Before those knives go blunt and the pans go rusty, use these tips to improve your profile as a private chef, so that when things improve you’re ready for your next challenge!
Food photos - it is so important to have a really wonderful portfolio of good food photos of your own food. No excuses that you have no time for this so get cooking and get snapping! Almost all our clients prefer a quick link to an Instagram page so we advise spending time perfecting the presentation of your food dishes and getting this looking great.
Recipes - try new recipes you’ve never cooked before so you can add them to your menus safe in the knowledge that you’ve tried them and they work! Our clients love variety - in particular Asian, Mexican, Middle Eastern at the moment so have a go at creating something new, original and exciting.
Modern food trends - research, read, test, try, photo. It is really important you follow modern food trends and your menus reflect these. So if you’re not up to speed - use this time to research.
Menus - create menus for all different seasons and scenarios so the clients can see you can offer variety. Have these ready to go when applying to new jobs. A good selection would be:
winter/spring/summer/autumn menus
christmas menus
plant based
mexican, modern European, modern british, asian, Middle Eastern
clean healthy veg heavy
Family style platters
Fine dining menu
make sure your menus include breakfast, lunch, kids tea, afternoon tea, dinner, canapés and pudding ideas to cover all scenarios.
Website - create a modern, fresh, simple, clean website with a simple “about” page, client testimonials (never mention the clients name unless permission has been given), add your menus and food photos or link to your Instagram. The client can quickly link to this and get an idea of the type of cook you are and you’ll be sure to get booked over someone who has no website or Instagram page. Make sure you always keep your website up to date and fresh.
Food hygiene certificate - you MUST have one of these and it must be in date so please arrange a new one if you have not got one.
Kitchen registration - register your kitchen with the council and get an “excellent” rating so that clients are safe in the knowledge their food is being prepared from a hygienic environment should you not be preparing the food in their own.
References - ask recent clients to write you a reference so you can use it when applying to jobs as a cook. It is best if you also ask the clients if they are happy to be contacted by potential future employers. We do not use anyone that cannot provide recent referees.
CV - update your CV so it details your latest experiences as a private chef
If you would like to be booked as a cook, send your CV, food hygiene certificate, website, food photos (or link to food photos), menus, copy or your passport and photo of yourself to: cv@sugarellacooks.co.uk