Basil & Barbells FAQ

What makes your services different from other personal chefs or personal trainers?

I have combined my love of all things healthy. I have been to culianry school, supplemented my French culinary education with vegan and vegetarian education to learn healthy cooking techniques, and even went to personal chef school, all to become a natural foods personal chef. I am certified with AAFA as a personal trainer, NESTA as a certified fitness nutritionist and I'm even certified with the American Association of Drugless Practioniers as a holistic health counselor. I have worked with people that have had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, PCOS and many other health issues. I have always worked with people who just wanted to be healthy. My clients have fed their families clean, healthy meals, increased their energy, reduced stress, lost weight, reduced medication, controlled sugar issues and there are even healthy babies born because of me (I'm very proud of that).

I'm worried this might be too expensive and I don't want to waste your time

Please don't assume that personal chef's are only for the rich and famous. The cost of my personal chef service varies depending on the number of meals per week you require, the number of days I come to your home and any special diets that I need to retest recipes for. Please contact me to see how we can come up with a mutually beneficial plan for you.

What areas do you service?

I service New York City but will travel as long as the client agrees to pay traveling expenses.

What are your cancellation policies?

For all my personal chef and personal traineing services you must cancel 24 hours before time/date of scheduled service or service fee is nonrefundable. For cooking lessons and cooking lesson parties, paperwork is done 2 - 3 weeks before your scheduled party. 50% of fee will be reimbursed for lessons and parties cancelled after paperwork is complete.

Do you deliver?

No. In the state of New York a personal chef can not deliver food. Food is prepared in your home.

Do you prepare meals and serve them?

No. This is the job of a private chef. A personal chef prepares your meals during the day and leaves your refridgerator stocked with good, nutritious food.

What diets do you follow?

I don't follow any specific diet although all my meals are portion controlled. In the past I have followed many doctor prescribed diet plans as well as diets people have wanted to try.

Will you guarantee I'll lose weight?

No, but you may. People usually lose weight when they change the way they eat, but we all function differently and I can't guarantee it.

Do you bring your own cooking equipment?

No. When we meet to fill out the food questionnaire I will do an inspection of your kitchen and equipment. I can usually work with what the client has available, but there are certain situations when you will need to replace cookware or buy something I may need.

I have a very small kitchen, how much space do you need?

I have been preparing meals in NYC kitchens for 7 years now and can make any size kitchen work.

Do I need to be home when you cook?

No, as long we have arranged for me to have access into your home then no one needs to be home.

How long will you be in my home?

This depends on the number of meals I will be preparing.

Do you freeze meals you have prepared?

No. I believe in providing the freshest and healthiest meals possible. My services are offered on a weekly basis. If you need a large number of meals per week I will come to your home more then once.

How does payment work for your chef services?

I request two checks. The first, for service, is made out to Basil & Barbells, Inc. for the agreed upon service fee. The second check is made out to cash, this check is used for food. Each week, after I have been shopping, I will leave an envelope with your change and receipt so you can see exactly what was bought for your chef services.
To begin service payment is due when we fill out the food questionnaire and kitchen assessment. After that I request checks for the following week of service be left the week prior.

I don't belong to a gym.

You don't need to belong to a gym, my training services can be done in your home.

If we work out in my home do I need exercise eqipment?

Yes, there are certain things you will need such as hand weights or tubing. When we can discuss your needs and goals we can figure out what equipment will be best for you to invest in.

How does payment for your training services work?

Payment for services is due the day of training. If you purchase a package of classes at a reduced rate they must be paid for in advance.