Private chef Sint Maarten / St. Martin: frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before booking a private chef for your villa, condo, home or yacht on Sint Maarten or St. Martin: prices, what is included, allergies, kitchens, booking and payment.

Questions guests ask

With more than forty years in professional kitchens and 24 years on charter yachts, Petra knows what guests want to know before they book. Can't find your answer? Send her a Whatsapp.

How much does a private chef cost on Sint Maarten?

The three fixed four-course menus are priced per person. The price includes menu planning, all shopping, cooking in your kitchen, serving and a full clean-up. Bespoke menus are quoted per dinner, based on the number of courses, ingredients and group size. Drinks are not included.

What is included in the private chef service?

Everything from start to finish: planning the menu with you, shopping for fresh ingredients on the day, cooking in your kitchen, serving each course at your pace and a full clean-up afterwards. Petra brings her own knives and pans. Drinks are not included, but she is happy to advise on a wine pairing from your own cellar or a local supplier.

How does a private chef dinner in my villa work?

Petra arrives a few hours before dinner with the fresh groceries and her own professional knives and pans. Courses are served at your pace, so you can sit back with your guests. When the last plate is cleared, the kitchen is cleaned and Petra slips out quietly.

How far in advance should I book a private chef?

A week ahead is usually comfortable. In high season, from December to April, it is safer to book two to three weeks ahead. Last-minute dinners are sometimes possible, so it never hurts to ask on WhatsApp.

How many guests can Petra cook for?

Dinners start at two guests. For larger groups Petra brings an assistant, which is reflected in the quote. She has served villa weddings for sixty guests.

How do I pay, and what if we need to cancel?

A deposit of 50% confirms the date. The balance is settled after the dinner, by (credit)card or cash.

Can Petra cater for allergies and dietary needs?

Yes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, vegetarian, pescatarian, medical diets and children's plates are all normal requests. Petra has cooked for guests with allergies and medical dietary limits for decades. Mention them when you book and the menu is written around them from the start.

What does the villa kitchen need to have?

A working stove or oven, a fridge and a sink are enough. Petra brings her own knives, pans and anything specialised. If the kitchen is very small or there is only a barbecue, let her know and she will plan the menu accordingly.

Does Petra cook on yachts and charters?

Yes. With 24 years as a chef on charter yachts across the Caribbean, cooking on board is one of her specialities: lunch on a day charter, a sunset dinner on deck or a full week at sea, with provisioning included.

Where on the island does Petra cook?

All over the island, on both sides. On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten): Cupecoy, Porto Cupecoy, Simpson Bay, Maho, Beacon Hill, Pelican Key, Cole Bay, Cay Hill, Philipsburg, Point Blanche, Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach, Guana Bay and Indigo Bay. On the French side (St. Martin): Terres Basses, Baie Rouge, Baie Nettlé, Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay, Anse Marcel and Cul-de-Sac. Plus yachts in the marinas on either side.

Plan your private dinner

Ready for a relaxed evening with restaurant food at your own table? Have a look at the menus, or message Petra with your date and number of guests.