We at Blue Sky are at your service during your vacation. From booking excursions and transportation to assisting you with equipment rentals, we’re here to make sure you have a worry-free getaway. One thing that’s definitely important to factor into your vacation is where you’ll be eating and we are personally committed to ensuring you and your family and friends feast like kings and queens.
One way we do this is by arranging private chefs for guests who rent our villas. If you’re staying for a week in the Virgin Islands, we want to make sure all your culinary needs are taken care of. Your very own private chef will do all the food shopping and prepare meals right in your kitchen!
However, food isn’t a matter to be taken lightly. There are several factors both you and your potential chef need to be on the same page about before you decide to hire them. Here are a few questions you should consider raising:
Do they cater to allergies, dietary concerns, and/or religious restrictions?
Make sure your private chef is aware of these things and can accommodate by preparing appropriate meals for you and your family and friends. Special-ingredient cooking should be part of any private chef’s routine, but chefs (like mothers) aren’t mind readers, so they need to be aware of any restrictions before they begin supplying your meals. The last thing you want is an allergic reaction ruining a vacation. Additionally, some chefs even provide nutritional coaching along with the food, so feel free to ask about that, as well!
Can they prepare a customized menu?
Along the same vein, definitely enquire about customizing your menu. Chefs on the cheaper side usually prepare a standard menu but you don’t get anything if you don’t ask for it. Any good private chef should be able to take into your account your likes and dislikes. There’s no sense in hiring a private chef if you don’t enjoy what they make for you. (On the other hand, keep your mind and palate open while on vacation. A private chef is a great way to be introduced to certain foods you never would’ve tried before!)
What type of food do they cook?
Every chef has a preferred style of cooking. Some private chefs specialize in different cuisines like Italian or Mediterranean while others focus more on cooking with organic or seasonal ingredients. Some can even help you reach weight loss goals! Knowing what a private chef prioritizes is incredibly important and can absolutely be a deciding factor as to whether or not they receive your business.
Can they cook you sample dishes?
All other factors aside, the proof is always in the pudding—and you’re not going to know whether you’ve made the correct decision or not until you’ve tried one of their meals. Definitely feel free to ask if your private chef can cook you some sample dishes to try before you decide to hire them. Or maybe even just ask to see a sample menu! A professional private chef should jump at the chance to showcase their recipes.
Are their services affordable?
When you hire a private chef, you’re buying a lot more than just the food. You’re paying for the valuable talent, skill, time, and service of the chef. However, once you’ve factored in the cost of restaurant meals, the value of your time, and all the food you would buy and then never cook with, you’ll find that a private chef can be surprisingly affordable. Then again, it’s your money—and there are a ton of fun activities and convenient services you want to be able to factor into your vacation budget—so spend wisely.
Bon appétit!
Recommended Private Islands
Bawah Reserve
Kokomo Island
Eustatia Island