Planning a private dinner, family-style party, cooking class, or special event? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about working with Amy’s Private Kitchen.
What services does Amy’s Private Kitchen offer?
Amy’s Private Kitchen offers customized Chinese food experiences throughout Los Angeles’ Westside, including:
- Private dining
- Family-style parties and special events
- Hands-on Chinese cooking classes
- Community cooking workshops
Each experience is centered around authentic Chinese home-style cooking and menus designed for sharing.
What types of events do you serve?
Amy prepares food for private dinners, birthday parties, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, graduations, community events, and other private occasions.
If you are planning something different, please get in touch to discuss your event.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Amy’s Private Kitchen serves intimate dinners as well as family-style parties and special events of up to 35 guests.
The number of guests that can be accommodated may depend on the menu, venue, available kitchen equipment, and serving arrangements.
Can I customize the menu?
Yes. Every menu can be customized according to your event, number of guests, food preferences, dietary needs, and desired style of service.
The dishes shown on the Menu page are examples rather than a complete list of everything Amy can prepare.
What kind of food do you prepare?
Amy specializes in authentic Chinese home-style cooking, including comforting stews, meat and seafood dishes, fresh vegetables, fried rice, noodles, dumplings, buns, and handmade Chinese pancakes.
Menus are generally served family-style so guests can share and enjoy a variety of dishes together.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?
Whenever possible, menus can be adjusted for vegetarian diets, reduced-spice preferences, and other dietary needs.
Please provide complete allergy and dietary information before the menu is confirmed. Although reasonable care is taken, food is prepared in kitchens where common allergens may be present.
Do you cook in the client’s home?
Yes. Most private dining experiences and parties are prepared in the client’s kitchen or at a private venue.
Some washing, cutting, marinating, dough preparation, or other advance preparation may be completed before Amy arrives. Final cooking and presentation are handled on-site whenever practical.
What kitchen equipment is required?
Kitchen requirements depend on the number of guests and the selected menu. Before the event, Amy may ask for photos of the stove, oven, counter space, refrigerator, sink, cookware, and serving area.
Clear counter space and sufficient refrigerator storage should be available before arrival. Information about the available equipment helps Amy design a menu that works well in your kitchen.
Do you provide ingredients?
Grocery shopping can be arranged as part of the service. Your custom quote will clearly explain whether ingredient costs are included or charged separately.
Before shopping, you may also be asked to share photos of ingredients already available in your refrigerator or pantry. This can help avoid unnecessary purchases and reduce food waste.
Do you provide plates, serving dishes, or tableware?
Plates, utensils, serving dishes, glassware, linens, tables, and chairs are not normally included unless agreed upon in advance.
Clients should confirm what is available at the venue so that serving arrangements can be planned before the event.
What is included in cleanup?
Basic cleanup of the food preparation and cooking area is included. The exact scope may depend on the kitchen, menu, event size, and arrangements confirmed before the event.
Full event cleanup, guest table service, dishwashing, rentals, and post-event venue cleaning are not automatically included.
How much does a private chef service cost?
Pricing depends on:
- Number of guests
- Menu selection and complexity
- Ingredient requirements
- Event type
- Location
- Kitchen setup
- Additional service needs
Please contact Amy’s Private Kitchen for a customized quote.
How far in advance should I book?
Please inquire as early as possible, especially for weekends, holidays, and larger parties. Availability is limited because menus, shopping, preparation, and on-site cooking are planned individually for each event.
Submitting an inquiry does not confirm the date. Your event is confirmed after the menu, price, date, and booking arrangements have been agreed upon.
Do you offer cooking classes?
Yes. Amy offers approachable, hands-on Chinese cooking classes for beginners and home cooks.
Classes may feature handmade dumplings, noodles, Chinese pancakes, buns, and practical home-style dishes. No previous cooking experience is required.
What areas do you serve?
Amy’s Private Kitchen serves Los Angeles’ Westside, including Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Venice, Westwood, Beverly Hills, and nearby communities.
If your location is not listed, please contact Amy to ask about availability.
What makes Amy’s Private Kitchen different?
Amy’s Private Kitchen focuses on authentic Chinese home-style cooking rather than restaurant-style takeout.
Every experience combines customized family-style menus, fresh preparation, handmade specialties, and personal service—from planning the menu to preparing the meal for your guests.
The goal is simple: good food, a welcoming table, and time spent together.
How do I book a service?
Please use the contact form and include:
- Preferred date and time
- Event location
- Estimated number of guests
- Type of event
- Dietary restrictions or allergies
- Menu ideas or preferred dishes
- Information about the available kitchen
Amy will follow up to discuss the menu, availability, service details, and customized pricing.
Ready to Start Planning?
Tell Amy about your event, guest count, location, and menu ideas.