I hired Chef Aless for my husband's birthday on 1/26/21 - as indoor dining was still closed in NYC,…read moreand way too cold for outdoor dining, I opted to have Chef Aless come by so we could have the restaurant experience at home.
From the first time I got in touch with her, Chef Aless was always prompt with her responses - as it was my first time ever doing anything like this, she helped curate a menu for my husband and I based on our likes/dislikes. I had also gone back to her to switch up a couple items, which she had no problem with either - really appreciate the flexibility!
On the day of, she came by a bit early (which was a non-issue for us considering we were idling by at home), and was very efficient as soon as she stepped in - we were served some delicious hors d'oeuvres (fig and brie crisps were divine!), an appetizer (truffle burrata and arugula, with a delicious pomegranate molasses dressing), second course (crab cakes with mango slaw, always a favorite in my book), main course (a perfectly medium rare Pat LaFrieda steak), some sides (a decadent sauce for the steak, creamed spinach and potatoes lyonnaise; if you coudln't tell, we wanted to replicate the NYC steakhouse experience), and lastly, chocolate mousse for dessert (needless to say, it was amazing). And best of all, she left the kitchen spotless, which was much appreciated.
I also want to note that it's important to clarify what you're looking for when hiring a private chef, especially as a first timer (like me) - I thought Chef Aless was going to cook everything from start to finish at our apartment, however she actually came by with everything mostly prepared, and left the finishing touches for last. Granted, not everyone has a fully equipped kitchen so I totally understand her coming pre-prepped, but considering my husband and I both love cooking and have a nearly fully-equipped kitchen, we would've loved to see her in action and use the opportunity to pick up some pro-tips.
All in all, Chef Aless was an absolute pleasure to work and speak with, and I'm so happy to have found her. If indoor dining is still closed off in the future, I will definitely be keeping her in mind for more special occasions.