General FAQs
To get started, simply contact us through our website, by phone, or by filling out a chef quote form. We’ll then schedule a consultation to discuss our services, your preferences, any dietary restrictions, pricing, and availability to see how we can best assist you.
We offer a variety of private chef services to cater to your culinary needs. Our services include:
- In-home Weekly Meal Prep: Custom meals prepared in your home to fit your dietary preferences and schedule.
- Boutique Dinner Parties and Catering: Elegant and personalized dining experiences for special occasions and events.
- Private Chef Services: Available daily or multiple times a week, providing fresh and delicious meals tailored to your tastes.
We proudly serve clients in the Los Angeles area and surrounding regions. Please contact us for specific locations.
We specialize in a wide range of cuisines with a main focus on quality ingredients, health, and nutrition. We tailor our menus to your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
At Eats by Nicole, we pride ourselves on accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions and allergies. Whether you follow a keto, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free or other specialized diet, we tailor our menus to meet your specific needs.
We prioritize quality and freshness in every ingredient we use. Our chefs personally select ingredients from your favorite local grocers and farmers’ markets, ensuring we use in-season produce that is organic, non-GMO, and sourced sustainably. We also source grass-fed meats and wild-caught seafood to maintain our commitment to both delicious flavors and responsible food practices.
Food safety and quality are our utmost priorities. We strictly adhere to health and safety regulations governing food preparation, handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
Our chef handles all the grocery shopping to ensure the highest quality ingredients are used. We can shop at any stores you request or recommend, ensuring your preferences are always met.
Absolutely! Our chef is responsible for shopping, cooking, and cleaning. We make sure the kitchen is left spotless, just as we found it, so you can enjoy your meal without any worries.
You should have basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, olive oil, aluminum foil, parchment paper, as well as soap, dish towels, trash bags, and a broom for clean-up. Our chef will bring any specialty tools or ingredients required for your meals. We will confirm prior to the service if there are any spices you already have on hand to prevent double-buying items.
To prepare for your private chef service, please ensure your kitchen, sink, and dishwasher are clean and accessible. Clear some space in your refrigerator and pantry for the groceries, leftovers and/or meal prep. Make sure ovens, burners, and dishwasher are all in working condition. We’ll take care of the rest!
Eats by Nicole offers a unique blend of convenience and personalized service. We specialize in culinary experiences tailored to your preferences, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s for weekly meals, dinner parties, or special events, we cater to your specific dietary needs and ensure a memorable dining experience in the comfort of your own home.
In-Home Weekly Meal Prep
Our in-home weekly meal service includes personalized menu planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and kitchen cleanup. We offer three meal prep packages:
- 4X4 Standard Package: Four entree options, each with a protein and vegetable, with four portions of each entree. Totaling 16 meals.
- 3X4 Medium Package: Three entree options, each with a protein and vegetable, with four portions of each entree. Totaling 12 meals.
- 2X4 Basic Package: Two entree options, each with a protein and vegetable, with four portions of each entree. Totaling 8 meals.
The in-home weekly meal prep service typically occurs once a week, but we can customize the frequency based on your needs and preferences.
The duration of the meal prep service depends on the number of meals and complexity of the dishes. Generally, it takes up to 5 hours to complete the entire process, depending on the meal prep package size, including shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
We recommend that you have your own food storage containers. However, if you do not have any, please let us know in advance, and we will have your chef pick some up while shopping for your groceries.
Meals are stored in airtight containers and placed in your refrigerator to ensure freshness. Each container is labeled with the meal name and date to make it easy for you to enjoy your meals throughout the week.
The best meal prep package for you depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a few meals a week or a complete meal plan, we can help you choose the package that best fits your requirements. Please contact us for a consultation.
While it’s not mandatory for you to be present, we recommend being home for the initial meal service to give our chef a kitchen tour and discuss any specific preferences or instructions. If you happen to not be home, we do require access to the property at the scheduled time of service. Many clients prefer to provide us with access to their kitchen and return to a fridge full of delicious meals. However, if you prefer to be home, that is also perfectly fine.
Yes, you can split your meal prep package to be twice a week. This option is great for those who prefer fresher meals. Please note that splitting the package will incur an additional charge. Contact us to discuss this option and how it can be arranged.
The cost of groceries varies depending on the meal plan and menu, but can generally range between $100 to $300. We strive to use the best quality ingredients within your budget. Grocery costs will be billed separately from the meal prep service.
Your chef will arrive at a prearranged time that fits your schedule. We will coordinate with you to find the most convenient time for your meal prep service.
We require a 10 business days advance notification in writing of any changes to In-Home Weekly Meal service dates or cancellations. This allows for proper planning, menu development, shopping, and preparation. Cancellations made within the 10 business day period will incur a penalty of 100% of the quoted price, an administrative fee, and the cost of groceries if already purchased. Rescheduling requests must be made in writing at least 7 days in advance of the originally scheduled service date. We will make every effort to accommodate your new date, but it is subject to our availability. If the new date is available, your payment will be transferred without any additional fees. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or if you need assistance.
Dinner Parties & Catering
We offer a variety of services tailored to your dinner party and catering needs. Our dinner and catering services include:
- Family Style
- Multi-Course / Individually Plated
- Tray-Passed Hors D’oeuvres
If you have any other catering service inquiries, please email us at [email protected] with more information.
You can either choose from one of our sample menus or we can create a customized menu tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.
We accommodate intimate gatherings as well as larger parties. While there is no strict minimum, we have a flat rate for parties with guests of 6 or more. Please reach out to us for specifics regarding pricing.
Please request additional menu items or changes as early as possible. All adjustments to the menu or guest count must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled service. Changes requested within 24 hours of the service will incur an additional fee.
For family-style service, the chef will serve the plates, and then guests will serve themselves. For multi-course individually plated parties, the chef will serve the plates to each guest, with the assistance of a server as needed.
Grocery costs vary depending on the menu and the number of guests. We strive to use the best quality ingredients within your budget. An estimated grocery cost can be provided upon request. The cost of food will be billed separately, and receipts will be provided.
If your event requires additional servers and/or bartenders, we provide professional staffing services for both servers and bartenders.
Yes, we provide services on holidays. Please note that higher rates may apply for holiday bookings.
A 20% gratuity is added to all bills. If you would like to tip the chef additional cash, you are welcome to do so.
We require a 14 business day cancellation notice for all scheduled catering/dinner party services to allow for proper planning, menu development, shopping, and preparation. Cancellations within this period will incur a penalty of 100% of the quoted price, an administrative fee, and the cost of groceries if already purchased. Rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing at least 10 days before the scheduled service date. We will make every effort to accommodate your new date based on availability. If available, your payment will be transferred to the new date without additional fees. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise and strive to assist our clients as best as possible. For any questions or assistance with your booking, please contact us directly.
For dinner parties with 12 guests or fewer, your chef will arrive 3-4 hours before the service. For dinner parties exceeding 12 guests, your chef will arrive 4-6 hours prior to the service.