After moving to Poulsbo from Edmonds, Melissa Steele, joined the ranks of the 18 percent of our local population that leave the county to go to work every day to her full-time job in Bellevue. She drove, rode a bus, took the ferry, then another bus — twice a day, in all kinds of weather. Steele found herself spending a minimum of 20 hours per week just getting to and from work.

Her rigorous daily schedule didn’t leave much time or energy to even think about dinner — or lunch the next day. After commuting for awhile, Steele decided she’d had it with bland, frozen microwave entrees, fattening take out food and expensive dining. For her, cooking on the weekends became almost a necessary means of escape.

Almost by accident, she learned of the Personal Chef Service industry, and an idea took hold. She knew she wasn’t the only person in that situation, and she created a “niche” business to help people just like herself — those hapless commuters. She is now the owner and head chef of Commuter Cuisine, a personalized home chef service.

“I cook enough food in one day so clients don’t have to cook for weeks,” she said. “As a personal chef, I plan customized menus, shop for groceries and prepare nutritious dinners (also breakfasts and lunches) to be stored in the client’s refrigerator and freezer with complete labels and instructions. Most meals only require re-heating! This service is not only for busy professionals, new mothers, elderly or disabled, I can accommodate small dinner parties, too!”

Steele’s personalized chef service starts with a comprehensive questionnaire to determine food preferences, as well as any dietary requirements. “This is where my clients let me know if they dislike broccoli, don’t eat red meat and need to have foods low in saturated fats and salts.”

The questionnaire is very specific because the information is the basis for the customized menus she creates. Since every client’s situation is different, so is pricing, but Steele points out that most clients are likely be spend less than if they were having take out or dining out — and eat better.

“No two clients have the same menus. I have an on-going communication with clients to make sure they are satisfied. They can make changes or suggestions and also let me know if they will be having guests for any of the meals.”

Steele says her typical day has her creating a shopping list from the customized menu, making the rounds of favorite stores, arriving at the client’s home with all of her own cookware and utensils. She prepares the entrees and sides, complete with labels and instructions, and of course, she cleans up afterwards. She says clients only know she was there by the amazing aromas filling the air.

Is this kind of service a luxury or necessity she asks rhetorically? “Just what is your time worth?” she asks. “Time has possibly become the most precious commodity, when available. Good health a close second. What’s the point of being successful if you aren’t healthy enough or don’t have the time to enjoy the results of your success?”

Commuter Cuisine serves Kitsap County and as a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA), Steele is dedicated to excellence in the industry.

For more information, contact Steele at (360) 440-5232 or chef@commutercuisine.com.