The cost for your meals is based on the cost of the groceries of the menu items you choose plus the time it takes to make your menu.  On average, two weeks of groceries for a family of four cost between $125 and $175 and it takes between three and five hours at $40 per hour to prepare.  So, your two weeks of meals might cost between $245 and $375.

Each menu is customized to your specific dietary preferences as well as your budget and schedule.  Melissa will be delighted to schedule a complimentary appointment to discuss her services and how she can help you save both time and energy as your personal chef.

We are always happy to see clients when we come to cook.  However, if you are gone during the day, Menu By Melissa is a licensed, insured, and bonded service company so your home and all of its contents are protected while we are in residence.   We can certainly let ourselves in using a key and then let ourselves out when your menu is completed and your home is secure.

In order to save additional labor time, please ensure that the sinks and counters are clear and the dishwasher is empty.  While we are preparing your menu items, we will need full access to the refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher. And if you have not already done so, please make some room in the refrigerator and freezer.

Before we leave, we will clean up, take out the trash, walk the dog, and leave that night's dinner ready to be served when you walk in the door.

The length of time we are in your kitchen depends upon your menu selection.  Some dishes simply take longer to prepare while others are much faster to assemble and cook.  It also depends upon the number of dishes which can be prepared on the stove top versus oven and how many of each your kitchen has.

Melissa is always happy to estimate the time based on your menu selections. Call today to schedule your complimentary appointment. You can reach Melissa at 704.661.MENU (6368.)

Menu By Melissa is an on-site personal chef service. Meals are not prepared off-site and then delivered.  We only prepare the freshest of items on-site in client's homes. Period. NO exceptions.

In the state of North Carolina, it is illegal for someone to prepare meals in their home non-commercial kitchen and then transport those meals for sale. And if someone is offering you that service; then know that it is illegal and can be potentially hazardous to your health.

Gift Certificates in any amount are available and may include groceries, supplies, and/or labor.  Gift certificates make a fabulous gift and can be paid for by cash, check, or credit card. A 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card payments.

May I suggest a three-hour gift certificate for $120 or a romantic dinner for two for $275.

Yes.  We are happy to use your family's or personal recipes to create your menu and we absolutely promise not to share your great grandmother's recipe with Cousin Edith if she asks.

In addition, Melissa can help you create a personalized menu that fits your medical needs such as gluten- or dairy-free as well as low-sugar, low-salt, and low-cholesterol.

Menu By Melissa is happy to provide containers on the first shopping trip which slightly increases the first bill.  However, we would be delighted to use your containers as well.

Menu By Melissa is a personal chef service typically providing on-site chef service in client's homes.  While we cannot do box lunches, we are happy to help you celebrate corporate functions in the intimacy of someone's home with the convenience of a turn-key full service party.

Menu By Melissa has created a flat-food menu which can be prepared the day before your vacation and packed in cooler for easy transportation to your holiday destination.

Your personalized travel menu might consist of Black Bean Salad, Jalapeno Coleslaw, Sausage Breakfast Casserole, Artichoke Lasagna, Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Ribs, Chicken Satay with Rice Noodles, Homestyle Beef and Pasta, Creamy Pimiento Cheese, Cornbread, Southern-Style Green Beans, and Raspberry Swirl Brownies.