Booking Policy

Effective Date: July 3, 2026

At Chris Prael Private Chef, every dining experience is thoughtfully planned and customized to create a seamless and professional private dining experience. These policies are designed to establish clear expectations regarding booking, payment, cancellations, dietary safety, and service standards.

By submitting a booking request, paying a deposit, or receiving services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

SERVICE AREA

Chris Prael Private Chef proudly serves:

San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, and surrounding Southern California areas.

Travel outside this region may be available and subject to additional travel fees.

SUBJECTIVE SERVICE NOTICE (NO GUARANTEED OUTCOMES)

All dining experiences are experiential and subjective in nature.

Results, presentation, timing, and overall experience may vary based on:

  • Ingredient availability and seasonality

  • Event conditions and kitchen environment

  • Guest count and timing

  • On-site limitations or unforeseen circumstances

No specific outcome, presentation result, or experience is guaranteed beyond the agreed service scope.

BOOKING PROCESS

Clients must submit an inquiry through ChrisPrael.com or contact Chris Prael Private Chef directly with:

  • Event date

  • Location

  • Guest count

  • Type of experience requested

  • Dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests

Booking is not confirmed until deposit is received.

DEPOSIT & CONFIRMATION

A $150 non-refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings.

The deposit:

  • Reserves the event date

  • Covers planning, consultation, and menu development

  • Is applied toward the total balance

If not received, the date remains available.

FINAL PAYMENT

The remaining balance is due no later than the day of the event, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Accepted payment methods:

  • Credit/debit card (Stripe, Square, or similar processor)

  • Invoice payment links

  • Approved electronic payments

If payment is not received, services may be withheld, paused, or canceled at the discretion of Chris Prael Private Chef.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Deposits are non-refundable

  • Cancellations within 72 hours may be charged up to 100% of remaining balance

  • Cancellations beyond 72 hours are not charged beyond deposit unless costs have already been incurred

  • Rescheduling is subject to availability and may require a new deposit

REFUND POLICY

All sales are generally final.

Refunds may only be issued if:

  • Service is canceled by the chef due to unforeseen circumstances

  • Service cannot be completed as agreed

Refunds are not provided for:

  • Change of mind

  • Guest count reductions after preparation begins

  • Late cancellations outside policy

  • Completed or partially completed services

FINAL GUEST COUNT

Final guest count must be confirmed in advance.

  • Increases may result in additional charges

  • Decreases do not reduce pricing after preparation begins

MENU PLANNING

Menus are custom-designed based on:

  • Preferences

  • Dietary needs

  • Seasonality

  • Availability

Final menu approval occurs before service.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, ALLERGIES & FOOD SAFETY

Clients are responsible for disclosing all allergies and dietary restrictions prior to service.

No environment can be guaranteed allergen-free due to shared equipment and supplier handling.

Chris Prael Private Chef is not liable for reactions resulting from:

  • Undisclosed or incomplete information

  • Cross-contact exposure

  • Consumption of approved ingredients

KITCHEN & EVENT REQUIREMENTS

Clients must provide:

  • Safe and clean cooking environment

  • Access to basic kitchen equipment

  • Safe property access

SERVICE DURATION

Includes preparation, cooking, service, plating, and standard cleanup.

Timing varies by event size and menu complexity.

INGREDIENTS & SOURCING

High-quality seasonal ingredients are used.

Specialty ingredients may be required depending on menu selection.

Substitutions may occur based on availability.

CLEANING & POST-SERVICE

Standard kitchen cleanup is included.

Space will be left in a clean, professional condition.

TRAVEL

Travel fees may apply outside primary service area.

Fees are confirmed before booking.

GRATUITY

Gratuity is optional and appreciated.

LIABILITY LIMITATION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chris Prael Private Chef is not liable for:

  • Allergic reactions

  • Property conditions

  • Third-party failures

  • Delays outside reasonable control

  • Client-approved outcomes or decisions

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By booking or receiving services, you agree to these Terms in full.