A private Upper East Side family of five seeks a talented Private Chef to provide fresh, nutritious lunches and dinners through a twice-weekly off-site meal-preparation and delivery program. The chef will prepare lunches for the two principals and family-style dinners for five, including three active teenagers. Meals should be low-key, delicious, protein-conscious, easy to store and reheat, and made with high-quality ingredients. Strictly peanut-free recipes are essential due to a severe allergy. Dairy-free or dairy-light options should be provided for one principal whenever possible. The engagement will begin with a culinary consultation covering preferences, dislikes, allergies, portions, and household routines. This profile will guide rotating menus and evolve through brief weekly or biweekly check-ins regarding schedules, desired proteins, cravings, and special needs. The ideal candidate is resourceful, consistent, and highly organized, with an intuitive feel for practical food a busy, active family will genuinely enjoy.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct an initial culinary consultation and maintain an evolving profile of preferences, dislikes, allergies, portions, and routines
- Develop rotating menus for approval based on family feedback, desired proteins, seasonal ingredients, and schedules
- Prepare lunches for the two principals and family-style dinners for five, with ample portions for three active teenagers
- Cook in the chef's own clean, professional environment and provide two reliable drop-offs each week
- Prepare exclusively peanut-free recipes and verify that all selected ingredients are peanut-free
- Provide dairy-free or dairy-light options for one principal whenever possible
- Create fresh, nutritious, flavorful food that is approachable and reheats well
- Source high-quality ingredients and manage grocery purchasing responsibly
- Package, label, and date meals clearly with storage and reheating instructions
- Check in weekly or biweekly and adapt menus to schedules, preferences, and special requests
Requirements:
- Legally able to work within the United States
- Significant professional experience as a Private Chef in a private household or comparable setting
- Proven experience with organized meal-preparation and delivery programs
- Access to a clean, professional, food-safe environment for off-site preparation
- Strong knowledge of allergy-conscious cooking and careful ingredient review for peanut-free recipes
- Exceptional palate and ability to prepare nutritious family-style meals that reheat well
- Comfort accommodating dairy-free preferences within cohesive family menus
- Sound understanding of balanced nutrition, protein-forward meals, and portions for active teenagers
- Self-directed and organized across menus, purchasing, preparation, packaging, and delivery
- Reliable transportation and a record of punctual, consistent delivery
- Warm, discreet, flexible, and responsive to family feedback
Schedule: Approximately two preparation and delivery days per week, coordinated around the family's needs. Location(s): Off-site preparation with twice-weekly delivery to the family's Upper East Side residence Compensation: Competitive day rate, plus full reimbursement for groceries