So, you’re hosting a special event, and you want to serve the best cuisine. Food can make the heart sing, and it’s one of those things that makes or breaks any occasion. If your food is good, your guests are happy. Deciding on what type of chef should you hire depends on the occasion.
You may be thinking of getting catering, cooking dishes yourself, or hiring a private chef. To make your decision, you’ll want to know the real differences and how they affect the vibe of your event.
What Does a Private Chef Do?
A private chef is a professional who prepares meals in your home or office kitchen. Certain chefs will even cook for you on-site at a designated location of your choosing.
A private chef can make use of the tools and ingredients you provide, but they may also come with all of their own equipment, including pots, pans, dishware, and other cooking tools. This includes a variety of specialized utensils and the like such as a garlic press or a vegetable peeler. They can even provide you with serving ware, such as plates, forks, and spoons.
The great thing about private chefs is that they can provide an experiential service and come equipped with a culinary experience.
When Should You Get Catering?
Catering services are usually handled by a team bringing in various meals and serving them either per plate or buffet-style. Because they don’t need to worry about the intricacies of how to prepare the food, they can focus on presentation and service. They can prepare and serve some of the finest meals, and you won’t need to cook a thing.
You will generally find catering services exclusively used for large parties as they serve menus that are meant to be served in shared serving sizes.
Finding the Right Hire for Every Experience
A private chef is a great option for more intimate settings. They typically cook for small groups of people and are available for in-home dinners, holiday meals, and special events. They bring the full spectrum of culinary expertise, from pre-planning to cooking and to utensil-washing.
For example, a family might hire a chef to help with holiday meals so that the family doesn’t have to cover all the basics. The chef can also create a meal for family members that are vegetarian or gluten-free. This can be an excellent option for those who want to embrace farm-to-table and have different lifestyles.
For large events, you will likely reach out to a catering service with set menus for many guests. In some cases, you can also get a private chef to cater the event. Deciding on what type of chef should you hire depends on the occasion.
Of course, you might decide to cook the meal yourself. Maybe you’re cooking for a smaller party, and you don’t need to serve an elaborate feast. This really depends on your own preferences and the time and energy you have to take on such an endeavor.
Final Thoughts
When you don’t have to do all the cooking, you’ll have more time to spend with your guests and to enjoy your own party. Even if you’re just looking to have a curated line-up of food for your home, getting the right foodservice experience can do wonders.
Food Fire + Knives provides the best chef experience and catering you can find. We can provide you with your own private chef in Asheville. Contact us today!
