A Chef’s New Normal During COVID-19
Chef Vernetta Stewart oversees the culinary program at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Jacksonville, where she manages nutrition programs, dinner volunteers and special events. At least she did until COVID-19 hit and RMH was closed temporarily. Until the House opens again, Stewart has been focusing on her business A Cook For You, where she provides catering, private chef services and cooking classes, customized to fit each client's needs. Chef Stewart shared her thoughts with Edible on offering personal chef services in the age of COVID-19.
********
As the world around me changed so fast, I had to adjust myself and the way I do business. I was previously making home deliveries to private clients and the elderly community. While the delivery part is easy, shopping is hectic and not so easy!
Prior to this I was never the kind of chef to stockpile food. I never bought meat and froze it, I always wanted everything fresh. I have always enjoyed shopping a few days before I had a meal to cook or a big event. I preferred it that way, and I felt like I was getting the freshest ingredients. Because supplies are low in the stores when I shop now, I try to get as much as I can so that I can have a supply.
I still use the butcher and farmers' markets often and this has been great. It’s always less of a crowd at those locations. I try to shop to cover at least a week of meals. This limits the amount of store trips and still allows me not to have to freeze items. Grocery stores are always crowded so the thought of getting sick is heavy on my mind when I'm there. I plan before I go, arrive at the shops early and then finish as quickly as possible.
I chose at this time not to take on new clients but instead to focus on the clients I previously had, including the elderly community. At this time right, with our seniors in a high-risk community, I decided to focus on compassion right now instead of extra profit.
While nutritious menu planning is always part of my services, right now I am cooking a lot of fish and seafood, veggies and fruit to boost immune systems.
