Here’s a quick tip for reporters and publicists who can’t seem to nail down chefs for interviews: Stop being so flexible.

I get a lot of interview requests from journalists with some variation of the note, “I’m available whenever the chef is available.” It’s a nice sentiment, and I know reporters are just trying to be nice and flexible by leaving scheduling up to the chef. But here’s the thing: When I tell chefs a reporter needs to talk “whenever is best for you,” they say “whenever.” And that whenever is more about never than when.

They’re not trying to be jerks, but they really do fill their days just fine without extra requests, and many can’t possibly see when they have “free” time to talk to a reporter in some random future.

I always recommend reporters give chefs a few specific options and add “or another time.” This approach takes the burden of scheduling off the shoulders of the chef, and makes it far more likely you’ll get your interview before your deadline.