Behind the Apron: A Day in the Life of a Personal Chef
Every day in the kitchen for Copper & Thyme looks a little different, but the heart of our work remains the same: bringing ease, flavor, and connection to my clients’ tables. Today, I’m inviting you to step behind the apron and see what a typical meal prep day looks like — from early planning to that satisfying moment when a client’s fridge is filled with nourishing meals for the week ahead.
A Few Days Before: Menu Planning
The process truly begins well before I set foot in a client’s kitchen. A few days ahead, I create a customized menu for each family or individual I serve. No two clients are alike as some follow specific dietary needs, others want adventurous global flavors, and many are simply looking for balance between health and comfort.
I consider favorite ingredients, seasonal produce, and nutritional goals when building each menu. For one client, that may mean a Mediterranean-inspired lineup with plenty of fresh herbs and seafood. For another, it could be plant-based bowls layered with grains, legumes, and vibrant vegetables. Menu planning is where the week takes shape — and where creativity meets personalization.
Morning: Shopping & Sourcing
Once menus are set, I source the best ingredients to bring them to life. Sometimes that means a trip to the farmers market for seasonal highlights, other times it’s a mix of trusted local shops and specialty stores. I don’t go to the market every day, but when I do, it’s always inspiring to see what’s at peak freshness.
Regardless of where I shop, the priority is the same: high-quality ingredients that honor the season and set the foundation for flavorful, nourishing meals.
Mid-morning: Cooking in a Client’s Kitchen
With groceries in hand and a plan mapped out, the real magic begins. After setting up a neat mise en place, the kitchen comes alive: onions sizzling in a pan, warm spices blooming in oil, trays of vegetables roasting until golden and sweet.
Cooking multiple meals at once is part strategy, part artistry. I layer flavors, balance textures, and ensure that each dish offers something unique — maybe a cozy braised stew for midweek dinners, crisp salads with house-made dressings for lunches, and a lighter fish or vegetarian dish to round it all out. Every menu is designed to give variety while making life simpler.
Afternoon: Finishing Touches & Client Experience
Once the dishes are complete, I transfer them into larger family-style containers. This way, meals can be enjoyed as needed — whether plated individually or set out to share. Everything is labeled and arranged neatly in the fridge, with garnishes, sauces, or dressings packed separately when it enhances the dish.
The goal is not only to prepare food but to create a sense of ease. Clients open their fridge to find beautiful, ready-to-eat meals waiting, giving them both flexibility and confidence at dinnertime.
French Asparagus and Fennel with Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
Evening: Reflection & Reset
By the time the kitchen is spotless and I’m packing up, I know I’ve given my clients more than meals — I’ve given them time back in their week and the peace of knowing dinner is handled. That feeling of lightness and relief is what makes this work so rewarding.
But the day isn’t quite done yet. Back at my desk, I turn to the business side of Copper & Thyme: answering client inquiries, reviewing upcoming menus, updating grocery lists, and making notes on dietary preferences or feedback. I also start preparing for the next day’s client — double-checking their menu plan, sourcing needs, and any special requests so everything runs smoothly when I step into their kitchen.
It’s a rhythm of creativity and organization, kitchen work and behind-the-scenes planning, all working together to give clients a seamless experience.
Openings for Fall Meal Prep
This season, I have a few openings for new meal prep clients. Whether you’re navigating dietary changes, looking to eat healthier, or simply ready to reclaim your evenings, Copper & Thyme makes it effortless.
And with the recent addition of Chef Brandi to the Copper & Thyme team, we’re excited to expand our availability and welcome new families into our meal prep services. Brandi brings a wealth of culinary experience and global inspiration, and together we’re ready to serve even more of Charlotte with care, creativity, and flavor.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to have your fridge filled with chef-prepared meals designed just for you, now is the perfect time to find out.
