Custom Creations

Serves Portsmouth, VA

35244

Hired 55 times

1 employee

24 years in business

$70/person

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mon 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Tues 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Wed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Thurs 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Laura Guagliano
Completed on 9/25/2023

Introduction

My personal chef services provide an elegant and easy way to entertain in your own home. Whether it is for a special occasion or a dinner party for friends, I will design and prepare the menu you are dreaming of. I am professional, quick to respond to clients and easy to work with and best of all I handle all aspects of your event including spotless clean up. The best part of my job is working directly with the client to make their vision a reality. Taking the pressure off the host so they can enjoy their event as their guests do. There is no better reward than that of a job well done and happy clients.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My pricing is based on a per person price and is dependent upon the menu chosen, however, the range is $65 per person for a basic three course with pasta as the entree to $95 per person for 4 or 5 course dinners with hors d'ouerves. Prices for cocktail parties and lunch events generally run $40-$50 per person. There is a $450 minimum per event. Generally I do event for a minimum or 6 guests to allow for a reasonable per person price point.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

We begin with customizing a menu tailored to the host's specifications that fits their budget and vision for their event. I have the client fill out a brief event info sheet so I have all the necessary client contact, event time, location info. Once the client agrees that I am the right fit for them I take a 25% deposit at least 7 days prior to the event to cover purchasing, and the remainder is due the day of the event. Deposits can be made by PayPal or with a credit card over the phone. Final payments my be by check, credit card, PayPal or cash.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have been a Bay Area chef for 20 years in both large corporate and small independent restaurants.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I grew up in an Italian family where anything festive revolved around food. I was a home cook as a teenager and decided to pursue cooking as a career in my early twenties. I started as a pantry (salad) cook at a restaurant in Los Angeles and worked my way up over the years to executive chef positions in San Francisco.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with guests from all over the bay. Small family gatherings to celebrate a birthday or anniversary to girls getaways in wine country to business holiday parties at the homes of CEOs.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Know your budget and have any idea of what kind of event you are having. Is it formal or casual? What types of food interest you? Have a set date or limited range of dates for when you want to have your event. Know something about the guests you are inviting. Does anyone have dietary restrictions or allergies? These things will help the chef get the menu on track quickly so only minor adjustments need to be made to come up with a final menu.