Hiring a private chef for a Scottsdale stay.

What to agree before you book

• •Menu and headcount: confirm the number of adults and children and get the menu in writing.
• •Dietary needs: list allergies and preferences for every guest up front, not on the night.
• •Groceries: ask whether ingredients are included in the price or billed separately.
• •Service style: family style is relaxed and suits mixed ages; plated suits a milestone dinner.
• •Cleanup and timing: confirm arrival time, serving time and that the kitchen is left clean.
• •Gratuity and cancellation: ask how tips work and what happens if your plans change.

Which nights to book

The arrival night works well, because everyone is tired after travel. The other favorite is the main celebration dinner of the trip. For the remaining nights, mix restaurants with easy meals at the house. See group dinners in North Scottsdale and groceries for a group rental.

A chef dinner is a meal for the people staying at the house. It is not a way to host extra guests or an event.

Where to stay

Paradise Reserve has six bedrooms for up to 16 guests, five of them king suites with their own bathroom, plus a pool and spa, a golf simulator, a putting green and a pickleball court. Events and parties are not permitted at the house, and quiet hours apply.