How Tableaux Works
Tableaux is a curated personal chef connection service based in South Florida. We match discerning clients with exceptional personal chefs — thoughtfully, not algorithmically. Here is everything you need to know before making your first inquiry.
What is a personal chef service?
A personal chef comes to your home — or your yacht, vacation rental, or private event — and cooks for you. Unlike a restaurant, the menu is built around you: your tastes, your dietary needs, your schedule.
Personal chef services in South Florida typically fall into two categories:
- Weekly meal preparation— your chef visits once or twice a week, prepares a week's worth of meals in your kitchen, packages everything, and leaves your home spotless.
- Private dinner parties and events — your chef plans the menu, sources the ingredients, cooks and plates each course, and serves your guests in the comfort of your own home.
Many clients use both — weekly meal prep for everyday life and a personal chef experience for entertaining.
What does a personal chef cost in South Florida?
Pricing varies by service type, guest count, menu complexity, and the chef's experience. At Tableaux, every chef listed on our platform is a working professional — so the rates below reflect real market pricing for qualified culinary talent in Palm Beach County and greater South Florida.
Weekly Meal Preparation
Starting at $300 for five meals serving two people, plus the cost of groceries. Your chef shops, preps, cooks, packages, and cleans — all you do is reheat and enjoy.
Private Dinner Parties
Dinner party pricing is per person and includes menu planning, ingredient sourcing, full in-home preparation, plating, and cleanup.
| Guest Count | Starting Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2–4 guests | From $200 per person |
| 4–6 guests | From $150 per person |
| 6+ guests | From $100 per person |
Prices shown are starting rates. Final pricing depends on menu selection, number of courses, and any specialty ingredients. Your matched chef will provide a full proposal before any commitment is made.
What makes Tableaux different from other platforms?
Most chef booking platforms were built by technology companies with no background in the culinary industry. The result is an experience that frustrates both chefs and clients — unvetted profiles, algorithmic matching, and no education on realistic pricing.
Tableaux was founded by Moira A. Douglas, a working personal chef and owner of The Silver Spoon Personal Chef Service in Palm Beach County. Every chef on the platform has been personally reviewed. Every client who submits an inquiry arrives already informed about realistic pricing and service expectations.
We make thoughtful introductions — not algorithmic matches. You will never be handed a list of names and left to figure it out.
How does the process work?
- 1.Submit an inquiry. Tell us about the type of service you are looking for, your location, and any dietary preferences or event details. There is no fee and no obligation at this stage.
- 2.We review and match. Moira personally reviews every inquiry and identifies the chef or chefs on our platform who are the best fit for your needs, cuisine preferences, and schedule.
- 3.We make the introduction. You receive a curated introduction — not a list of twenty profiles to scroll through. Your chef will follow up directly to discuss your menu, dates, and proposal.
- 4.You book directly. All arrangements, contracts, and payments are made directly between you and your chef. Tableaux takes no commission and is not involved in the transaction.
Frequently asked questions
Do personal chefs shop for groceries?
Yes. Most personal chefs source all ingredients on your behalf. Grocery costs are billed separately at cost — your chef does not mark up groceries. You will typically receive a receipt or itemized list.
Do I need a large kitchen?
No. Professional personal chefs are trained to work efficiently in residential kitchens of all sizes. Your chef will let you know in advance if any specific equipment — such as a particular pan size or oven configuration — would be helpful.
Can a personal chef accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Accommodating dietary needs — gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, kosher, halal, and more — is a core part of what personal chefs do. You will discuss your requirements in detail before any menu is planned.
Is Tableaux available outside Palm Beach County?
Tableaux launched in Palm Beach County and serves clients throughout South Florida, including Broward County and the greater Miami area. Submit an inquiry and we will let you know which chefs serve your location.
How is Tableaux different from hiring a caterer?
Catering is designed for volume — large guest counts, standardized menus, and outside venues. A personal chef is an intimate, bespoke service: your home, your menu, your preferences. A personal chef typically serves groups of two to twenty guests and the experience is entirely tailored to you.
Ready to find your personal chef?
Submit an inquiry and Moira will personally match you with the right chef for your needs.
Submit an Inquiry