mjs

Has anybody used a private chef at an HCC property?
If so, were arrangements made based on the number of people eating, or the length of time it takes?
Cost?
Does the chef bring the food?
Can you choose the food type?
mark

Kagehitokiri

x

NeilGoBlue

I can't speak to HCC, but I've gotten a private chef twice.. Once in Palm Coast, and once in Cabo..I also just talked to the private chef in Hilton head for our upcoming visit.

I paid a flat fee of $300 plus groceries in palm coast.. I paid $45 per person in Cabo including food.

Several lessons learned...

1) Having the chef cook the meal on the night your arrive is awesome.. you land at the property, and as you walk through the doors, the chef is giving you margaritas with an appetizer spread waiting for you... It also creates an enormous 'wow' factor for anybody your bringing.. especially if you don't tell them...lol..

2) you have him/her create whatever menu you'd like... I spend a good 1/2 hour on the phone with the chef designing the menu...

3) The margaritas were awesome... have the chef prepare 'special' drinks for you and your guests.. whether it be margaritas or something else you don't usually prepare yourself..

jam

Not an HCC member but have used private chefs in my club. I have been pleased. Breakfast in mexico is a routine. I usually pay per persons, the chef buys all the food, cooks, serves,and cleans up. Usually pay on a per person basis which is explained up front. I have the wine brought in by the concierge; so the fee is usually less than a comparable restaurant tab, but not much.

vineyarder

I've done this numerous times, both in the one HCC property I've been to and in several PE/UE properties, as well as in properties I've arranged outside of a DC, and the charge and the basis is hugely variable based on location rather than on club... Can be an amazing deal, or can be vastly overpriced.... But you can always choose the menu, and usually the chef does the shopping...

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Quintess Michael

I agree with Neil about a private chef providing a WOW factor.
I have done it on several occassions for myself and with members/clients and have yet to find anything that is so pleasing AND enjoyable for everyone involved. I would also recommend letting the chef pick a few wines if that isn't your forte.

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Michael Aumock
Director, Membership Development
Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World

Bourne

Completely in agreement. Having used the option numerous times outside a DC, the only thing that I can add to vineyarder's post is that the chef did the shopping 100% of the time.

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stevenhcc

We did it in Turks and Caicos recently. Cost was $450 inclusive of groceries. A little pricey (for 3 people) but it was meant to be a special experience and it really was. Food was very good, a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne included plus a good variety of appetizers, salads, main course and dessert. Sure, you could eat out for far less, but it's the experience while the sun was setting, etc... that makes it special.

Kagehitokiri

stevenhcc, how much was the alcohol alone?

BTW welcome to the forum, if you havent been already.

stevenhcc

Hello and thanks.

The alcohol was included -- the price was for everything. Not sure what it would take out if you were to exclude it.

caribbeansun

Do they provide nice linens, candlelight, etc to set the mood or is it strictly food preparation?

Anyone used one in Hilton Head by chance?