Services
Hey, you made it!
Welcome to the world of Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service.
Since you're reading this, it tells me a few things.
First, you're into all things culinary. You probably like watching the Food Network. You probably like to go out to restaurants.
Second, you're interested in starting a conversation about food. Maybe you want to talk about farmer's markets. Maybe you want to talk about the latest kitchen gadgets. You might even be curious what a personal chef is and what this kind of service can do for you.
Third, you're so busy that you're missing out having dinner with your family - you're missing that special connection which only happens at the dinner table.
Look, we live in an accelerated world and everyone wants a piece of your precious time. The problem is there's only so much time in a day.
Don't you think you have better things to do than work hard, only to come home and slave over a hot stove, followed by the drudgery of doing dishes?
That's not fun. That's not living.
Let me give you back what you need most - time.
Time with your family. Time for yourself. Time to relax and enjoy your life.
What do I do?
My name is Aaron Taylor and I'm the executive chef for Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service. I help you answer the question 'what's for dinner?'
This is how it works - you call me and we talk about your menu. I find out what you like. I go shopping. I bring my own stuff and cook for you. I clean up. I go away. You get healthy, delicious, prepared meals for the next week or two.
I offer a customized level of service for all my clients. It doesn't matter if you are a single, busy professional who craves comfort food, a family of six with no time to cook, or a couple who want a truly unique culinary experience, we can sit down and design the perfect menu.
As for me? I get to do what I love - play in the kitchen!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Chef Aaron Taylor
Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service
"What are you doing for dinner?"
780-218-9665
You can also check out my blog, The Itinerant Epicurean, for more frequent updates on what's happening at Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service.
The address is: itinerantepicurean.blogspot.com/
Please note: This page doesn't support hyperlinks - either cut-and-paste the location or type it in to your address bar. FYI - In order to spend more in the kitchen, I only check my e-mail and voice mail twice per day, at noon and around 4:00 p.m. MST. Your inquiries are very important to me and I will endeavour to return your message within 24 hours. Thanks.
About the Chef
Chef Aaron Taylor has more than 20-years experience in the hospitality industry. He tried to get out (really, he did), but after brief forays into other career paths, including community journalism, he realized his true calling in life would have to involve food. His culinary experience includes catering, full-service hotels and restaurants.
"Food is my passion," says Aaron. "Food is more than just satisfying hunger. It's about starting a conversation and connecting with family and friends. Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service is my way of sharing that passion and enthusiasm and helping guests recapture what we all need in a Web 2.0 world - time to slow down, get off the treadmill and enjoy our lives."
In his pursuit of culinary excellence, Chef Aaron is pleased to announce he has completed his Red Seal certification and is now a certified journeyman cook with credentials recognized across Canada.
frequently asked questions
What is a Personal Chef Service?
A personal chef service answers the question 'what's for dinner?' You consult with the chef on your likes and dislikes and together, design a menu. A cooking date is then arranged and Chef Aaron comes to your house and prepares the menu. He does the shopping and brings his own tools, cooks, cleans-up and goes home. He leaves heating instructions and nutritional information along with delicious, nutritious meals. When you are done, the larder is empty, the cupboard is bare and you give him another call.
Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service also offers the convenience of several a la carte services, including:
- Menu planning and grocery shopping - Sometimes it's just a matter of finding those few minutes to actually get to the grocery store. Gourmet On Demand can help.
- Entertainment cooking - This is pretty cool! The Chef not only provides the meal but is also the entertainment for the evening, complete with live action stations, like a pasta bar or a tasting menu. Please contact Chef Aaron for details or to discuss your concept.
- Cooking classes and demonstrations - Like Thai? Feel Mexican? Want to learn how to make the perfect sauce? If you're looking for something different, this is it. Learn to love to cook!
What if I am trying to lose weight or on a special diet?
Chef Aaron is very clear on this subject - "I don't like diets! Unless your doctor has told you to go on one, a personal chef isn't right for you. I have learned this from experience and from testimonials of other personal chefs. However, if there are some specific dietary issues you live with, like being diabetic, have food sensitivities or you are a celiac, I can tailor a menu to match specific dietary requirements."
Please contact Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service for details.
What areas do you service?
Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service is currently available in the greater Edmonton area, including Edmonton, Beaumont, Sherwood Park, Devon, Leduc, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Morinville, Ft. Saskatchewan and St. Albert.
(However, we have it on good authority if you give him a plane ticket, Chef Aaron will travel, especially to any place that hasn't heard of snow, like Mexico or the Caribbean.)
How are prices determined?
Every menu, every guest experience is unique. One person won't eat anything that isn't organic, another won't eat anything but casseroles, meatloaf and mac & cheese. One person likes Kobe beef with truffle-infused au jus, another likes pizza, lasagna and spaghetti & meatballs.
There's something else to consider too - availability. Food fluctuates in price and sometimes isn't available. If it is and it isn't in season, it may not be the best quality.
So instead of having a fixed cost for, say, a dinner for four, Gourmet On Demand has adopted a new pricing strategy:
All personal chef service menus are based on a $225 service charge plus the cost of food.
All other services, including personal appearances, cooking classes and in-home dinner parties, are negotiated based on an individualized service fee, cost of food and particular service requirements.
All prices are based on the menu preferences of our clients and will vary according to choice of ingredients and entree selection. A one-time container fee of $50 will also be applied. Please contact Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service for a FREE consultation.
Do you source your food locally?
As much as possible. Chef Aaron is always interested in talking to local producers, whether it's at one of the local farmer's markets or at the farm gate. He's currently developing a new tasting menu reflecting the flavours and products found in the Greater Edmonton Area. If you are a local producer of know of someone who is, let the Chef know!
Do you have any menus I can look at?
Chef Aaron is writing new menus specifically for his blog. Please visit us at itinerantepicurean.blogspot.com/ (Seriously, when he gets it posted, check out his Tapas tasting menu!)
Chef Aaron is currently researching an appropriate creative commons license for his recipes. Basically, what that means is you can use his recipes, pass them on, post them online, mail them to your mom, pretty much do anything you like with them except profit from their use or claim them as your own!
But, won't that jeopardize your service? If I can use your recipes, then why do I need you?
Not at all. You hire Gourmet On Demand Personal Chef Service because you need help in the kitchen.