Let’s imagine you want to take a dozen friends out for dinner at your favorite restaurant - how much will that set you back financially? Well there’s now an alternative in that you can hire a chef (with or without a back-up team of kitchen help) to provide the gourmet experience in your own home. The private chef does all the grocery shopping for the meal and once he’s departed the left-overs are in the freezer and your kitchen is spotlessly clean.

You’re providing the wine and drinks ( so saving a small fortune there alone as - mark-ups on alcahol in top restaurants are notoriously high) and have the pleasure and security of entertaining in your own home - no second sittings, no snotty Maitre D’ and no annoying people at the next table.

Dining at home has become more and more popular and hiring a private chef to prepare the meal makes sound sense.

The other side of the personal chef issue is for those that can afford to retain a private chef on a full-time basis it has never been easier. Many of the most famous chefs in the world supplement their income by providing a private service for select clients on an ad hoc basis but many well trained chefs are now finding that they can be better remunerated for working in the domestic service field as opposed to the high pressure world of restaurants and hotels.

The secret is to either specialise in one particular style of cooking, be it geographically specific or by providing a specific type of cooking - low fat, fusion or any other. But, conversely, the chefs who have little trouble in finding employment are those that can turn their hand to any style of cooking and any type of menu (but have their own specialities too).

A good chef in the private service field will have a portfolio of menus to fit every occasion. One drawback is however that there can be no room for kitchens tantrums in the domestic kitchen! No Gordon Ramsays here, no matter how brilliant. Diplomacy and tact are paramount as much as the preparation of wonderful food for the client.

Are you seeking a personal chef position?

The first step is to post your details on our database of Domestic Staff professionals here on the Butler Bureau site.

It is a totally free service for domestic staff employees seeking positions worlwide. You can attach a photo and your current C.V. and it’s all in confidence.