Chef James Francis III

CATERER OR PRIVATE CHEF?

By Thomas Marshall Jr.

The food at the last catered event I attended was pretty ho-hum. Dry mini-meatballs and enough cheese and crackers to choke a horse. So I just drank more wine.

If the food is delicious and fits the occasion, there is nothing more authentic than enjoying the good company of friends and family over a meal. Whether it’s a graduation event, anniversary celebration, a fundraiser for a charity, or any special occasion, a dinner party is all the better when someone else is doing all the cooking and cleaning!

The first step for your dinner party is to take a deep breath. Your party will come together perfectly and be something that people will talk about for a long time. You just need the right help.

Do you need a caterer or private chef?

Caterers tend to do larger parties like wedding receptions and corporate parties of 20 or more people. Caterers have set menus which are the same for you as they are for their last few jobs.

On the other hand, a private chef is best for smaller, more intimate gatherings because the chef will reflect the theme of your party and design the menu with you. A private chef can work in kitchens big or small, so don’t feel you need to have “the perfect home” to hire a private chef.

With a private chef, your main job is to have fun and interact with your guests! You have already met with your chef and decided on your theme and menu. It is now time for him to add his personal flair to your special occasion.

A private chef can tackle pretty much any dinner party cuisine. From traditional cuisine like French and Italian to a little more exotic like Indian and Caribbean. A private chef can serve dinner parties both buffet style or individually plated. You just need to give him an idea of what you have in mind and then he will propose the perfect experience for you. A private chef ensures stress-free entertaining. And having a cooking rock star who interacts with your guests is seriously cool too!

“Food to me is a way to connect all people, all people of color, and to bring family and friends together,” says Chef Francis III who is known for his exciting private menus as well as the Crown Royal infused sauce over his gourmet hot dogs. “I feel the joy of people eating my food and want to create a culinary masterpiece every time.”

Chef Francis says the dinner host must understand the dietary concerns of the people in the party. “You need to find out who might be vegetarian, gluten free, lactose intolerant, or have food allergies,” says Chef Francis. “You don’t need someone going to the ER or sitting with an empty plate at your event.”

How Do You Hire a Personal Chef? Your 10-Step Plan

1. Select a Date

2. Select a Theme (Birthday, anniversary, breast cancer fundraiser, etc)

3. Develop your invitation list and ask about any dietary preferences

4. Do your research (check social media for reviews)

5. Call the Chef

6. Discuss menu ideas

7. Discuss price (may not happen right away because further planning may be needed)

8. Agree to terms

9. Sign contract

10. Enjoy your event!

Chef Francis III has partnered with TCC, Virginia Beach and he will be adding a new flair to the existing campus cafeteria, Kings Court Café. The Grand Opening event is Monday, August 21st starting at 8am at 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach near Student Services. Breakfast is served until noon, and lunch until 4pm. The grand opening will feature his famous gourmet hotdogs! The public is welcome.