Personal Chef

Part-Time Personal Chef – Palo Alto, CA

A warm, easygoing Palo Alto family is seeking a part-time Personal Chef to prepare healthy, family-style dinners for one adult and two children (ages 10 and 13). This is a low-key, no-frills household that values good, wholesome food and a normal, comfortable home environment.

The ideal schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons, approximately 4–5 hours per shift. The Chef will come in, prepare a family dinner to be left on the stove, and optionally prepare additional food for the children’s lunches the following day (using leftovers where appropriate). Mrs. serves the meals. No dinner parties, no plating, no entertaining.

The family is looking for simple, healthy, calorie-conscious meals – lean proteins, vegetables, and starches. The children are adventurous eaters and enjoy Asian flavors, Indian curries, and a variety of cuisines. Mrs. does not eat red meat, while the kids do; she prefers chicken breast or vegetarian. Meals can be adapted easily (e.g., tofu for her, steak for the kids, same sides). No desserts required. No strict dietary restrictions.

The ideal candidate is professional, friendly, and easy to be around, comfortable with kids in the home, and able to work efficiently without a lot of direction. The family prefers someone who is warm and engaging but not overly chatty.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, family-style dinners for one adult and two children, three afternoons per week
• Plan simple, balanced menus focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and starches
• Accommodate light preferences (e.g., no red meat for Mrs., adaptable proteins for kids)
• Prepare additional food for children’s lunches the following day when helpful
• Utilize leftovers thoughtfully to minimize waste
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen during and after cooking – this is important!
• Prepare a week ahead meal plan for review by the Mrs.
• Coordinate grocery needs (either shopping directly or communicating needs to the family assistant) – preparing the list a week ahead
• Work comfortably around children and contribute to a calm, normal household environment

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3+ years’ experience cooking in private homes; restaurant experience a plus
• Must be local to the Bay Area
• Strong ability to prepare simple, healthy, flavorful meals (not fine dining or restaurant-style)
• Comfortable working in a home with children present
• Friendly, professional, and easy going demeanor; respectful of household dynamics
• Efficient, organized, and able to work independently without micromanagement
• Flexible and open to feedback as the family fine-tunes preferences
• Reliable, punctual, and seeking a long-term part-time role
• Able to provide employment references and undergo a detailed background check

​Compensation

• Compensation is $75–$90/hour, paid W-2 through TriNet.

The family is hiring as soon as possible and is focused on finding the right long-term fit.