Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about classes and visiting the studio. For complete booking and payment rules, please read our Terms and Policies.
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Where are you located?
We are at 22 S. Main St., Voorheesville, NY 12186.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open 15 minutes before the posted start time. Please arrive at least five minutes early. If you expect to be late, let us know; a significantly late arrival may make it difficult to join a class already in progress. Private groups should also review the private event timing policy.
Where should I park?
There is a private parking lot behind the building, a public parking lot to the left, and street parking nearby.
Can I attend or visit without a reservation?
Classes require an advance reservation. We cannot accommodate walk-ins or unannounced tours; please contact us to arrange a visit.
What are your School Store hours?
The School Store is available during classes and does not have regular daily retail hours.
How do I register for a class or event?
Choose a class from our online class schedule, add it to your cart, and complete checkout. Seats are reserved when the order is complete.
I’m on the waitlist. How will I know if a seat opens?
When a seat opens in a sold-out class, everyone on its waitlist receives an automatic email. If you would like the seat, follow the link and complete your reservation promptly. Waitlist notices do not hold the seat.
Will more classes be offered?
Yes. We offer classes throughout the year and release the schedule a few months at a time. New dates and menus are added regularly, so please check back if you do not see what you are looking for on the current schedule.
Can I purchase a class for someone else as a gift?
Yes. A gift card lets the recipient choose an available class that suits their schedule. If you prefer to give a reservation for a specific date, please confirm that the recipient can attend before purchasing. Select “This is a gift” before adding the class to your cart; a certificate with the event details is generated after checkout.
The purchaser, rather than the recipient, must submit any eligible change or credit request. Please review our gift reservation policy before booking a specific date.
How do I use my gift card?
Follow the instructions on our gift card help page. Online gift cards are redeemed online when reserving an available class in advance.
How do I request a class credit if I cannot attend?
Submit the Class Credit Request form at least 24 hours before a public class begins. Your order number is in the confirmation email or under My Account. The form is required; a phone call or separate email does not replace it.
Under the standard policy, requests made less than 24 hours before class and missed classes do not qualify. You may send someone in your place. A reservation paid in whole or in part with a gift card or existing class credit does not qualify for another credit if you cannot attend. In unusual circumstances, we may consider a courtesy class credit at our discretion; it is not guaranteed. Private events have separate notice rules. See the complete policy.
How do I use my class credit?
Approved class credits appear in your Wallet, which you can also reach through My Account. Add a class to your cart and select “Wallet-Class Credit” at checkout. If the credit covers only part of the cost, pay the remaining balance with another available method.
Standard credits expire 365 days after issue. Courtesy credits, when offered, are valid for 30–90 days as indicated when issued. See the credit policy for details.
I ordered a gift card, but it was not received. Where is it?
The printable gift card arrives as a PDF attachment in a separate email from the order confirmation, with the subject “Here is your Printable Gift Card.” Check your spam folder first. You can also reprint or resend it from the order in My Account, or reply to your order confirmation email for help. If your work email filters attachments, consider using a personal email address for the purchase.
What are the gift card rules?
One gift card may be used per reservation, and it cannot be combined with another offer. Online gift cards are redeemed online for advance class reservations, not purchases at the studio. A gift card can be used for a private class only if it was purchased for that purpose. Class seats depend on availability; we cannot hold seats without a completed reservation.
Gift cards are nonrefundable, cannot be redeemed for cash, and expire five years after purchase. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced, and redeemed cards cannot be reissued. Under the standard policy, a reservation you cancel or miss is not eligible for an exchange, credit, or refund. Courtesy class credit requests are considered individually; see how to request a class credit. If we reschedule the class and the new date does not work, we provide class credit for the reservation value, including gift-card bookings. See the complete gift card policy.
What should I wear?
For hands-on classes, wear comfortable clothes and low-heeled, closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose or dangling clothing and jewelry, as well as strong perfume or cologne.
Do I need to bring anything?
We provide the equipment and ingredients used in class, along with a recipe or guide packet. You may want to bring a pen for notes.
Will we eat what we make in a cooking class?
We provide a generous sampling of the food prepared in class. Most guests will not leave hungry, but a cooking class is a lesson rather than a full-service dinner. See our Chef’s Table events if you are looking for a full meal.
What is a Chef’s Table?
Chef’s Table is a full-service, interactive dining experience. The chef prepares and plates a multicourse seasonal menu while discussing ingredients and techniques and answering questions. Reservations are required; some recipes may be available upon request.
How much of a class is hands-on?
Each class description identifies its format. The percentages refer to the menu items students help prepare, not the portion of class time spent cooking. For example, in a four-dish class, helping prepare two dishes would meet the “hands-on” description even though the chef may demonstrate parts of those dishes.
- Hands-on: Student participation in 50% or more of the menu items.
- Some hands-on: Student participation in 25% or more of the menu items.
- Demonstration only: The chef prepares the dishes while guests watch, learn, ask questions, and enjoy the food.
- Interactive demonstration: A chef-led demonstration with discussion, tasting, and opportunities to engage with the lesson.
Even in hands-on classes, the chef demonstrates techniques and explains why they work so you can use them at home. The instructor may adjust a hands-on portion when needed for the lesson, timing, or safety.
How long do classes last?
Each class description lists an estimated duration. Actual timing may vary with the class size, menu, and arrival times.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cannot attend: Class and event sales are final; we do not issue refunds for guest cancellations. Some public class reservations qualify for a credit with at least 24 hours’ notice through the Class Credit Request form. The credit request answer explains the exceptions.
If we reschedule: Your reservation moves to the new date. If you cannot attend, we provide class credit for the reservation value, including gift-card bookings. A reschedule is not a cancellation and does not qualify for a refund.
If we cancel without a new date: The amount paid by card or another refundable method may be refunded, or you may choose class credit. For mixed payments, only that eligible portion can be refunded; the gift-card or existing-credit portion becomes class credit. Bookings paid entirely by gift card or credit receive class credit. Please read the full studio change policy.
Can my child attend a class with me?
Most classes, Chef’s Table events, and other events are for guests age 21 and older. We occasionally offer Young Cooks classes for specific age groups. These events are alcohol-free for everyone, including accompanying adults.
Can one or two people reserve a private class?
Yes, subject to the private event minimum fee. See private event pricing and our reservation and change policy.
Can you substitute menu items for allergies or preferences?
Public classes are planned for the group, so we cannot make individual substitutions for allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Please choose a class with a suitable menu or ask about a private event with a customized menu. Our facility is not gluten-free or allergen-free.
Can I bring gluten-free or other specialty ingredients?
We cannot substitute ingredients brought by guests into a public class. The menu and lesson are planned around specific ingredients and techniques. For dietary needs, please contact us about a private class before booking.
May I bring wine or other alcohol to a class or private event?
Outside wine and beer are not permitted. Wine and beer are available for purchase at the studio by the glass or bottle. Liquor and mixed drinks are not permitted on the premises. Young Cooks events are alcohol-free for everyone, including accompanying adults. Please see our alcohol policy.
May I bring outside food or drinks?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted in public classes or private events. This includes snacks, desserts, coffee, bottled drinks, and alcoholic beverages brought from elsewhere. If you have a specific need, please contact us before the event. See our separate outside food and drinks policy.
What are your in-studio conduct rules?
Please arrive on time, silence your phone, and give the instructor your attention during demonstrations. Conversation and questions are welcome; avoid talking over the instructor. Ask before going behind the chef’s table or entering the kitchen, refrigerators, or office, and please leave furniture and seating in place. Our alcohol and outside food and drink rules apply to public classes and private events.
We may ask a guest to leave for disruptive or unsafe behavior, intoxication, excessive lateness, or nonpayment. A reservation in that situation is not eligible for a refund or credit. For complete details, read the conduct policy.