How To Become A Personal Chef

Tired of the many hours of sweating in a commercial kitchen and ready to learn how to become a personal chef? The reality is no matter what your position, working as a chef is hard. Leaving the overwhelming environment to run your own program as a personal chef could be the answer. Read on and find out what it takes to become a personal chef.

1. Perform a self assessment. Working in a commercial kitchen can be back breaking but being a personal chef is no cakewalk either. It takes a few additional personality and character traits to work in clients homes as a personal chef. You must be trustworthy, clean, have a respect for personal property, an attention to detail and be open to the homeowners expectations. On top of all of that you must have the ability to persevere until you have enough clients to make a go of it full time.
2. Consider a former culinary education. While it is not absolutely necessary to have a culinary degree, an understanding of food is paramount. Formal training can help you get your foot in the door for higher paying clientele. An accredited college culinary program will do wonders for your resume, and help you gain entrance into professional associations catering to personal chefs. If that route is too pricey, you can always take a few gourmet classes at night. It is also a good idea to earn your food safety certification somewhere along the way.
3. Learn the business end. If you plan on being successful in any business you must create a business plan. And have no doubt, being a personal chef is a full time business. Not only will you need a solid plan to market your business and keep track of financial you will need a handle on important business planning forms on a daily and monthly basis. Learn to create budget worksheets, income and expense forms in addition to client worksheets, equipment checklists, and efficient menu planning worksheets.
4. Expand your repertoire. In order to become a personal chef you have to do more than make delicious entrees. You have to know how to make desserts, bake, prepare fresh soups and inventive salads. Anything and everything a client may want during the course of a day you should be able to fix, and fix well. You must also have menu plans for people with special needs like diabetics, the elderly, vegetarians and infants. So, take a few courses or read a few books to brush up on special dietary needs.
5. Be flexible. As a personal chef your schedule will change drastically. You will often have to plan your day around the families schedules you serve. You may also have to relocate to take advantage of the most opportunities. The good news is people who can afford a personal chef service often live in some amazing places.