FAQs
An Evening with "Small Gatherings"
WHAT IS “SMALL GATHERINGS” ?
Small Gatherings is a culinary experience created by you and your guests, in the comfort of your own home. This interactive evening of cooking consists of you, and up to 20 guests, prepping, cooking and feasting on what you have created throughout the evening.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I CONTACT YOU?
After our initial phone conversation, we schedule a time to come to your home for a personal consultation in the kitchen that your evening will be taking place. This is a critical part of the process because we are able to get a full picture of what techniques can be taught throughout the evening. Techniques include roasting, baking, stove top, grill & counter work.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Once we have had a consultation with you in your kitchen, it’s time to decide on the menu for your evening. There are two options to choose from:
1. Full meal menus include appetizers and entree, or entrees, sides and dessert.
2. Single subject topics. Just a few examples include: corn, onions, citrus, tomatoes, marinades, herbs.
Once decided, we review things like: “Are your guests vegetarians?” “Are there any known food allergies within the group?” etc. While you collect that information, we will choose a list of recipe options for you to choose from. Within days, the menu for the evening is finalized. We will write up the recipe packets for the evening, and bring them for you the night of your event.
DO I NEED TO SUPPLY THE EQUIPMENT USED FOR THE RECIPES?
If you would prefer that we use your equipment, (mixer, blender, knives cutting boards etc), that is fine with us. If not, we will bring the equipment with us, and set them up at the stations where they will be used.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE THE GROCERIES?
No.
Once the menu for the evening is decided, it is our responsibility to shop for the necessary ingredients. There is an emphasis on local ingredients, so we will shop at farmers markets, local meat purveyors etc. We will bring all of the food with us, and set up stations in your kitchen dedicated for each individual recipe your guests will be preparing throughout the evening.
DO YOU BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO OFFER MY GUESTS?
That is something that can be discussed at the consultation. We are happy to supply a bartender/alcoholic beverages for the evening if you choose that route. Or, you can decide what you’d like to serve your guests, and bartending is on you for the evening!
HOW DO YOU SET UP FOR THE EVENING?
We will arrive 60-90 minutes prior to your guests. You will set the table, or tables where your guests will be eating once the cooking is complete. Stations will be set up for each of the recipes that will be prepared that evening.
A “station” includes cutting boards, knives, and any specific equipment related to each recipe. Each station will also have a basket with all of the necessary ingredients required to create that specific recipe, as well as the packet of recipes that guests will use and take home.
MY GUESTS HAVE ARRIVED. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The evening begins! Once your guests arrive, you may offer them a drink and a light appetizer. Introductions will commence and we will explain the flow of the evening. Your guests will split up into groups of two, in some cases three, and choose which recipe they would like to work on. We will visit each station and review the recipe and answer any questions guests may have as they begin to prep and cook. We will walk around and educate your guests on specific knife skills, food origins, etc. They can always feel free to add their own flair to a recipe as well!
We will make sure that all groups are moving along at a good pace so all dishes are finished around the same time. Once finished, your guests will plate their food on predetermined dishware. Each group will discuss what they made, and how it was done. Food is served and guests are eating! We take care of cleaning up the equipment and stations while you and your guests are enjoying dinner. Dessert will be pre-plated for you to enjoy at your leisure. We pack up, and you and your guests continue to enjoy the night you have created.