Planning a dinner? A buffet? A barbecue?

Dreading all the work involved?

Let Charlene Payne take that load off you!

Charlene will be your own personal chef!

Charlene will cook (and clear up afterwards) in your own home for up to 30 guests - the occasion can be as small and intimate as you want. She can offer you a wide selection of menus, from Southern soul food to Italian to US traditional (think Thanksgiving!) to British traditional (imagine having no cooking to do on Christmas Day!), from formal dining to finger-buffets to barbecues to formal picnics (are you going to the races?). She will also, if you wish, recommend and provide wines to match your choice of food. She can even provide tablecloths, table decorations and candles.

And as an added seasoning: Chef Charlene's persona is as inviting as her food. She cooks and serves (and cleans up impeccably!) with personality, warmth, energy and caring.

'My food is branded by what I call "Chef Charlene's Rockin' Food," she says. 'It is important to me not only that food is flavourful, it needs to linger on the palate so that it's like a dance going in your mouth.'

The bubbly, enthusiastic personal chef has cooked for Vincenzo Peluso, a celebrity chef of Pulcinella Restaurant in Switzerland, who said when he tried Charlene's food: "It is fantastic! The food is cooked to perfection."

All Charlene's meals are prepared from the best, freshest ingredients. She selects all her own meat, fish and vegetables, rather than allow suppliers to deliver what they choose to her. A fully-organic menu is available, as of course are vegetarian and vegan options.

So how much is this wonderful service?

£200 standing charge plus a charge per person, dependent on the cost of the food you choose. (Wine is, of course, extra.)

And where will Charlene take bookings?

In and around Brighton, Hove, Lewes - in fact, anywhere in East Sussex, and now also in West Sussex. Bookings outside that area can also be taken, but there will be a supplementary charge for travel.

Menu samples

Here are just a few menu options - only three of each, selected from so many! - from the wide range of food which Charlene can offer you. The menu is updated every three months, and can always be tailored towards vegetarian and vegan options.

Appetizers:

Entrées:

Side Dishes:

Desserts:

And your own requests for menu items are always welcome - be creative!

Suitable for vegetarians Suitable for vegetarians

Suitable for vegans Suitable for vegans

If you or your guests have any specific dietary needs or allergies, please let Charlene know when planning the menu.

Please note: All dishes may contain nuts.