Is Homestyle a licensed business?
Homestyle is licensed as an LLC with the State of Maryland and insured. Chef Ruqaiya is certified as a Servsafe Manager and has completed training on food handling and hygiene. She has also completed the Frederick School of Food training for food entrepreneurs.
Does Homestyle serve clients outside of Frederick?
Yes, we can accommodate clients within a 30 mile radius of Frederick.
What safe food practices do you follow?
Homestyle seeks to keep you and your family safe by providing service in your own home and following best practices for sanitation and prevention. I practice frequent hand washing before and during cooking and follow best food safety practices as outlined by the ServSafe Manager’s guidelines including kitchen hygiene and safe food storage. I am fully vaccinated against Covid 19.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Of course! I am very particular about meeting your dietary requirements and respectful of your health concerns and/or lifestyle choices. During our initial interview, I will take notes on your requirements. I am also happy to meet the needs of multiple members of your household with different needs. When possible, I will prepare meals that everyone can eat. If a separate meal is required for an individual, an additional fee may be incurred.
What if I would like special ingredients?
As a chef and foodie, I feel it’s all about the ingredients. Many of my meals are inspired by the ingredients I find available. If you have a preference for a particular item, I will make an effort to find it and include it in your dish.
What other services does Homestyle provide?
In addition to preparing your dinners for the week (services are available for 3 to 5 meals per week), I can also prepare fresh breakfast and lunch options for an additional fee. A convenient batch of baking or a container of fresh chicken salad can last several days. Homestyle also provides shopping, cooking and service for dinners, brunches, and parties in your home or other venues. This service can be very convenient during the holidays or for special events.
What if I don’t like my food?
Homestyle’s number one goal is that you are delighted with your meals. I seek to have an open and honest relationship with clients, and I welcome any requests or comments if there is something that is not quite right. I also keep notes on your menus so I will remember if a dish was not quite to your liking. I am confident you will enjoy Homestyle food.
I work at home during the day. Will this conflict with cooking day?
Not at all. By having everything ready and all of our questions sorted prior to cooking day, there will be no need for me to interrupt you. I prefer not to chat while I’m cooking so as not to get distracted or make a mistake with your food. Since we will both be working separately, it should not be any problem.
My kids are picky eaters, and it’s hard to find something they like. How can Homestyle help?
Having taught young children for many years, I understand the patience and long term effort it takes to help them make a change. I will converse with you about your challenge so I can find out more. With information about what your child does and does not eat and what his/her eating patterns are, I will slowly start trying some ideas and preparing nutritional versions of his/her favorites. I have found that kids will try new things when they are able to approach food in a relaxed and comfortable setting or when they are able to participate in choices and preparation. I am happy to help you win over your picky eater!
What do I need to have in my kitchen for you to cook our meals?
A standard equipped kitchen is all that is needed. A sink, stovetop range, oven, fridge and freezer are required. On our interview day, I will request a tour of your kitchen to see your appliances, pots and pans and where you store cleaning supplies, take out garbage, etc. I will be bringing utensils and countertop appliances needed and taking them back after cooking.
How often will the chef come to our house? How long will a visit take?
I will come to your house one day per week. Depending on how many meals you have contracted, I will be in your home from 4 to 6 hours. I will arrive in the morning of your cooking day.
What payment methods do you accept?
Homestyle accepts checks, cash, Paypal and Venmo. Checks are preferred. Payment for the week is due on cooking day. You will have the same cooking day each week.
Where do you buy groceries for our meals? When do we pay for groceries?
I will provide you an invoice for the groceries I purchase that week. I will need to be reimbursed for that week’s groceries on or before the next week’s cooking day. Ideally you can pay your weekly fee and your previous week’s groceries on the day I arrive to cook. I enjoy grocery shopping and go to several stores in the Frederick area. These include Wegmans, Aldi, the Common Market, Mom’s, H Mart, ethnic grocers and also Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods whenever I’m near one. I can also visit our local farmer’s market and farm shops if you are interested.
What kind of storage do you use for meals?
I prefer to use glass storage containers. They are very versatile and durable and store well. They hold up to baking in the oven and reheating in the microwave. I have purchased several sets for my own use from Costco for a good price and will purchase these for your household if they are available.
homestylepersonalchef.com 