When it comes to dining out, the choices in New York City boggle the mind. But you love your apartment, and you’d like to actually spend some time in it. Assuming a live-in cook isn’t an option, the city also offers a menu of tasty possibilities when you want to dine, or entertain, at home without resorting to pizza, Chinese, or that restaurant across the street.

Most grocery stores, including gourmet food emporiums like Whole Foods, will deliver your purchases for a nominal fee. One advantage over undoubtedly convenient delivery services like FreshDirect is that you get to see what you’re buying.

Most of your favorite fine dining establishments offer take-out. There’s no reason not to enjoy rolls from Nobu Next Door or a juicy porterhouse from Peter Luger’s (they’ll slice it for you just like they do in the restaurant) without interruptions from a stranger with a pen.

Another sweet spot has been hit in recent years by amateur—and in some cases pro—chefs turning their culinary skills into personal chef services. Enterprising foodies have created in-home and delivery options—a perk once associated with celebrities—at rates that keep them in demand by busy professionals, parents and party hosts.  With your schedule and pickiest food preferences in mind, a personal chef will deliver batches of lovingly created custom meals. Or they’ll come to your house and cook them—without leaving you any dishes to wash. You’ll get anywhere from a day to a week’s worth of meals, with specialties including organic and diet options, kids’ meals, seasonal and local products, vegetarian, vegan, and more.

Some chefs will even teach you how to cook your favorite menus in your own kitchen. The Wooden-Spoon.com offers cooking lessons in your home, providing a grocery and equipment list beforehand and leaving you with leftovers and future recipes to repeat the experience.

For a listing of New York City personal chefs:
NYPersonalChefs.com