Josie Mai Personal Chef

It's here! My own business. I've been cooking at home for so long, it's time to share it with others.

I am an artist. Food happens to be my latest medium. I make art we get to eat! Like so many others, I’ve had a long struggle with food. Is it simply fuel, or an emotional crutch, a comforting friend, a gluttonous indulgence, a way to be with friends and family, an opportunity for creativity, a damaging addiction? YES to ALL. I’ve always been overweight, at times obese, all of my life. It’s a family trait. One we joke about and cry about, but at least we talk about it and try to help one another on our journeys. Three out of five of us have had gastric sleeve surgery. At a whopping 284 pounds, I decided to have the surgery when I had to ask for a seatbelt extension on an airplane. Diets had never worked, exercise was never enough; my metabolism was stubborn and set. I lost 90 pounds and kept it off for three years. Two years before the surgery I started getting serious about cooking at home. Now I cook every day, and I’m learning more about food, nutrition, tastes and portions. Since I’m an artist and teacher, I have a need to share my beautiful and delicious food with family and friends. I am obsessed, and it’s time to make this my full time gig. I want others to experience the health, joy, creativity and deliciousness of great food. I try very hard to adhere to the words of one of my greatest influences in the cooking world, Michael Pollan, who says “Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much” (Food Rules). Let me feed you. Bon appetit!

What is a personal chef?

A personal chef provides meal planning and preparation for individuals or families on a regular basis: Weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Also for special events in your home. The food is cooked in your kitchen. After establishing your meal requirements and preferences, I plan on an agreed number of meals for the week. I then buy the food, cook the meals, package them with heating instructions, clean up, and go.

Why hire a personal chef?

You don’t have the time or ability to cook for yourself. But you do have the resources to invite someone else to do it. Perhaps you want to free up some time to do things you love. Or, you may be weary of restaurant food or take out. You may have medical considerations such as diabetes, or simply desire to eat healthy, fresh, delicious food whether it be vegetarian, organic, keto, whole30, or Mediterranean.

Weekly, Biweekly or Monthly Meals

5 Different Entrees  $300  (4 servings each; 20 total servings) 
4 Different Entrees  $250  (4 servings each; 16 total servings)  
3 Different Entrees  $190  (4 servings each; 12 total servings) 
2 Different Entrees  $125  (4 servings each; 8 total servings)

Cost includes cost of groceries.
Meals include entrée and two sides or salad or soup.
Appetizers, homemade bread, and dessert are extra charges.
Desserts are fruit and/or vanilla tarts or galettes, preferably seasonal.
There will be a one-time fee for reusable containers that will stay in your home. Fee will range from $40-100.

How it works:

Contact me through phone or email and we'll discuss a time to meet in your kitchen for your consultation. 

At your consultation, we'll discuss your food preferences, any allergies, dietary restrictions, frequency of service dates, etc.

We'll set a cook date and you'll confirm your cook date with a service deposit (required for your first service only). 

On your cook date, I will shop for the best ingredients focusing on fresh produce, seasonal and organic (when available), according to your discussed needs.

I will prepare the meals in your kitchen, averaging 8 hours for 5 meals, 6-7 hours for 4 meals, 5 hours for 3 meals, and 3-4 hours for 2 meals per cook date, at which time you don't even need to be home, just allow a means of entry for me to get access to your kitchen. 

The meals will be packaged, labeled and stored in the refrigerator and/or freezer for your future enjoyment. Simple reheating instructions will be on labels.

I will leave your kitchen sparkling clean. Bon appetit!

In addition to regular meal service, I offer these options:

Daily Dish

Special Gatherings

            Bridal Showers (up to 25)

            Baby Showers (up to 25)

            Lunch or Dinner Parties (up to 10)

            Brunch (up to 10)

            Holiday Meals (up to 10)

            Romantic Dinner for Two

Full Day Service (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Individual or Group Cooking Lessons (up to 5)

In addition to your home, food can be prepared in a church kitchen for church events.