Personal Chef Services
You set the pace. We can cook for you frequently or occasionally, for a short period or a longer one, just a few times while you recover from having a baby, or after an injury or hospital stay, or once a week while you are a tourist in our town — it’s completely up to you! Whatever frequency and duration you choose, having your own personal chef will help you take the work out of eating well!Your personal chef will work with you to plan your menu, then she will take care of the shopping, bring the groceries to your house, prepare your menu and clean up afterwards. We provide delectable dishes to you and your family, using only the finest ingredients – freeing up your time to tend to other priorities.
Your personal chef arrives at your door with the groceries required for the recipes you have chosen from our menu. Once your personal chef has finished filling your house with tempting aromas, the food you have ordered is packaged, labeled and refrigerated or frozen to your specifications, and ready to go whenever you are. Simply pop a pre-made dish into the oven to bake or re-heat, et voila!”
Testimonials
Chef Laura Heaven
“To my dear hard working Victoria friends. I wish only the best for you, and therefore I must share this little experience with you. A few months ago a friend sent me the link to ''yet another one coupon a day thing'' but this one was rather more interesting to me because of it's nature, called Ethical Deal, with a focus on environmentally responsible companies. One day came a deal to have a whole foods personal chef cook for you...hummm... food being high on my interest list I dug further into the deal, to find out who is this Chef Laura. When I read what she was about I instantly decided that I wanted to meet her, and have her cook for me. As you know I like cooking and don't mind it but getting a break once in a while is also nice...for me though it means the option of buying ready made food...yuk...or restaurants...$$$...so knowing that I would get a break and yet eat healthy and tasty food was also one of the reason that I went ahead with this adventure....I bought the coupon and set it aside.
First I thought that I would have Chef Laura come on a day that I was off work, and that I could accompany her and question her etc....get some tricks and have fun. Well...I couldn't be home the day she cooked. Turns out, I did not need to be home while she cooked and cleaned from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Did I mention the divine smells that enveloped me when I opened the door on both occasions? It was all a bit surreal for me...I left home in the morning with an empty fridge and came home after work to a full fridge AND freezer. My only regret with this experience is that I didn't discover it sooner...she would have visited my house on a few occasion and that's a sure thing. I was wondering about the portion size because as you know I have been known to eat my share and then some...well I'm not kidding you the portions are VERY respectable...one of my choice that was a 4 portions has actually turned into 6 because the portions are so generous...bonus. Everything is tasty and I believe that she adapts to any diet that you have... gluten free... etc.
SO my dear friends...next time you're thinking of treating yourself to a couple of spa treatments to relax...THINK AGAIN...I haven't cooked since Chef Laura came on June 2nd and my freezer is still loaded...ha ha ha...I have tasted all the meals and YES...I have died and gone to Chef Laura's heaven. What does heaven tastes like...well...Lamb Moussaka, Roasted Yam& Black bean quesadillas with salsa and guacamole, Bison & vegetable Stew, Coconut curry chicken & chickpeas, spinach & broccoli stew, Red-bell pepper cornbread & lentil pappadums... nothing less. Happy cooking to you all...I'm on a serious break” Cheers, Manon, 2011
“Hi Chef Laura! Just a quick note to thank you for all of the wonderful salads and entrees you prepared for us. Once again, absolutely everything is delicious!Take care.” Jennifer T., December 2011
“We had the first of the meals you cooked for us today, Chef Laura - delicious, as always. Thanks for always being available to help us out when we need it most. Whether we have new babies or just busy holiday schedules to contend with, I'm so happy to know that with your meals, we can still feel good about what we're eating, stay healthy, and maintain our values on local and organic food. It's also great to save time on grocery shopping and post-dinner clean-up, and just not having to think about what I'm going to make for dinner (or where we'll have to order less-healthy take-out from). It's such a wonderful service for busy families when things start to get overwhelming, which seems to be a few times a year, for us!” Alicen C., 2011, regular client
“Thanks so much, Laura. Everything looks great, and the butter chicken was fantastic last night (and again today!). I can't wait to try the rest. I have already thanked Alicen (another Good For You Gourmet client), profusely for recommending you to me! The pappadums were awesome, too - I'm so happy to have found another gluten-free bread alternative! Thanks again!” Heather R., Ethical Deal client, October 2011
“Hello Chef Laura! Wow! What a treat to come home to a freezer full of delicious food J Scott and I have enjoyed absolutely everything...the only thing we haven’t had the chance to try yet is the pizza, but that is on the dinner menu tonight! Thanks for sending along our master menu, I’ll be sure to send you our choices in advance of our next service date.” Jennifer, September 2011
“I am really enjoying having all this great food all ready to go. It is also motivating to keep it up because I already feel trimmer and better eating such nourishing food. Bob really likes having it too. So far he has liked the Bison Moussaka the best and that is what we are eating for dinner tonight. It has been great for me because it has just been the push I needed to get back into only putting high quality fuel in my body and I am feeling much more aware of what we are ingesting (and choosy, which is a good thing). Thanks again for all your help.” Natasha, December 2010
“As the end of my maternity leave grew closer, I worried how my family would cope with my going back to work. I was plagued by ’what's for dinner?’ anxiety, and wondered how I would be able to spend quality time with my son while trying to cook dinner every day. Chef Laura's services were exactly what we needed to ease this transition. A well-stocked freezer of lovingly prepared, delicious and nutritious food put my mind at ease that at the end of the day my family would always be well fed.“ Crystal & Ryan, and Liam, November 2010
“As a busy individual with a lot on the go, I appreciated how quickly Chef Laura was able to accommodate my cooking request - within a week of contacting her I had a fridge and freezer full of ready-to-eat food. Laura worked to develop a menu plan that addressed both my vegan dietary choice and individual food preferences. While all the dishes were delicious, the kichadi is beyond amazing, and I will be requesting it again! Laura provided a fantastic timely service that delivered excellent vegan food, great convenience and flexibility, and a tidy kitchen to boot.” Dannica S., October 2010
“OMG, dinner was so delicious! We can't wait to try the other dishes. Liam, (our one year old), enjoyed it too - he couldn't get the chicken in his mouth fast enough! :-P Thanks again, this is going to make the transition back to work so much easier.” Crystal & Ryan, and Liam, September 2010
“Your service was prompt, delicious and very convenient. Thanks. When I get back, we will schedule your next visit.” Kim F., September 2010
“Laura, thank you so much for coming to our home and cooking for us. Everything you made is divinely delicious!! We’re looking forward to having you come and cook for us again. I’ll be in touch once we are close to finishing all the yummy things you’ve made. Thank you again.” Kathy K, October 2008
“Thanks for cooking for us. I had the moussaka tonight and it was delicious. I am so relieved to know we will be eating well over the next few weeks … with much affection and appreciation.” Deb Morse, Event Director, Organic Islands Festival, Summer 2006
“Hi Laura, Jeremy and I were just saying to each other that the day that you cook is the best day in the month because we can't wait to sample everything. We love everything again this time, of course. See you on the 29th.” Crystal
“Morning Lovely Laura. Well we had our Xmas dinner last night and it was so delicious! The Turkey was great! I cooked it on convection for 3 hours and it was moist and perfect. Where did you get it?? The rest of the food was so yummy! Phil and I sooooo appreciated you coming on Xmas eve through lousy weather parking your car a mile away and hiking down to the house!! You are going to make all your dreams manifest Laura with such a great attitude and hard work ethic!! I will be back in touch after first week of Jan to talk of our new plan to cook together! I hope Mexico can manifest!!” Namaste, Cindy....Thank you so much for the lovely gifts!! December 2008
“Your service was prompt, delicious and very convenient. Thanks. When I get back, we will schedule your next visit.” Kim F., September 2010
Let’s Get Started!
Select one of our service packages listed below, or have us create a custom package for you. We offer a free telephone assessment, followed by an in-home consultation, during which your personal chef will meet with your family, take note of any food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements you may have, and assess your kitchen appliances, cookware and facilities.
There is a $75, non-refundable fee for the in-home consultation and a one-time, $200 grocery deposit, which will be credited to your last invoice. When you are ready to set up your service, just give us a call at 250-721-5961 or email Laura.
Service Packages
Each service package has a set fee, and grocery costs vary based on the menu you select. For each service, your personal chef purchases groceries fresh, and your menu is prepared in your home. The service fee is invoiced, and the grocery costs are reimbursed and paid on the same day you receive the service.
You may choose from the following service packages, or you may create a customized service to suit your individual preferences.
Try on a Personal Chef Service
Inspired by the well received promotion we offered through Ethical Deal this past Spring, we are offering a new service, available for first time clients. We know that while trying something is exciting, it may also seem risky. We take the fear factor out of making a big commitment with this package that features three days of fresh entrees. Have Chef Laura make a few meals for you and your family, and see how you enjoy the greater ease at meal times. Four servings each of three main entree items from our Seasonal Special menu. Add your own side salad or veggie plate for a complete, healthy dinner. What a great way to bring ease back into your meal times, or those of your friends and family. Also makes the perfect group gift buy for the new parents and young families on your list.
Tasty Trio, $159 + HST, plus variable grocery costs $80-85, based on menu chosen
Greater Ease at Mealtimes
Introducing two new personal chef service options especially designed for curious, busy folks looking for ways to take the work out of providing health-supporting whole foods meals for themselves and their families. Try on one of our personal chef service seasonal specials and experience greater ease at mealtimes. Also available in gift certificate format. Get together with some friends and gift this to the new parents or young families.
Tasty Trio, $249 + HST, includes grocery costs
Eight servings each of three main entree items from our Seasonal Special menu. Add your own side salad or veggie plate for a complete, healthy dinner. This is 24 wholesome, natural meals for just over $10 per serving: a great deal!
Fabulous Four, $299 + HST, includes grocery costs
Eight servings each of any four main entree items from our Seasonal Special menu. Clients simply heat and serve with their own seasonal side of veggies or salad, and dinner is done! Another great deal providing 32 whole foods entrees at less than $12 per serving.
Singles, Doubles & Seniors Service
FEE: $259 plus groceries ($200–225 on average)
This service provides sixteen portions each of three main entrées for your meals, taking the work out of eating well, while still allowing you some involvement as you make your own side salad, vegetable, bread or starch dish. Simply thaw and reheat the entrée, and enjoy!
Choose any 3 entrées from our menu of casseroles, soups or stews, and we will prepare 16 servings of each, for a total of 48 single serving entrées. We package, label and refrigerate or freeze these items, according to your preferences.
Friends & Family Service
FEE: $299 plus groceries ($250–275 on average)
For the busy family with no time to shop, select any three recipes from our menu of entrees, casseroles or soups, and we will prepare 16 servings of each, for a total of 48 servings. PLUS, our chef prepares 6–12 servings of any greens or grain-based salad from our menu, along with one of our fresh, homemade dressings. Also enjoy 16 servings of any dessert from our menu, and a loaf of Wildfire bread. This sets up a family of 3–5 people for 4–5 days of fresh, four or five course meals, PLUS stocks up the freezer for another two weeks worth of meals. We package, label and refrigerate or freeze these items according to your preferences.
Meals in Minutes Service
FEE: $289 plus groceries ($225–250 on average)
For those with busy schedules, this service provides a greater variety of wholesome entrées to have on hand, for quick and easy heat & eat meals in minutes! Choose any 4 entrées, casseroles, soups or stews from our menu, and we will prepare 12 servings of each, for a total of 48 servings, ready when you are. PLUS, enjoy 6–12 servings of fresh, seasonal grain or green salad with fresh salad dressing.
Soups, Stews & Sauces Service
FEE: $359 plus groceries ($275–300 on average)
For those with busy schedules yet still want to have a hand in putting dinner together, this service provides a greater variety of wholesome entrée options on hand, for quick and easy heat & eat meals in minutes! Choose any 5 Soups, Stews or Sauces from our menu, and we will prepare 12 servings of each, for a total of 60 servings, ready when you are.
This service option takes the work out of eating well by making wholesome Soups, Stews and Sauces options readily available, made specifically to clients preferences, (great for allergy diets, or those with special spicing and food preferences, etc.), while allowing client to still participate daily in making up their own complementary fresh salad, or side pasta or whole grain.
Customized Service
Do you have your own ideas about how you would like your service to look? No problem! We offer the option of creating your own customized service, where you can design a package to suit your vision and budget. We can take care of all your mealtime requirements (breakfast, lunch and dinner), so you barely need to lift a finger.
For families with special dietary needs, such as gluten or lactose intolerance, we will work with you to create a customized service. Fees for custom services vary based on requirements to provide the service. Grocery costs will vary for each service, and are reimbursed on day of service, in addition to the service fee.