perfect wine selections with your menus. Please don’t hesitate to request additional services. If we can do them, we will.
- Provisioning. We encourage visitors to Key West to start their holidays with a fully stocked kitchen and bathroom. There’s nothing much more disheartening than opening the door to your vacation home — and then heading straight to the grocery store for food, spirits and necessities. Provisions of Key West will help you prepare a complete list of first-day or first-week needs and we’ll make sure they are in your home and safely put away. We can provide a master grocery and provisions list at your request. We can even create a welcome-to-Key-West happy hour awaiting your arrival.
What can I expect on the day of my services?
We will arrive at least an hour before your scheduled event to begin the cooking, preparation and set-up. It will be a busy time as we get everything ready. We recommend that you, your family and guests find some wonderful Key West adventure to enjoy while we do the work. But if you want to follow along and enjoy the cooking, please feel free to sit at the counter and have fun with us. Depending on the size of your group and the menu and services you’ve requested, there may be several assistants in addition to Chef Callie.
What does my investment include?
Your final investment in personal chef services includes a combination of the following:
- The services of Chef Callie
- The services of her assistants
- The purchase and preparation of all food, wine, beverages and spirits, as outlined in the custom menu and plans
- Amenities such as table arrangements, additional seating and tables, special request items
- A 22 percent service charge on the total invoice. Parties of 10 or more are charged 25 percent.
- The mandatory, non-refundable $250 menu-and-booking deposit. The deposit will be credited toward your final invoice.
When and how do I pay?
We require the estimated invoice to be paid in full three months prior to your scheduled date. Any additional costs incurred will be charged to the credit card on file at the completion of the event. We accept credit cards. If you cancel your booking and we are unable to re-book the date, you will forfeit all payments in addition to the $250 non-refundable menu-and-booking deposit.
Am I supposed to tip the staff?
Gratuities to the staff are always appreciated. You may make them to each staffer personally or you may ask us to include them on the final invoice. If you prefer the invoice method, gratuities will be split equally among the service staff.
If you have additional questions, please let Chef Callie know. She’s been providing private chef services and provisioning for years. She will be happy to walk you through the details.