07/07/2026
Saw this quote recently from the design genius that is Marc Newson...it resonated with me 100%!
Why?? Because I seem to be spending more and more of my already limited time dealing with timewasters and ghosters...more than ever this season.
'Champagne Tastes, Cava Budget' is my term for this new species! They want to experience the finer, unique experiences while on holiday, but think they are entitled to not pay the going rate and should be paying the price of a basic meal in a taverna (circa 1985!), which in itself is no longer a 'budget' option that Greece was famous for for so many years.
So, I want to just try and put things a llittle bit into perspective for those who don't quite understand why we charge what we charge - we are not being greedy. (Well, some of us aren't!).
For a Personal / Private Chef, it's not just a case of rocking up with a few ingredients and knocking out a couple of dishes over 2-3 hours. There are a multitude of things that go on way before that happens - that is also time that needs 'paying' for.
There is the years of experience, knowledge and a craft being honed, there is the constant developing of menus and dishes to keep things interesting and relevant - usually during quiet Winter months - all time that needs 'paying' for. Websites to be designed, built and maintained. There are the countless hours spent sourcing ingredients, shopping, unpacking, re-packing. There is more admin than you can possibly imagine - calculating costs, preparing quotes, confirming bookings, writiing shopping lists, keeping accounts. There is also the small matters of VAT @ 24%!! that needs to be paid and tax. This is just a few of things that go toward the overall cost of the 'experience'.
So please, if you want a unique, memorable food experience please take a moment to think of what is involved and be prepared to pay for it...otherwise go for a Souvlaki and fries instead and kindly stop wasting our time. We want to spend it doing what we love the most - creating delicious, memorable food that will give you wonderful, lasting memories of your holiday.