If you prefer the cozy home setting over the rushed confines of a professional restaurant kitchen, you might be better suited for a job position as a private household chef. However, these jobs are very personal and require you to be able to mingle with all the guests. This means having good social skills and proper etiquette.

In a restaurant, you might be in the kitchen for the entire night without seeing the faces or interacting with the person who are indulging themselves on your prepared meals. In private cooking settings, this is simply impossible because the cook must be able to discuss their dish and be able to explain their thoughts during the cooking experience.

While you may introduce new food dishes to your clients, you are also responsible for knowing their likes and dislikes. If they are in a bad mood, cooking their favorite foods will look like you care for them and help you keep that job.

Private Household Cook Job Descriptions

Private household cooks prepare meals in private homes according to employers’ recipes or tastes, handling all meals for the family and possibly for other household staff. You will stock, organize, and clean kitchens and cooking utensils. You will shop for or order food and kitchen supplies and equipment. Serve meals and snacks to employing families and their guests. Plan menus according to employers’ needs and diet restrictions.

Plan and prepare food for parties, holiday meals, luncheons, special functions, and other social events. Peel, wash, trim, and cook vegetables and meats, and bake breads and pastries. Direct the operation and organization of kitchens and all food-related activities, including the presentation and serving of food. Travel with employers to vacation homes to provide meal preparation at those locations. Specialize in preparing fancy dishes and/or food for special diets. There is also a chance for you to create and explore new cuisines.

Cooking for Private Homes

It helps to have organizational skills and the ability to manage your team. If you lack the skills in a certain department, make sure to hire someone who can take that place. One extra requirement for your own sanity is to allocate your free time and be prepared for unexpected cooking events.

And remember, food and supplies are on their dime, not yours. Do not try to do what cooks do and maximize costs by substituting in season products. If they are willing to pay for a private household cook and want these expensive organic items, use them and do not try to be thrifty. You can suggest different items that might be more cost effective but it is not your job to save them money. Your job is to please their palates.