Personal Chef

Personal Chef — Chinese SpecialtyPalo Alto, CA (relocating to Menlo Park, CA)Part-Time · W-2 Employment · Bay Area Candidates OnlyPosition OverviewOur client, an executive couple, has just launched their search for a talented, detail-oriented Personal Chef with a specialty in Chinese cuisine. The family resides in Palo Alto and will be relocating to Menlo Park within the coming months. This is a part-time role — three days per week, Wednesday through Friday — and is well-suited for a culinary professional who takes genuine pride in preparing wholesome, fresh, family-style meals in a private home setting.The principals are a busy professional couple with no children or pets at home. They eat primarily Chinese food and appreciate clean, fresh, and unfussy cooking. One principal is dairy-free; no other significant dietary restrictions are in place. The family values consistency, warmth, and a chef who treats their home with the same care and respect they would their own.ScheduleWednesday, Thursday, and Friday — weeklyOn Fridays, the chef will prepare sufficient food to carry the household through the weekendConsistent compensation will be provided even during periods when the principals are traveling or awayCuisine Focus & StylePrimary cuisine: Chinese (must be a true specialty — authentic, confident, and varied)Supporting cuisines: Asian-inspired dishes and Italian. Preferred background in Cantonese / Southern Chinese cookingCooking style: family-style, fresh, organic, and approachable — not formal or overly elaborateAll organic ingredients required; no dairy in any cooking for one of the principalsDishes should be flavorful but not heavily spicedLunch and dinner service daily on scheduled workdaysCore ResponsibilitiesPlan and prepare lunch and dinner on each scheduled workdaySubmit weekly menu proposals to the principals in advance for review and approvalSet the table and serve each meal with care and attentivenessThoroughly clean the kitchen and cooking areas after each meal serviceMaintain a well-organized, sanitary kitchen environment at all timesManage grocery shopping and sourcing of organic, high-quality ingredientsMonitor pantry, refrigerator, and freezer inventory; maintain a running shopping listAssist in stocking and organizing the kitchen in the new Menlo Park home during the upcoming relocation — including placement of cookware, equipment, pantry staples, and suppliesSupport occasional private events and dinner gatherings as requested — light event service may include plated presentation and timing coordinationCommunicate proactively about menu ideas, ingredient sourcing, and any scheduling needsCompensation & Benefits$80-$100 per hour, commensurate with experienceConsistent weekly compensation, including during principal travel or absenceW-2 employmentPaid sick leave and accrued paid vacationAccess to a company retirement planAnnual performance-based discretionary bonusAnnual wage reviewPaid trial period for qualified finalistsRequirementsMust be a local Bay Area resident — no relocation candidatesDemonstrated expertise in Chinese cuisine is essential; please be prepared to speak in depth about your experienceStrong working knowledge of Italian and broader Asian cuisinesThorough understanding of organic cooking and dairy-free preparationPrior experience in private household or estate settings strongly preferredExceptional personal presentation, discretion, and professionalism at all timesWillingness to undergo an in-depth background investigationStrong, verifiable references from previous employers — private household references are a significant plusNon-smoker / no vapingValid driver's license and reliable transportationThe family has a cat-no cat allergies pleasePhysical RequirementsAbility to stand and remain on your feet for extended periods during meal preparation and serviceComfortable lifting grocery bags, cookware, and kitchen equipment — up to approximately 30 lbsManual dexterity required for precise knife work, portioning, and platingAbility to work in a warm kitchen environment for sustained periodsAbility to bend, reach, and organize kitchen storage areas, including lower cabinets and high shelvingSufficient mobility to assist with the physical setup of the new kitchen during relocation