Who IS the Girl and the Kitchen?
I’m Mila Furman. I develop recipes, write, photograph, and cook for this blog. Girl and the Kitchen is also a thriving private chef and boutique catering company in the Chicago area, specializing in servicing many homes on the North Shore.
I am a mommy to a gorgeous girl named Charlie, my sweet youngest son Marcel, and wife to my loving and wonderful husband, Mark. They are frequent guest stars on this blog. I have always created a culture in our family that to love is to cook, and to cook is to love. But most importantly, it is important to eat well and wholesomely.
I also have a dirty little secret…I am OBSESSED with reality TV! I love all things Bravo and TLC! I even watch them on my iPad while I cook. As a crazy busy professional, mom, and wife… this is the only way to get all my shows in! My husband thinks I am nuts, but this is just my vice…take it or leave it.
Private Chefing FAQs
If you are interested in our private chef services, visit our page for detailed information or email us at mila@girlandthekitchen.
What do I get when I hire a private chef?
- Wholesome, delicious, restaurant-quality meals prepared fresh in your home
- As many meals as you need each week, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- A custom menu is created each week catered to your family’s specific needs and dietary restrictions.
- More time to focus on yourself or your family.
What if I want to avoid a chef in our home? Can you deliver?
Yes! Absolutely! There is an additional service fee that includes containers and delivery. We are happy to do this if you do not want a chef in your home.
Are grocery costs included with private chef services?
Grocery costs are not included and are added to your invoice each week. When we shop for your family, we shop for your specific weekly menu and will always provide you access to your grocery receipt.
Why aren’t grocery costs included?
Accountability. We want to make sure you know exactly how much you are spending on your groceries and where they are being purchased from. Additionally, each client’s preferences and grocery prices vary, so we are unable to include groceries in our pricing structure.
Do you shop at specific stores?
We often frequent Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and other local stores. The initial consultation plays a big role in where and how we shop for you. We shop at the stores we know have the best produce, proteins, dairy, and other ingredients, but if you have a specific store you prefer us to shop at, we are always happy to accommodate.
How do you know what to cook for me or my family?
In our first consultation, we will review your/your family’s diet, highlighting its preferences and dislikes. We understand that not all flavors are each client’s cup of tea, which is precisely why we customize menus.
Throughout our work with clients, the team stays in constant contact with you—by phone, by text message, or however you feel is best for your needs.
Can I shop on my own?
ABSOLUTELY. We use an app that keeps our clients’ groceries extremely organized and detailed. Once the menu has been confirmed, the grocery list is made available within the app.
If the client has any questions while grocery shopping, we make ourselves available to the clients as much as possible while they are grocery shopping (via text messages) to answer all concerns.
However, one of the best parts of our service is that we minimize the amount of time our clients spend in the grocery store. We encourage our clients to utilize this service to save them even more time and money.
What is included in your meal plan? Is the menu the same each time?
Each plan includes an initial consultation to help determine your needs and preferences, customized menu creation, menu approval, nutrition, dietary recommendations, grocery shopping, in-house preparation, packaging, labeling, handling instruction, and kitchen clean-up.
Each entrée comes with one side dish—a starch, a vegetable, or a salad. These sides are specifically created to accompany your entrée.
We’ll keep the menu the same if you really want it, but variety is the spice of life, right? A new menu will be created for each service. If you are not sure what you would like to eat, we will recommend menus based on your diet and cravings.
How will my meals be packaged?
Pyrex containers are ideal. These glass containers are freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Not only do these uniform containers keep your food remarkably fresh, but they also save space in your fridge and freezer. We are also happy to use whatever containers you currently have.
Are the meals fresh or frozen?
Each service is individualized to your needs. Some services consist of all fresh food, some frozen, and some a combination of the two. Some dishes do not freeze well and can be discussed when planning your service. Other dishes freeze very well and are created to be used in conjunction with fresh meals.
I have small children; can you make meals for them?
Absolutely! We can create special meals or snacks for your children and even pack their lunches!
Are you insured?
Yes. I am glad to share proof and credentials with you.
Can you provide references?
Yes, I’m even happier to share these with you!
Am I locked into a contract if I work with you? Do you have a cancellation policy if we work with your team?
We give every client a complete contract that protects us and you. We believe in starting every relationship on a solid foundation, and this allows us to do that. We ask for 48 hours’ notice with all cancellations, except in the event of emergencies.
Do you offer traveling chef services?
Our chefs have been invited to travel with families when the clients decide they need a vacation but can only LIVE with their chef. Accommodations and agreements for this are discussed in advance.
Do I have to be home while you’re cooking?
No, you aren’t required to be home while we cook. It’s important to note that our chefs are in your home to prepare meals and cannot complete other domestic services.
How long does this service take per week?
We offer meal services daily, weekly, every other week, or once a month. Our chefs can take three to six hours to complete a menu plan, depending on the number of entrees. Times vary depending on the complexity of the menu and your preferences.
Most importantly, we are happy to accommodate your schedule.
Catering FAQs
If you are interested in our catering services, visit our page for detailed information or email us – mila@girlandthekitchen.
Q: What type of cuisines do you offer?
We have a culturally diverse group of chefs skilled in many different cuisines. We do them all—from Latin to Asian, Fusion to Middle Eastern. But above all, we specialize in delicious food that always pleases even the most finicky eaters, leaving them full and happy! Your guests will never leave a party hungry or disappointed!
Do you offer catering packages?
As a boutique catering company, we do not offer packages. Our menus are customized to customers’ preferences, specific budgets, and food allergies.
Does your pricing include warming equipment and utensils?
Every event is unique. Our menus will be customized to reflect each item included.
Does your pricing include dinnerware?
If our clients are looking for high-end disposable cutlery, we will happily provide it and include it in your proposal. If you would like to rent any cutlery or plateware, we are happy to assist with arranging this and include it in your quote.
Does pricing include gratuity?
Your proposal has a separate line item that outlines each cost, including gratuity, which is a standard 20%.
If we bring outside food, will you manage or set it up for us?
Girl and the Kitchen will not handle any food we have not brought or prepared. This is a safety and sanitation issue.
What happens if I have a guest with a dietary restriction or allergy?
We will work with you to accommodate your guests’ allergies! This is our specialty! We can even customize most items at the event in case you were not aware of your guests’ allergies ahead of time.
What type of insurance does Girl and The Kitchen Have?
We have liability insurance and will be happy to show proof if needed.