Services
Mom may not be doing the cooking, but homemade meals don't have to be a thing of the past -- for families where both parents work and the children have soccer and dance lessons; for busy single professionals; for retirees who can't or no longer want to cook for themselves; for those with dietary restrictions; or for those trying to lose weight. Even those tired of waiting in line for a seat in a restaurant can come home and have a healthy, home cooked meal on the table in about 20 minutes.
You should not have to spend the second part of your stressful day cooking and cleaning. That’s why we offer customized menus, meal preparation in your home, freshest meats, produce & herbs, complete grocery shopping, and a variety of healthy menus. My service takes your lifestyle and food preferences and creates a custom menu for your approval. Once that is done I will shop, come to your home, and prepare, package and label (with heating instructions) your dinners. On each cook day you will receive a menu listing, heating instructions, nutritional values, and an invoice for your records. You will come home to the aromas of homemade cooking, a clean kitchen, and a refrigerator full of food to eat at your leisure.
About the Chef
I grew up at the apron strings of my mother and grandmother. They taught me various methods of cooking the old-fashioned way, knowledge handed down through family and pass along recipes. Through the years I have built on that knowledge and have become well versed in international and special diet cuisines.
I am the proud mother of a type 1 diabetic daughter and have a personal knowledge not only about a healty diet, but the physics on how food affects the body. With this knowledge and a wealth of recipes, I can create meal plans that not only taste good, but that are good for you. I was a guest chef for The Fresh Market through Chefs USA for 2 years. I also conduct cooking classes through the Culinary Inspiriations program.
Cooking has always been a part of my life. Through the years friends and family have asked me to cook for their parties and to provide my food as gifts for new moms or friends that have fallen ill. After relocating to Richmond and with the encouragement of family and friends, I decided to follow my passion and take their advice to “do this for a living”. I joined the United States Personal Chef Association and became a Certified Personal Chef through the Culinary Business Academy. I have been in business since May 2005 and love taking care of my clients!
frequently asked questions
How often do you come?
The beauty of the service is that it is flexible to fit your specific needs. I can come on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. I have some clients I see every 3 weeks and some that are "floaters" and call me whenever they want to arrange their next cook date.
How much food do you get?
I offer 3 service types. All of them include 5 different entrees with 3-5 sides depending on the menu.
5X2 = 5 entrees with 2 servings each plus sides (10 plates of food)
5X4 = 5 entrees with 4 servings each plus sides (20 plates of food)
5X8 = 5 entrees with 8 servings each plus sides (40 plates of food)
What if I am trying to lose weight or am on a special diet?
Before your first cook date you will complete a food questionaire which we will go over together and discuss goals, likes/dislikes, and preferences. A menu plan will be created for your approval based on that information. If you have a specific diet or recipes that need to be followed, your meal plan will accomodate those requirements.
How are prices determined?
I charge a service fee plus the cost of groceries. I will be glad to email a price sheet upon request.
Do you have other services available?
Yes! I love to cook for dinner parties and to conduct cooking classes. A one time service is also a great gift idea for a new mom or for someone on the mend.
Do you have any testimonials?
I have to tell you, the ginger, white chocolate biscotti is incredible! Do not ever make me choose between the ginger cookies and the new biscotti option. I would go crazy trying to pick a favorite. Thanks for the meals too of course. I have had an absolutely insane week and going home to a readymade, good for me dinner is still such a treat – even after 2 years of your good food. You are the best thing I have ever done for myself. Bar none! Thanks again, Love you and your service!-- JANET WINKELMAN
I've been meaning to email you to thank you for doing such a wonderful job! You even pleased my husband, "Mr. Picky", and that is quite a feat! Kent said our guests have been raving about the food this week at work.
ROBIN COX
I cannot recommend Laura (Gourmet Your Way) highly enough! I am a busy mom who owns her own business and cooking was too demanding. Laura's menus and food are excellent and delicious! She really goes out of her way to be sure your family's preferences are taken into consideration. We even use her for dinner parties which allows us to enjoy our company rather than worry about cooking or dishes. You just can't go wrong with Laura!
MACKENZIE & DAVID WEISS
I am availing chef services since 1998. I have used several chef services during this period. With that experience, I would pick Laura’s service given a choice. Her cooking is delicious. She is very open to suggestions, new items and other adjustments. She is thoughtful, and very responsible in remembering the items that may trigger migraine. She cooks while we are at work, and I am very comfortable with that arrangement. I would recommend her service in strongest possible terms.--SWATI PALIT DEB
Dinner was delicous and we thank you so much for a wonderful meal. Everyone loved everything! And the pumpkin muffins were fantastic. We look forward to having another dinner party with you! HEATHER MILLER