Quick links to each section:
The Experiences
How many people can sign up for a cooking experience?
The “Cook and Eat” and “Shop, Cook, and Eat” experiences accommodate up to 4 people in the same group. Chef Jennifer is not able to serve larger groups due to the size of her kitchen and dining space.
Heading 3
What is included in the “Shop, Cook, and Eat” experience?
This experience includes 45 - 60 minutes of shopping at Pike Place Market for the ingredients needed for that day’s menus. Chef Jennifer takes you to her favorite food vendors and she purchases all of the ingredients. After shopping, you can ride the light rail with Chef Jennifer back to the kitchen. Round trip tickets are included. Alternatively, guests can opt to drive to the kitchen and meet Chef Jennifer there to avoid additional parking costs. Once in the kitchen, you get 75 - 90 minutes of cooking instruction and a full three-course meal.
Heading 3
What’s included in a “Cook and Eat” Experience?
These experiences include 75 - 90 minutes of cooking instruction and a full three-course meal. It does not include shopping at the Market.
Heading 3
Will there be people that I don’t know in this class?
No. All classes are fully private, so it’s just you and the person / people in your party.
Heading 3
Do participants need to have any cooking experience?
All levels of cooking experience are welcome to attend.
Heading 3
I would like to sign up my family for a cooking class. Does Pike to Plate allow children?
Pike to Plate welcomes children ages 10 and up as long as they are accompanied by an adult who will work alongside the child / children. Chef Jennifer does not host group classes just for children.
Heading 3
The Menu & Cuisine
What type of cuisine do guests prepare during a cooking class?
Chef Jennifer offers guests a choice between Persian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, North African, Spanish and Italian cuisines.
Heading 3
How does Chef Jennifer develop the menus for her classes?
The booking form allows clients to list any food allergies, aversions, or dietary restrictions so that Chef Jennifer knows which food(s) to avoid. Once the reservation is made, she contacts each client via email to find out what type of cuisine(s) interest them. From there, she puts together a three-course menu.
Heading 3
Do guests order specific items from a menu?
Menus are dictated by guests personal food preferences, but there is no defined menu like there is in a restaurant. For example, guests can request to prepare an Italian menu, but the menu items will be chosen based upon what’s in season / available at the Market.
Heading 3
Can I request to make something very specific during my cooking experience?
Chef Jennifer tries her best to honor requests. However, guests must keep in mind that they are preparing three courses within 75 - 90 minutes. Dishes that require considerable prep time are not feasible. In addition, some ingredients are only available during certain times of year or may be too cost prohibitive to include on the menu.
Dietary Accommodations
Does everyone in the group eat the same food?
Yes, there is one menu for the entire group. This allows Chef Jennifer to develop a specific lesson plan centered around the three courses that guests prepare during class. Keep in mind that if there are any dietary restrictions, the entire menu honors that restriction. For example, if one person in a group of four requests a vegan meal, then the menu for the entire group honors that request.
Dietary Accommodations
Dietary Accommodations
I’m a vegan (or vegetarian). Can Chef Jennifer accommodate me?
Chef Jennifer is more than happy to create an entirely plant-based or vegetarian menu for her guests. When signing up, simply make note of this in the reservation.
Heading 3
I am allergic / intolerant to gluten. Can Chef Jennifer accommodate me?
Absolutely! Just let Chef Jennifer know when you reserve the class that the menu needs to be gluten-free.
Heading 3
I’m unable to consume dairy. Can I still sign up for a class?
Of course! Many of Chef Jennifer’s menus do not utilize any dairy. Non-dairy alternatives can also be used as substitutes in many recipes.
Heading 3
Can Chef Jennifer accommodate ALL types of special diets?
For extremely strict diets that require the avoidance of many common food items, it’s best to contact Chef Jennifer via email or phone prior to booking to discuss this. While she makes every effort to accommodate her guests, there may be requests that she is unable to fulfill.
Heading 3
Scheduling, Cancellation, & Logistics
What happens if I have to cancel or reschedule my reservation?
Clients who cancel at least 8 days prior to their scheduled class will receive a full refund or can opt to reschedule for a later date. Cancellations 3 - 7 days prior to the scheduled class will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund.
Heading 3
I’m interested a specific date, but I’m not seeing it on the booking calendar. Is it possible to add a class for me?
If you don’t see the date you would like to come in, contact Chef Jennifer directly via email or by phone at (941) 321-1612. Depending on her schedule, she may be able to fit you in.
Heading 3
Can I join a waitlist for a class that is already booked?
Yes. Just email or call Chef Jennifer and let her know the date and time. If the class opens up, she will contact you.
Heading 3
What’s the parking situation like at Pike to Plate?
There is typically on-street parking available on 18th Ave South, Lander Street, or 19th Ave South. This is a two-hour zoned parking area Monday through Friday until 6 pm, but 20th Ave South is available for longer term parking during the day.
Heading 3
Can I take public transit to get to Pike to Plate?
Absolutely! Pike to Plate is just 2 blocks from the Beacon Hill light rail station and 2 blocks from the bus stop which serves Routes 36 and 60.
Heading 3
Other Services
Can I purchase gift certificates for cooking classes?
Pike to Plate is not offering gift cards at this time.
Heading 3
Does Pike to Plate offer virtual classes?
Yes. Those classes can be reserved online. Clients can also book private virtual classes for groups ranging in size from 2 - 99 participants. All virtual classes are held via Zoom. Virtual classes are up to 90 minutes in length and include instruction for two full courses (main and dessert).
Heading 3
I would love for Chef Jennifer come to my home or business to teach a cooking class for me and my guests. Is this possible?
At present, she is not set up to bring her cooking experiences on the road.
Heading 3
Does Pike to Plate offer catering?
Pike to Plate is not a catering business.