Checking IN So As NOT to Lose My Status…

…I think that after a year with NO Check IN’s , you can no longer call yourself a ‘Blogger’, so I thought I should Check In!

That said I have been providing more frequent, but still not regular updates to the GreatQ4U! BBQ Blog as well this Summer ad as we move out of ‘BBQ (Peak) Season’ and into the Fall, we have a LOT Going on for our Personal Chef Clients!  Including our proud introduction of our dealership for the AWESOME Line of SousVide Supreme Water Ovens and SousVide products!  We’ve got LOTS of info on that on the Web Site: www.ChefJimK.com

Additionally, we have a full lineup of BBQ classes (including ‘Whole Hog’) on the Calendar for September which you can read about and sign up online at: www.GreatQ4U.com/BBQ_Classes.html

SO…if you want to eat healthy, easy and with your specific diet in mind…call Chef Jim at 717-682-7703 or E-Mail: Jim@ChefJimK.com 

SEE…that’s why I don’t BLOG Much!  So, I will leave you with THIS:

Good Eatin’!

Jim

Food As A Cultural Bridge!

By, Chef Jim

As many readers may know, in addition to our Personal Chef service, I also oversee operations of a nearly decade old BBQ Catering company.  Additionally, I have been active on the Competition BBQ Circuit as a Team Captain and I am a ‘Certified KCBS BBQ Judge’.  SO…I know a thing or two about slow cooking meats and other stuff (think Cheesecake) over wood flames and smoke.

I bring this up because it was never really my intent to be a Competition BBQ Chef nor a ‘Pitmaster’ in any sense per se, I was simply looking for some great BBQ and there was none to be found in Central PA at the time.  At least, not the kind that I was looking for!  As a tertiary benefit of learning to cook ‘Competition Quality’ BBQ, I also have learned a great deal about the history of American BBQ, which was a dying art when I started MY BBQ journey and has recently experienced an incredible resurgence in popularity thanks to food TV.

Just as with BBQ and many other ‘indigenous’ cuisine styles here in the US, there are many culturally significant, historically important cuisines around the world.  It is a tremendous way to learn about people and their cultures to immerse yourself in the cuisines of their areas.  I spent over a year learning to make a variety of Mole’s from many of Mexico’s regional hot spots for it.  I am still working my way around the spices, seasonings & cooking methods of Morocco and looking forward to my next great adventure which I believe will be India and its curries!

You don’t need a formal agenda or a cooking school to learn about any given cuisine, you simply need a plan!  Do your homework online and find the areas of interest to you.  Read reviews of cookbooks and look for those that are instructional more than simply recipes, pick the best and read through them.  Choose recipes and cook them until you’ve got it dialed in and then onto the next recipe.  Learn about the people who make and eat the food and why it is prepared, seasoned and cooked (if it’s cooked) the way it is!

I have long said that I truly believe the world would be a far better place if we were to all sit down and eat a meal together!  Food is a necessity, yes…but it is a catalyst as well!  It can bring people together and build bridges and there are few better ways to get to know someone than breaking bread with them!

Enjoy your Tuesday and make this a GREAT week!

Back To School Time of Year!

By, Chef Jim

Amazing how fast time flies and how soon the Summer Months pass!  While I REFUSE to hail an end to the Summertime just yet, all the signs of its inevitable arrival are around us!  Kids are going back to school or are getting ready to.  Fall sports and activities have begun their training and schedules are starting to tighten up!  Before you know it, time will be worth more than GOLD for you as your Fall roster fills up!

SO…there’s never been a better time to take advantage of the many benefits that a Personal Chef can offer you!  I know, most folks think it’s a bit of an extravagance to have a ‘Personal Chef’, but truth be told, there’s nothing further from the truth!  You pay folks to mow your grass, or work on your home or do landscaping…why not pay someone to do all or part of your weekly cooking for you?

It all begins with getting to know each and every client personally!  Food is among the most personal things and everyone’s got there preferences!  Additionally, there are a number of conditions from Diabetes to Celiac Disease that may necessitate a special diet…we take the time to fully understand your likes and needs.  THEN, we do all the shopping (where you shop or at one of our ‘specialty sources’), come to your home and prepare meals that you simply heat and eat however you’d like to!  When you look at the time you’d spend doing all of that yourself, the savings can be astronomical, but more importantly it gives you more time to do the things that matter to you!

As if that’s not sweet enough…you can now try us out for ONLY $150 with our new Introductory Offer!  For first time clients, we will provide a free initial consultation and then prepare 4 meals (for up to 4 people) for ONLY $150 plus grocery and container charges.  It’s a GREAT deal and will give us a chance to prove the value that we have to offer you!

For more info, e-mail: Info@ChefJimK.com or visit us online at www.ChefJimK.com for more info about us!  Thanks for reading along, we hope that you make this a GREAT week!

Want To Learn Where To Get The Best…

By, Chef Jim

…whatever you may be looking for?  Central PA is a diverse and agriculturally rich area with access to incredible fresh meats and produce.  Additionally, our Limestone Springs provide nourishment for some incredible Aquaculture operations yielding tasty trout and such!  Our proximity to both the Chesapeake Bay and large seaports in Baltimore and Philadelphia…allows us access to a bounty of fresh and diverse seafood.

If you’ve been looking for a source for a specific ingredient or ‘Special Treat’…such as Oysters, Crabs, Mussels, Sashimi-Grade Seafood, Organic Veggies, Grass Finished Beef…well, you get the point…if you’ve been looking for a source or simply don’t have the time to dedicate to it…we can help!

For nearly 25 years, we have been building relationships with farmers, watermen, suppliers and wholesalers who all have a common bond: a commitment to a quality product!  We can put these relationships to use for you in your search…or if necessary, we can build new relationships…either way, you’re left with the life long benefit of having that ‘go-to source’ that is a perfect fit for you!

For more information about our food consulting options, e-mail: Info@ChefJimK.com or visit us online: www.ChefJimK.com

So, I talk a LOT about Kitchen Knives…

By, Chef Jim

…it’s true!  I have somewhat of a ‘knife thing’ and realize full well that if left stranded on an island full of domestic pigs running around just waiting to become BBQ…chosen correctly, I could survive on a single blade!  Alas…but why?  To each knife there is a purpose…and if not, get it out of your knife block!

Options abound…high quality ‘Department Store Brands’ from the US, Germany and China mostly. The ‘High Dollar Kitchen Store’ versions of the same cutlery, or perhaps some higher quality Japanese steel?  What about Ceramic? I saw all these ‘custom kitchen knife’ makers on the internet…what about them?  Hey…Ming Tsai is selling that Aero knife thingy…..

…OK, so that may be a cheap shot, but I’m not a regular at ‘Blue Ginger’, so I’m not too worried about repercussions!  My point is that it may seem easy to simply buy a $500-$1000 or more ‘Block’ of Kitchen Knives and assume that you’ve got all you need only to wind up with a wasted purchase!  You most likely do NOT need all those knives and you most likely could have gotten a MUCH nicer Chef’s knife for a lot less!

SO…if you ARE thinking a LOT about the most important tool that a chef can wield in the Kitchen and you need some help!  Think about us!  Visit us online: www.ChefJimK.com or e-mail: Info@ChefJimK.com

Chef Jim’s Culinary ‘Excursions’

By, Chef Jim

I am a firm believer that one of the best ways to get to know new people and cultures is through their food!  Having grown up in Pittsburgh, PA during the sixties and seventies I had the great fortune to live in a culinary melting pot!  From the Ukrainian Nut Rolls and Hand Rolled Italian Pasta to the amazing Kibbee of the Middle East and blue collar sammies at Primanti’s!

Our country has grown quickly since then into sub-divisions surrounded by strip malls and ‘box’ restaurants!  It may be easy to think that the culinary diversity that was once so prevalent is gone for good, but alas…it’s NOT!  You’ve just got to know where to look!  Obviously as a premiere BBQ Caterer who’s focus is on paying homage to Eastern North Carolina style ‘Que….we are VERY well versed in the regional BBQ dialects and culinary persuasions and can work to build anything from a quick weekend away to a full blown ‘BBQ Odyssey’!!!  We have the knowledge and ‘connections’ to introduce you to a town, state or whole ‘BBQ Region’ if you’d like!

Not into BBQ?  No problems!  In addition to his years of culinary and Public Safety experience, Chef Jim’s spent some time on the road travelling the roads (LOTS of them) less traveled!  He knows the ‘Food Scene’ in many major US Cities and Regions and can work with you to build a trip that hits the specific areas you’re interested in!  Wine, Craft Beer, Distilleries, Local Producers and Restaurants, Farm to Table, Freshest Sushi Available, Incredible Beef or Bison…no matter your interests, Chef Jim can help!

SO…if you’re looking to do a ‘food centric get away’ and would like to trust it’s planning to someone who will listen to and communicate with you to build a once in a lifetime experience, than let us know…we’re your team!  E-Mail: Info@ChefJimK.com or visit: www.ChefJimK.com

Need Kitchen Related Help? We’re HERE for you!

By, Chef Jim

While the primary role of a Personal Chef is to work with every client to develop custom ‘heat and eat’ meal plans, do the shopping, prepare, pack and label the meals and adjust according to client’s tastes…there is more to it than that!  We strive to offer a ‘full service’ commitment to each and every client!

Thinking about making a major kitchen purchase or learning a new cooking technique?  Whether you’re planning on dropping $1K plus on a Smoker or Grill or even a few hundred dollars on a knife set…we can provide advice, do research and make an objective recommendation!

Speaking of knives, maybe you’re ready to make the leap and buy a set (or a few) ‘Professional Quality’ knives!  Or maybe you’ve already purchased some great cutlery and you would like to learn how to use it?  No matter your needs, we can help you select and probably even let you TRY knifes from the manufacturers that you’re interested in; German, Japanese or even American steel.  We will also come work with you to develop and enhance your knife handling, care and sharpening skills.

Having a family gathering or party of up to 25 folks?  We can provide a professional chef to work with you in your kitchen to prepare and serve a meal or just Appetizers.  Looking to have us provide a complete Full or Limited Catering service for groups of 25 or more?  We can do that too through our Catering Company (www.GreatQ4U.com)

There you have it…looking for ANY kind of help in the Kitchen?  We are here for you! Info@ChefJimK.com or www.ChefJimK.com

Hunting Camp? Ski Trip? We Can Do It!!!

Wouldn’t THAT be great!  Load up an Extra Cooler or Two and have your meals ready to ‘Heat and Eat’ no matter what the primary heat source in your Camp or Cabin may be!  Just let us know how many folks to cook for, what you’d like to eat and when you’d like it delivered and we’ll do the rest!

SEE…this ‘Personal Chef’ thing is a pretty versatile and SMART option!  We can help no matter what your needs may be!  From a full weekly meal plan to help with Family Gatherings or Holiday Parties to hooking you up with ONE LESS THING TO DO during your next ‘Get Away’!

Looking to see what we can do for you, visit us online at GreatQ4U.net or call us; 717-254-1937

Make the Most of the Markets!

NO….not the Stock Markets….that’s WAY too big of a risk these days!  I’m talking about the Farmer’s Markets…or if you’re lucky enough to live in a City like Lancaster, York or even Philadelphia…the CENTRAL Markets!  – I know…it’s WINTER…there’s snow on the ground…what could I be talking about???

I’m talking about a number of things actually;

• Buying Local! – Vendors at local ‘Markets’ typically are largely representing local businesses, farms and producers!  Not only does this keep as few miles between you and your food as possible,(reducing its ‘Carbon Footprint’ too!) it helps to keep your MONEY in the local economy…which will save you having to drive to a MALL some day to get all your stuff from big BOX stores!
• Buying Fresh! – Local markets typically feature LOTS of fresh stuff!  From produce and protiens to Baked Goods and other stuff like hand made sausages or fresh ground spices…it’s amazing the difference that fresh makes! Much better than stuff that was flown in, held in ‘ripening’ rooms and then trucked to your local Mega-Mart!
• Learn About Your Food! – Markets typically give you ‘face time’ with the source!  You can ask questions about what those Chickens or Cows ate, learn where that Broccoli came from and how it was grown or perhaps get some tips about what to do with it!  You’ll learn about how those fish were caught and whether or not that Shrimp travelled the whole way from Indonesia…or if they were caught right here in the USA!

OK…I could go on and on, but assume that you get the point!  If you have a “Market” of any kind close to where you live…begin to get in the ‘habit’ of visiting it on a regular basis!  It may take some practice…and you may have to adjust your schedule to accomodate ‘Market Hours’, but the benefits FAR outweigh any temporary inconveniences that you may have to endure.

Mark Twain said, “Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.”  I would suggest that you should break the habit of the BIG grocers and find your way back to the local guys!

How Exactly Does This ‘Personal Chef’ Thing Work?

Yes, we get that question a LOT!  AND…the quick answer is; ‘Any way that you want it to’!  OK, so since that sounds a bit generic, I thought that I could expound a bit on it here!

As your ‘Personal Chef’, we start by getting to know you!  What kinds of food do you like…not like?  Do you have any special dietary needs or requirements?  What about food allergies…you?  Anyone else in the house?  Any ‘regular guests’?  All very important as we develop your ‘Menu Profile’ that allows us to prepare meals you’ll love each and every time!

Once we’ve got that dialed in, then we want to figure out what ‘Service’ is best for your situation!  Do you need a meal every weeknight?  Perhaps you just need a few meals a week to give you a break and some extra time with your family and/or friends?  Just having a Party or Family Gathering and want to add the ‘formality’ of a Professional Chef?  No matter what type of Service you need…we’ve got you covered!

Once we’ve got your needs dialed in, then comes the ‘shopping’!  We can shop at our preferred markets or yours!  We LOVE to shop at Farmer’s Markets and small suppliers when possible!  With over 15 years of experience in the catering business and tens of thousands of meals under our belts…we know quality whenever and wherever we see it and we LOVE to bring it to every plate!  So…we don’t just do the ‘cooking’, we save you the time and hassle of finding a parking space, fighting the carts and lines and choosing the best ingredients available!

Needs analysis and shopping completed…it’s time to ‘get cooking’!  We come to your home or can prepare meals for you in our kitchens – either way, we will cook your meals and prepare them so that you can simply ‘heat and eat’ these delicious and nutritious, ‘home made’ meals that are lower in sodium, fat and calories than just about ANYTHING you’d eat at a restaurant! (and…they are WAY more convenient!)  Microwave, Conventional Oven, Sous Vide…however you want to heat them up…we’ll cook, pack and label accordingly!

We are fully insured, licensed and have both our ServSafe and PA Department of Agriculture Food Safety Certifications!  SO…there’s nothing to worry about and everything to gain…including cost savings, more time to do what YOU want and less stress from all those trips to the store!  Need to hear or even better, SEE more?  You’ll have a chance to come see and hear us soon…right in a place where we are most comfortable!  Look for exciting details to come soon!

In the meanwhile…if we can help YOU…please feel free to visit us online at GreatQ4U.net or give us a call: 717-254-1937 and we will be HAPPY to help!