How It All Works
I get lots of questions about my services, mainly from people who've never done something like this before. So I put together an FAQs page which explains how it all works. Take a read through here, and I'll bet most of your questions about what I do will be answered.
So do you come to my house, or is there somewhere I go for the cooking classes?
The vast majority of my cooking classes are performed right in the comfort of your own home.
The vast majority of my cooking classes are performed right in the comfort of your own home.
I bring all the food and equipment needed to have the class, so all you need to do is tell me
what you'd like to cook, how many people will be there, and where the class will be - and I'll
take care of the rest!
What do I need to provide in my kitchen before your arrival?
All I ask is that you give me as much counter space as you can. It also helps if your kitchen is
What do I need to provide in my kitchen before your arrival?
All I ask is that you give me as much counter space as you can. It also helps if your kitchen is
clean, but most everyone does that anyway. We'll be eating off your plates, silverware, and
glasses, and it may come to pass in the class that I need to use a pan or two of yours, but
anything of yours that we use (including the kitchen itself), I will clean at the end of the class.
If you have your dishwasher clean and empty, I'll happily load it up for you at the end of the
class! Also, it's a good idea to have an extra roll of paper towels handy, as we use a bunch
of those in a cooking class.
But I don't think my kitchen will work for a cooking class, what then?
Well there's actually a work around that many people use in this scenario. Since the charge for my classes is based on a minimum of four people (as you'll see in the next question) that usually plays out as a class has two couples in it. So if you have a friend who has a really great kitchen, why not ask them if they can host the class? It very rare that you find people who are opposed to having a fun professional chef come into their house and cook with/for them!
But I don't think my kitchen will work for a cooking class, what then?
Well there's actually a work around that many people use in this scenario. Since the charge for my classes is based on a minimum of four people (as you'll see in the next question) that usually plays out as a class has two couples in it. So if you have a friend who has a really great kitchen, why not ask them if they can host the class? It very rare that you find people who are opposed to having a fun professional chef come into their house and cook with/for them!
If you simply can't find any space, then a Virtual Class might be a great option instead!
How much do your classes cost?
My classes are $140 per person with a four person minimum charge ($560 base cost). This cost covers the cost of food, transportation, set up, instruction and clean up. It's all included, so there's no hidden charges*. Note that it's a four person minimum charge. You can have fewer than 4 people if you like, or if that's what the situation is. Heck, I can even do a one-on-one class if you like. But the base cost is always $560, and that covers up to four people in the class. How many actually are there is totally up to you!
Why was there an asterisk (*) in that last answer?
There are a few things that might be considered "hidden" charges, so I of course want to be upfront about these, and please note, these apply to the vast minority of my classes! First, if your class is very far away (like over an hour and a half drive each way for me) then I might charge a small transportation fee of like $20 to help cover the cost of fuel. I also have some credit card processing fees and alcohol costs, but more on those later!
How much do your classes cost?
My classes are $140 per person with a four person minimum charge ($560 base cost). This cost covers the cost of food, transportation, set up, instruction and clean up. It's all included, so there's no hidden charges*. Note that it's a four person minimum charge. You can have fewer than 4 people if you like, or if that's what the situation is. Heck, I can even do a one-on-one class if you like. But the base cost is always $560, and that covers up to four people in the class. How many actually are there is totally up to you!
Why was there an asterisk (*) in that last answer?
There are a few things that might be considered "hidden" charges, so I of course want to be upfront about these, and please note, these apply to the vast minority of my classes! First, if your class is very far away (like over an hour and a half drive each way for me) then I might charge a small transportation fee of like $20 to help cover the cost of fuel. I also have some credit card processing fees and alcohol costs, but more on those later!
I heard about/took a virtual class with you during the pandemic. Do you still do those?
I sure do! The virtual classes were an enormous hit, and the fact that I was able to teach people all around the world was as eye-opening as it was rewarding. It will always remain an option with my business. It's a great way to have a party when your friends and family are spread all over, but you still want to do something fun together. Also, it's a much more economical option, as the class is just a flat $400 for as many people as you would like in the class. Note that is is a shorter class with fewer dishes as well, but it's a great option for so many people. You can learn more on my Virtual Classes page.
What kind of discounts do you offer?
When your group size goes over 10 people for in-person classes, I begin to lower my per-person
as many people as you want for a flat rate.
Are the In-Person Classes hands-on, or are they demo classes?
That is totally up to you! It's your class, so I want you to have the class experience you're looking for.
Are the In-Person Classes hands-on, or are they demo classes?
That is totally up to you! It's your class, so I want you to have the class experience you're looking for.
We can do a hands-on class, where you all are doing the cooking, and I'm there helping with tips,
suggestions and awesome ways to cook better. Or you can have a demo class where you sit back
with a glass of wine while I cook and answer questions and provide you with a great meal at the end.
Or we can do any level of hybrid class where you do some cooking, and I do other cooking. It's your
call how the class goes, I'm open to it being any way you like!
So what size group should I have? Is there a minimum/maximum size you'll teach?
Well, this depends a lot on the space you have, and what kind of party you'd like to have. See, if
you want it to be hands-on, then you'll likely be able to fit fewer people in your kitchen to cook
simultaneously. Whereas if it's a demo, you can likely fit in more people, since I'm the only one running around with a knife and hot pans. The simple truth is, you know what your kitchen can handle, but if you need help determining what will work best, I can help with that!
How long do the cooking classes last?
Usually the cooking part of the class lasts about 3-3.5 hours. I find that non-professional chefs usually only want to cook for about 3 hours, so I try to make all my classes fit into that kind of time frame. So you have plenty of time to learn a lot from me, but it's not so much that you're too exhausted to eat at the end of it all. Once you add on the eating time and clean up, the total time usually comes to around 5 hours when all is said and done. It really depends on how much fun we're all having!
When the cooking part of the class is done, do you eat with us?
That is totally up to you! Some people like me to join them in their meal, so I can answer more cooking questions (or tell harrowing stories from kitchens I've worked in), others like to eat just with their friends so they can catch up with each other. I'm happy to do whichever you prefer, because I never forget that this is your class. However you want things to go, that's how we'll do it!
What about pets? Can my dog/cat be around for the class?
As much as I love animals, they are not a good mix for a cooking class. There are too many hazards: several cooks working in the kitchen; hot pans; sharp knives; and not to mention that it is often my first time in your kitchen, so I'm already unfamiliar with the landscape. So as for your dog(s), I respectfully request that you sequester them from the kitchen for the duration of the class. (Yes, even your perfect dog!) Sure, I love them, but they really can be dangerous during a class, and I'd hate if they (or you, or me!) was to get hurt. As for your cat(s), they tend to run away from cooking classes anyway, so you probably don't have to do anything special with respect to them...
Do you bring the beer and wine as well?
For cost purposes, I don't include the cost of beer and wine in the cost of the class, but I'm happy to make
How long do the cooking classes last?
Usually the cooking part of the class lasts about 3-3.5 hours. I find that non-professional chefs usually only want to cook for about 3 hours, so I try to make all my classes fit into that kind of time frame. So you have plenty of time to learn a lot from me, but it's not so much that you're too exhausted to eat at the end of it all. Once you add on the eating time and clean up, the total time usually comes to around 5 hours when all is said and done. It really depends on how much fun we're all having!
When the cooking part of the class is done, do you eat with us?
That is totally up to you! Some people like me to join them in their meal, so I can answer more cooking questions (or tell harrowing stories from kitchens I've worked in), others like to eat just with their friends so they can catch up with each other. I'm happy to do whichever you prefer, because I never forget that this is your class. However you want things to go, that's how we'll do it!
What about pets? Can my dog/cat be around for the class?
As much as I love animals, they are not a good mix for a cooking class. There are too many hazards: several cooks working in the kitchen; hot pans; sharp knives; and not to mention that it is often my first time in your kitchen, so I'm already unfamiliar with the landscape. So as for your dog(s), I respectfully request that you sequester them from the kitchen for the duration of the class. (Yes, even your perfect dog!) Sure, I love them, but they really can be dangerous during a class, and I'd hate if they (or you, or me!) was to get hurt. As for your cat(s), they tend to run away from cooking classes anyway, so you probably don't have to do anything special with respect to them...
Do you bring the beer and wine as well?
For cost purposes, I don't include the cost of beer and wine in the cost of the class, but I'm happy to make
recommendations based on your menu as to the perfect pairings you can have to go with your meal if you want
to purchase those. If you would like me to purchase/bring the alcohol to drink with your class or party, I can do
that, and can provide that at cost. However, I've found that almost everybody has a special wine or
something in mind that they want to serve, so most people provide their own drinks for their events.
Can we drink beer/wine/cocktails during our class?
Of course! It's your class, so drink as you please! However, for safety's sake, Virtual Classes are a really great
Can we drink beer/wine/cocktails during our class?
Of course! It's your class, so drink as you please! However, for safety's sake, Virtual Classes are a really great
option for alcohol-themed classes!
What about the cocktail classes? Do you buy/bring all the booze for those?
Yes indeed I do! It would be cost prohibitive (and a major hassle) for you to have to buy all the bottles needed
for those classes. So for those classes, the cost of the alcohol is included in the cost of the class. The food
element of those classes is less (we focus on cocktail and food pairings) so that is how I balance it out.
(That's not to say you'll go hungry after a cocktail class, it's just not as much food as you would have in, say,
a food-focused cooking class.)
How do we pay for our class?
I accept many forms of payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, PayPal, and Venmo. Please note that for a
credit card and PayPal payments though, I do charge a 3% service fee to merely help offset (not completely cover) the bank charges. I have also created a Contact & Pay page on my site where you can pay for the base cost of an in-person class ($560), extra attendees for an in person class ($140 each) or a virtual class ($400) if that helps!
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much?
No deposit necessary for classes! I've found it's more of a hassle than anything else. That, and everyone has been really good about not hurting me with this policy of mutual trust that I have created. (So if you plan a class with me, don't ruin it for everyone else by cancelling at the last second!) If I'm catering a large party/event, I might require a deposit, but that's on a case-by-case basis, and we can talk about that then.
What about tips? Are we supposed to tip you?
While gratuities are neither required nor expected, they are always gratefully accepted.
What about dinner parties and/or catering, do you do that?
I sure do! These things don't have the "entertainment" aspect, it's simply me showing up with the food, finishing it off as necessary, and serving it. Prices for this service can vary greatly based on how many people, what the menu entails, and if you need things like serviceware or servers to help out. Pricing is on a case-by-case basis here, so we'd need to talk to see what you need, and then determine what it would cost. Though as a good estimate, the pricing will likely be in the ballpark of my classes - around $140 per person with discounts offered once group sizes reach 10 people or more.
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much?
No deposit necessary for classes! I've found it's more of a hassle than anything else. That, and everyone has been really good about not hurting me with this policy of mutual trust that I have created. (So if you plan a class with me, don't ruin it for everyone else by cancelling at the last second!) If I'm catering a large party/event, I might require a deposit, but that's on a case-by-case basis, and we can talk about that then.
What about tips? Are we supposed to tip you?
While gratuities are neither required nor expected, they are always gratefully accepted.
What about dinner parties and/or catering, do you do that?
I sure do! These things don't have the "entertainment" aspect, it's simply me showing up with the food, finishing it off as necessary, and serving it. Prices for this service can vary greatly based on how many people, what the menu entails, and if you need things like serviceware or servers to help out. Pricing is on a case-by-case basis here, so we'd need to talk to see what you need, and then determine what it would cost. Though as a good estimate, the pricing will likely be in the ballpark of my classes - around $140 per person with discounts offered once group sizes reach 10 people or more.
Do you do weddings?
As a rule, I only do weddings for people I know and repeat clients. I want the event to be special,
As a rule, I only do weddings for people I know and repeat clients. I want the event to be special,
so I limit it to people I know and have worked with before. That being said, if you know me, and want
me to cater your special day, please don't hesitate to Contact Me. I'd love to talk more!
me to cater your special day, please don't hesitate to Contact Me. I'd love to talk more!
This all sounds great! I'd love to book you right now!
Well, that's not a question, but I'll respond anyway... :)
Thanks so much for your interest in booking me! To begin the process, just send me an email, which is by
far the best way to get in touch with me! Please note that I teach classes on Mondays-Saturdays
(no Sundays), any time of the day. (Morning through night: whenever you like.) I only book one event per
day though, so if that day is taken, I won't double-book it. I want everyone's event to be special and have
my full attention, and my days book up on a strict first-come-first-serve basis.
However, as a result of this dedication to my clients, my calendar fills up VERY quickly and often quite far
However, as a result of this dedication to my clients, my calendar fills up VERY quickly and often quite far
in advance. If you want a Saturday class, usually you need about 3 months advance notice. (I've been
known to be booked up on Saturdays as much as 5 months in advance!) Weeknights I can usually do on
shorter notice. But the only way to find out is to contact me, and we can start finding a date that works
for everyone!
If I find out that you're already busy on the date of a specific event, like on my significant other's
If I find out that you're already busy on the date of a specific event, like on my significant other's
birthday, can I get a gift certificate instead?
Absolutely! All you have to do is pay the base price of a class ($560 for an in-person class, $400 for a virtual class) and I'll send you a gift certificate you can print out and give to that special someone. This way you have a gift to let them know you were thinking of them on their special day. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out my Gift Certificates page.
Thanks so much for reading through all this, and I hope it helped you understand what it is that I do! Now that you know how it all works, it's time to Contact Me so we can get started!
Absolutely! All you have to do is pay the base price of a class ($560 for an in-person class, $400 for a virtual class) and I'll send you a gift certificate you can print out and give to that special someone. This way you have a gift to let them know you were thinking of them on their special day. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out my Gift Certificates page.
Thanks so much for reading through all this, and I hope it helped you understand what it is that I do! Now that you know how it all works, it's time to Contact Me so we can get started!