Chef SonjaPersonal chef in greater Madison

A week of home-cooked meals, made in your own kitchen.

I come to your home once a week, shop for the ingredients, cook your meals, and leave the kitchen clean. You get ready-made food for the week without the cooking or the dishes.

Set up a consultation
A Guinness custard tart with a slice cut out, on a wooden board

How it works

A weekly personal chef service, from first call to a stocked fridge.

  1. Virtual consultation

    We start with a video call to talk about your household, what you like to eat, and any dietary needs.

  2. Kitchen tour

    I come to your home to see what equipment you have and where you'd like meals stored. I bring my own knife roll, but use your pots, pans, and cutting boards, and clean them properly afterwards.

  3. Your menu, every Thursday

    Around Thursday each week, I email you a proposed menu. The amount of food depends on how many people are in your home and how much variety you like. You can approve it or ask for changes.

  4. Cooking day

    On the day we agree on, I check your fridge and pantry, then shop at the store of your choice (or whichever is closest). I keep the receipt for your records. Cooking typically takes around 4 hours. Before I leave, I wash every dish I used and store the food the way you like it.

  5. Invoice by email

    After cooking day, I email you an invoice covering my labor and reimbursement for the groceries.

Two bowls of shoyu ramen with soft eggs and edamame
Dietary restrictions welcome

Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and particularly picky eaters. If you aren't sure, just ask.

Get in touch
Chef Sonja smiling in a kitchen with a pecan pie and a caramel cream pie

Hi, I'm Chef Sonja.

I'm a personal chef serving the greater Madison area. I have worked at several award-winning restaurants, such as L'Etoile and Morris Ramen, and attended culinary school at Madison College. I have also worked as a chef instructor, teaching cooking classes for all ages and skill levels.

I love to cook good food, whether it's French, Asian, or anything I have yet to try, and I love using local and seasonal ingredients. As your personal chef, I'll work with you not only to save you time cooking and cleaning the kitchen, but to make sure you have ready-made, delicious meals, made in your very own kitchen.

I can cater to practically any dietary restriction, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and even particularly picky eaters. Just ask if you aren't sure.

Restaurants
L'Etoile, Morris Ramen
Training
Culinary school at Madison College
Teaching
Chef instructor for all ages and skill levels

Sample menus

A few weekly menus I've cooked for other clients. Every menu is built around your household, so yours will look different.

I am French trained, but am also highly experienced preparing both Latin American and Asian cuisine.

Menu one

Spaghetti Bolognese

Tomato-based sauce with turkey and simmered mirepoix

Chicken Paprikash

A paprika-seasoned chicken and potato stew

Jollof Rice

Red pepper rice, usually spicy but toned down, with turmeric and a slight smokiness

Bacon, Spinach & Cheddar Quiche

Snacks: cucumbers

Menu two

Chicken, Shakshouka Style

Chicken cooked in a tomato and pepper sauce with oregano and Parmesan

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Pasta in a tomato, olive, and caper sauce

Spanish Rice with Chicken

Rice cooked with vegetables and chicken, with jalapeño and cilantro

Potato Gratin

Thinly sliced baked potatoes with Gruyère, thyme, and Parmesan

Menu three

Chicken Piccata

Pan-seared chicken with a lemon and caper sauce

Patatas Bravas

Oven-roasted potatoes with spiced tomato sauce on the side

Pasta with Marinara

Crab Bisque

A summery, rich soup with a cream and tomato base, crab meat, and mirepoix

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken cooked in its own stew of basil, tomato, Parmesan, and cream

Snacks: green beans, cucumbers

From the kitchen

A few things I've cooked. Tap a photo to see it larger.

Questions

How much does it cost?
My standard day rate is $375, plus groceries. Contact me for pricing regarding private events.
Do I need to be home?
You do not need to be home, but you do need to provide a way of entry for me, either a code or a key.
Who provides containers?
You provide the containers: whatever you would like me to use.
Are you insured?
Yes.
How far out do you book?
I book at least one week in advance, and I'm currently accepting new clients. I'll work with your family to pick the day that works best for your meals to be prepared. I also have availability for dinner parties and hosting.

Let's talk about your week.

Leave your email and I'll reach out to set up a virtual consultation.