How it works

Text Box: How does it work? We meet and discuss your food preferences, allergies, and goals for the service. I provide you with some sample menu items so you can get a feel for the kinds of things I like to make, and for you to let me know which items are most appealing. From there, I develop custom menus just for you. Typically I do dinner entrees, but if you need breakfast or lunch dishes, we can work out a package that meets your needs. How do the fees work? I charge a service fee that includes my planning, shopping, prep and clean-up time. In addition to my fee, you reimburse me the cost of any ingredients and supplies. Can you cook at your house and deliver it? Not if I want to stay on the health department’s good side—and I do. I shop for the freshest ingredients and bring my own equipment to your house or location on the agreed upon date. All food has to be prepared at your location—you need to have a working stove/oven and space in the frig and freezer for your food. I prepare everything, cool and package, provide instructions for heating, and clean up after myself. Do I come every day? No. I work in packages. A package consists of a selected number of entrees (3, 4, or 5), prepared at the same visit in multiple servings of each. These are packaged to suit your family and paired with appropriate sides. So if you select the 5 entrée package, for example, you would be getting a total at least 20 servings of the meals, sometimes more depending on menu and appetite. (example: Meatloaf - 4 servings, Chicken Dish—4 servings, pork dish—4 servings, pasta dish—4 servings, Chili—4 servings = Total of 20 meals). Confused? Call me and I will talk you through it. Depending on your family size and needs, I may come every other week, every 3 weeks, or monthly. No one is home during the day. You don’t need to be home when I cook; most clients aren’t. I am fully insured and have restaurant food safety training. Can you afford to have a personal chef? Take into consideration how much you are spending on restaurant take-out meals, prepared foods from markets and restaurants, the wasted groceries you bought but never had time to cook, and what your leisure time is worth to you. My regular clients value the service because they care deeply about the ingredients that go into their meals, and for some of them their health truly depends on not having the ingredients present in many prepared meals. Do you have gift certificates? Gift certificates are always welcomed, and are some of my most enjoyable cooking days (and you can always drop hints that you’d really enjoy a personal chef experience as a gift). How does it work for parties? First, I try not to bite off more than I can chew, so to speak. 75 guests or less please. Most people prefer buffet type service, and I have plenty of serving pieces you can use. Beverages and rentals I typically defer to you. Depending on the size of your event and number of guests, I may need to start prep a day in advance. For buffet service, I set up and maintain the buffet. Plated, seated service, and larger parties may require that I bring assistants to help serve and clean. Party clean-up is part of the package unless you elect to have to food prepped in advance for you to heat. Can you accommodate my guests with special dietary needs? Menus are custom planned and priced based on your event. Unlike most catering companies, I am completely flexible in catering to your guests special dietary needs and requirements. Need gluten-free? No problem. A vegan meal? No problem. It’s all part of the customized and personal service provided by personal chefs. Can you send me your standard party menus? Unlike caterers, I am buying most of your ingredients retail and specifically for your event. Caterers have licensed kitchens and the space to store wholesale ingredients for multiple events. They also have pretty standard menus that they are able to price accordingly. I am happy to discuss your event and give you a ball-park price. Once we’ve agreed on a menu, I can price it more it accurately. And sorry, I do not do weddings. Should I hire a personal chef or a caterer? On-site prep is required, so you really need to consider if you have an appropriate kitchen set-up and the refrigerator space to hold the food for the size of the event you are planning. I can work with you to plan a workable menu in most cases. If you are looking for a unique experience for your guests, with a one of kind menu, a personal chef can make the event extra special. Call me at 330-571-8214 and we can discuss your event in more detail.

Personal Chef Service Ohio Akron, Bath, Fairlawn, Copley, Medina, Wadsworth, Brecksville, Jackson, Summit, Portage, Medina and Stark Counties

Tamara Mitchell, Personal Chef

(330) 571-8214

DineInDiva@neo.rr.com

Akron, Ohio

What are clients saying about Dine-In Diva?

“Everything is absolutely wonderful… we’re going to gain 50 pounds each! It’s all got just the right amount of surprising seasonings, not too heavy or overdone like many restaurant meals. We’re actually eating in the dining room again (the kitchen table just doesn’t do your meals justice). The salmon was outstanding, so incredibly fresh. The pistachio crust was light and flavorful, and that cream sauce...OH MY GOD! (we can’t describe it without capital letters).

We are truly grateful for all the time you spent with us getting the menus and recipes just right. We feel completely spoiled!

Warm regards,

C&M

“The best part—we can come home from work and a homemade gourmet dinner is already prepared. Within a short time the salad is dressed, the entrees and sides are heated, and we can sit down to a relaxing, delicious meal. Dine-In Diva might just become our new best friend!”

—The Krafts

“Dine in Diva is both a pleasure and a privilege. Ms. Mitchell provides knowledge, superior standards, and the finest fresh ingredients to meet any client’s needs and expectations.

Ms. Mitchell guided us through the entire event from menu to place settings, to flower selection. Dine in Diva is as indulgent as her name implies. Kudos to Ms. Mitchell. Relax and enjoy the magic of “Diva” catering unfold.”

—Paula Millar

“I just pulled off the smoothest, most outstanding graduation party for 100 guests. Tami Mitchell made it all happen. From menu planning (yes, I changed the menu 10 times...no problem), to food prep, presentation, and clean up (I ended the evening with a sparkling clean kitchen), Tami had it all covered. I actually got to talk with my guests and puff out my chest when they raved about the food and how nice everything looked.”

—Becky Dyer

“Tami—Thank you for the enjoyable evening, dinner was wonderful. It was nice to be waited on in our own home. The salmon was very fresh and done to perfection and the sides were tasty choices. We also wanted to let you know that the dessert was very yummy. Great time!!

-Kurt & Cindy

Call today for more Info: (330)-571-8214, Tamara Mitchell

E-Mail: dineindiva@neo.rr.com (please provide phone # when emailing)

Making Buffalo Chili at the Farmer's Market