FAQs
Weekly Service
WHAT IT INCLUDES
The Weekly Service includes menu planning, grocery shop, in-home meal prep, and clean up. Clients on the Busy Bee Package are able to plan menus up to one month in advance, while clients on the Helping Hand Package may plan up to two weeks in advance.
Who typically uses this service?
- Busy Moms and Dads
- Working Professionals
- New Parents
- Mindful Eaters
- Active Individuals
- Those with health goals and dietary requirements/needs (ie, dairy, gluten, and sugar free, vegetable focused, omnivorous balanced eaters)
What do I get?
Each visit, I prepare 6 different dishes that you and your family can mix-and-match for meals over 3-4 days. My goal is to create menus that are balanced, delicious, and freeing, giving you the independence and know-how to explore cuisines, flavors, and spices from all over the world. Try a mint-pistachio pesto on grilled lamb or a bit over roasted autumn squash. How about some za’atar chicken sliced over roasted vegetables or on top of herbed farro? Having dishes and ingredients that are versatile will keep you excited about meals to come.
Size/Quantity
Each visit, I prepare 6 different dishes for you to enjoy. The size and amount that you’d like is entirely up to you, where you can order based on your appetite and needs. I offer a small, medium, and large option for 2, 4, and 6 portions, respectively. Everyone eats a little differently, therefore I would recommend that active/hungry couples consider a medium portions, while modest eaters may find portions match their family size. Additionally, it's helpful to think about when you’ll be eating these dishes, whether it’s just for dinner or if it's for lunch, too.
Where I service
The Greater Boston area. If you fall outside the area, don’t fret. Please email me at hello@suphadarom.com with a location inquiry. I would love to help where I can.
Costs
There are two packages for Weekly Meal Services. The Busy Bee Package with two visits per week is $2000/month and the Helping Hand Package with one visit per week is $1200/month. Please note there is an introductory offer for new clients for an initial consultation and cooking session for $199 (see New Client Offer for more details).
Expectations
Eating healthy food has never been easier, quicker, or more delicious. With the Weekly Meal Service, you can expect to have more time to do the things you actually want to be doing, like eating dinner as a family, getting in that extra hour at the gym, or having a free weekend to truly relax. You will have consistently healthy food in your fridge, keeping you on track with your goals of eating and living well. With the Weekly Meal Service, you can get excited about food without the stress of menu planning, cooking, and clean up.
Grocery Costs
Every family’s costs will be different, and will vary week after week. While I’m not able to give an exact quote, I can provide average costs. For one visit, the cost can range from $80– $160 depending on the family size. For the Busy Bee Package, clients can expect to spend slightly less on groceries per visit. This is because there are more creative opportunities to use ingredients throughout the week, than simply in one Cooking Session. Generally, the cost for groceries per week is often less than what would usually be spent because of my focused buying and sticking to our agreed upon menu.
What is the Spice Cabinet?
So the Spice Cabinet is my personal collection of spices, where I have a bit of everything. While I believe some spices should be part of the everyday line-up, there are some we will use rarely. All my clients have access to my full Spice Cabinet of unique spices, herbs, and blends that may be used in some of the recipes. I do this because I want you to be able to eat, taste, and explore without having to invest in a bevvy of expensive spices. My hope is that eventually you’ll love the spices as much as I do, and build a Spice Cabinet of your own, which of course, I can help you do.
I have a CSA — can you make food from that?
Absolutely! I love cooking within parameters and partake in a CSA myself. I would love to cook with the fruits and vegetables in your CSA box, while supporting our local farmers.
Menu Planning
In our Initial Consultation, we will go over any goals and dietary requirements/needs. From there, you may pick your dishes from the recipe database, or you can give me parameters to design menus for you each week. Clients typically enjoy the menus I design, relieving them of the hassle of having to choose items a la carte from the database. As the client, you have the freedom to choose either option as it best suits you.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating instructions come with each meal through both email and a printed copy left on your countertop after the visit. In general, any dishes that contain fish should be consumed first, ideally the evening after the Cooking Session. Pastas that are served in sauce will absorb some of the sauce over time. Therefore it’s best to eat these within a day or two. Most vinaigrettes and dressings will solidify in the fridge, so bringing those to room temperature for a few minutes before you eat is best. All they need is a quick shake before being used for salads. Dishes that are served warm can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave. All of these reheating instructions will be left on the countertop and emailed to you at the conclusion of each Cooking Session.
Modifications
Menu modifications are welcome until 72 hours before your Cooking Session. I start planning for your in-house Cooking Session three days in advance. Any changes made after the 72 hour window are taken on a case-by-case basis, but please understand I may have already begun the planning process.
How am I different than meal kits and delivery?
Meal kits can be handy, but you still have to cook what’s in the box. With the Weekly Meal Service, your meals are prepared and ready for you to enjoy. Additionally, meal service kits produce a great deal of paper and plastic waste, as each ingredient requires individual packaging and the box its shipped in. With climate change it is becoming increasingly important to be conscientious of the products we bring into our homes, including the waste/excess products that come with meal kits.
Cancellations
The New Client Offer gives all new clients the opportunity to try out the Weekly Meal Service with an Introductory Consultation and an In-Home Cooking Session. This is a way to try out the Weekly Meal Service and to see if it works for you and your family. Beyond the New Client Offer, clients use the Busy Bee Package and the Helping Hands Package, which are offered at a monthly rate. Should you find the Weekly Meal Service no longer suits your needs, simply let me know. Unfortunately, I cannot offer refunds on services should you decide to cancel mid-service.
Additional Services
In addition to Weekly Meal Services, I offer a private dinner service to existing clients and through referrals. For up to 12 guests, I can create a private dining experience in the comfort of your own home. These are opportunities to entertain your guests in your space with a restaurant-like experience. Please see the Other Services page for more details.
As a Certified Sommelier, I offer wine consultation to existing clients and through referrals. Whether you’re planning an event and are in need of some wine advice or looking to organize an overflowing cellar, let me help you curate wine to whatever you may need.