Private chef in bostom

[lypp]

Thinking about hiring a private chef/caterer for a friend's birthday dinner. Would be small and intimate 6-8 people. Any ideas? Any known chefs who offer this kind of service?

[joth68]

The Dining Alternative in Somerville

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The Dining Alternative
18 Fellsway W, Somerville, MA 02145

[almansa]

I believe Peter Ungar of the Dining Alternative is working in Paris at the moment. Many chefs will be happy to do it, but the bigger names would be very expensive (think cost of food plus and wine plus several thousand dollars to show up). Why not contact a sous chef of a restaurant you enjoy?

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The Dining Alternative
18 Fellsway W, Somerville, MA 02145

[joth68]

Oh that is right, I completely forgot. I hope he gets back soon. I want another dinner at his house!

[rchudy]

Yeah, me, I assure you I am more affordable than Peter Ungar (who is in Paris btw)... or contact Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and they can send out an email to all the alumni.

[smtucker]

and the faculty. Many of the faculty at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts have small catering businesses on the side.

[lypp]

So we selected a private chef/caterer for the event. She charges a fee for the evening plus groceries. Should we tip? If so, what is the going rate?
Thanks!

[Sunday Cook]

when I did this kind of thing I didn't expect a tip, but it was always *really* appreciated. Generally when I was tipped it was between $50-100 for the dinner - and that, I assume - is because I would go all out with surprise extras like boxes of chocolate truffles for each guest, a quick little amuse bouche and/or a special recipe packet.

I suggets looking at what she's charging (sans ingredients) and build a tip off that, 20% or so of the base rate is probably appropriate.