Hello, my name is Allison Coia of Cook-A-Doodle-Doo Personal Chef Service, LLC. I come from Italian heritage and spent most of my young life in the kitchen with my mother Madalyn. My mother taught me many of her secrets and techniques that I am now putting to great use. My family has a very long history of cooks who pride themselves in the ability to provide for their families and for passing on the culinary traditions from generation to generation.
I visited Italy in the winter of 2006 and had a spectacular time learning even more about food and our culture. Our family owned a Deli and Catering business growing up, which has allowed me to gain even more valuable experience. Over the years I have developed a large collection of cookbooks, experimenting with different cuisine, flavors, textures, and food.
Growing up I was very overweight and at my heaviest, I tipped the scale at 265lbs at the age of 19. I lost over 100 pounds and struggled over the years trying to maintain my weight. I have gained and lost the same 40 pounds numerous times but since opening Cook-A-Doodle-Doo I have learned how to maintain my current weight. I have added many new food groups to my diet including whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean meats and seafood without compromising tastes.
Let me help you to do the same! Please allow Cook-A-Doodle-Doo to make you healthier and improve your eating lifestyle at the same time!Current and past clients include professional athletes from the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, Villanova Wildcats & Philadelphia Kixx!
Chef Allison's Favorite Chefs
Growing up in the 60's & 70's was a very special time for food TV as it was in its infancy. I can remember turning on channel 12 to watch Julia Child with her funny accent teach us all about classic cooking. Today you can find a Food TV show on 24 hours a day. They have grown over time, but when PBS runs their reruns of Julia from 30 years ago, I can't help but be glued to the TV.
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Julia Child
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Jacques Pepin
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Mario Batali
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Alton Brown
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Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
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Mary Ann Esposito
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Michael Chiarello
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Jamie Oliver
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Tyler Florence
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Ming Tsai
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Sare Moulton
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Cat Cora
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Rachel Ray - Sorry folks, but I really like her quirkyness!
Chef Allison with Lidia Matticchio Bastianich at a WHYY fundraiser
Mission Statement
In a hungry and frantic world, we provide our clients with an outstanding culinary experience, enjoyed in the comfort of their own home!
Personal Chef FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions from Potential Clients)
Click on a question to be taken to the answer.
How does this work?
Do you cook in my kitchen?
How long will you be here?
Do I heat the food?
How much freezer space do you need?
How is the food stored?
The cost seems to be about what I pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is that?
Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date?
How often will we need your service?
Can I order half of the regular service?
I have special dietary needs, can I still use your service?
How do I simmer water?
How does this work?
First, we will meet with you to determine what your needs and frequency of my service. We then discuss what your food likes, dislikes, food allergies and special dietary requirements are.
We then go through the menu and give you the opportunity to choose what is appealing to you. As the Personal Chef, we determine each weeks menu based upon your selections. Our most popular service is usually five entrees of four servings for each entree. This will provide 20 dinner sized servings, enough for two people for ten days, i.e. Monday through Friday. This is flexible depending on household size or preferences. Usually every two weeks we prepare these entrees in your home during the day while you are out. We shop for the freshest ingredients, prepare (using my own equipment), package (for freezer or refrigerator), and leave your kitchen spotless.
Return to Questions
Do you cook in my kitchen?
Yes, we prepare your meals in your own kitchen. On our agreed upon cooking date we bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with our own pots, pans and utensils, and prepare your entrees on site. At the end of the day we leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!
Return to Questions
How long will you be here?
We will be cooking several different entrees and side dishes from scratch, so it will take between 3-6 hours depending on the size of your package.
Return to Questions
Do I heat the food?
Yes. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator, and heated, to be enjoyed at the peak of their flavor. We always leave you a menu with easy to follow heating instructions for each entree.
Return to Questions
How much freezer space do you need?
It depends on the number of meals you request, and the sizes of the containers, but it does generally require a considerable amount of freezer space. Efficient storage is one of the reasons we prefer to select the appropriate size, uniform storage containers.
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo also offer a Vacuum-Seal option which takes up even less space in your freezer.
Return to Questions
How is the food stored
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo prefers to vacuum seal your food for freshness. Food is then heated in simmering water, microwave or oven. We also have other options we can discuss at your consultation.
Return to Questions
The cost seems to be about what I pay for an entree in a restaurant - why is that?
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo Personal Chef will use the freshest ingredients purchased the same day and prepare them based upon your individual needs. During the assessment process we determine your likes, needs, special dietary requirements and requests is used to customize your menu selections. We modify all of my recipes to reflect your wants and needs. All of the groceries needed for your meals are included; and your meals are all prepared in the safety of your own kitchen. Plus, packaging, labeling and storing your entrees are all features included in this price. If you were to compare Cook-A-Doodle-Doo to restaurant service you could think of it this way...
When you go to a restaurant, you usually must drive to get there, wait for a table and hope that you get a good server. If you have food allergies or special requests you dont always have the guarantee that they will be honored, since most entrees are "assembly line" ready in the kitchen. After completing your meal you must pay for it, tip the server, and get back in your vehicle to drive home. As your Personal Chef, I will leave you with a beautiful entree that has been prepared specifically for your palate and requirements and enable you to eat it in the comfort of your own home.
Return to Questions
Do I pay you ahead of each cooking date?
It is mandatory to pay for the service at least 2 weeks in advance of your cooking date. If you like you may leave us a check for the upcoming cooking date on the day we are cooking.
Return to Questions
How often will we need your service?
During our initial consultation, we will discuss how often you will want to schedule my Personal Chef Service to best serve your needs. We'll make sure it suports your busy lifestyle without putting any pressure on you.
Return to Questions
Can I order half of the regular service?
We would like to make that available to you, but for this service to be a profitable business, that is not possible. As a Personal Chef, we can't take the same amount of cooking time and produce half the amount of food. It takes the same amount of planning, shopping and preparation time to cook 10 portions of food as it does for 20 portions of food. You might want to split our services with a friend.
Return to Questions
I have special dietary needs, can I still use your service?
That is the luxury of having a Personal Chef! During your initial consultaion we can go over any special needs you might have. If there are some items you dont see on your menu, we work with you to meet your requirements.
Return to Questions
How do I simmer water?
Return to Questions