Q & A
How did you arrive at your name? Salt is a simple ingredient that is fundamental. It can be clean, well rounded and is a crucial ingredient to good cooking. A Pinch of Salt offers the fundamentals of cooking to help unlock and demystify some of the fears that exist separating you from the endless possibilities that lie in your kitchen.
Can my kitchen accommodate private/group cooking classes?
So long as your kitchen can comfortably fit a cutting board for all participating guests we should be fine.
I don’t have fancy kitchen appliances, knifes or pots, would that be a problem?
No. While fancy things are nice—and hopefully after a few classes you may go out and buy one or two to start building on—for now we will work with what is present. Once your menu is determined I will notify you of any appliances, if any, that may be needed. You then will inform me of what you may or may not have, so that I can bring it or so that I can reconstruct the menu so that we can use items that you do have present.
Do you offer cooking classes for children?
Yes I do, I work as a chef instructor for both adults and children and I am able to adjust myself to both groups, making the event fun regardless of age. Please see my sample children's menu or email me with more specific questions.
If I request you as my personal shopper, where would you shop for your ingredients?
Freshness is key in producing quality food. In order to maintain the integrity of the recipes, I shop at local farmers markets, Whole Foods and Fresh Direct. Per your request I can also shop at your favorite specialty shops.
What areas qualify for your services?
Areas within New York City, Queens and Brooklyn that are easily accessible by public transportation. I can also travel to other areas for an additional traveling fee.
What things come with your services?
Professionalism—As an experienced chef instructor I guide you through recipes, answer questions and interact with the guest(s) to make the cooking environment fun, informative and memorable. Convenience—I prepare a list of ingredients and items needed to be purchased prior to the event/class. I can also grocery shop and assist in clean up for an additional fee. You will also get the recipes to all meals prepared so that you can prepare the same meal to impress family and friends!
What are your fees?
The cost for a standard 3-hour lesson is $150 for private lessons up to 2 people; $200 for up to 3 guest or $300 for up to 4 guest. Ingredients are at the client cost. Food is not included in price in order to offer customers the ability to determine their budget and provide the flexibility of choosing from their favorite shops or ingredients. Other factors that determine price is how much equipment is carried to your home, travel time, how accessible your home is from public transportation and the nature of the event. Please note that a 15% gratuity will be added for all parties. Of course we will discuss these details prior to your booking.
What form of payment do you accept?
Payments can be made in cash , check or credit card. A 50% deposit is due upon booking and the remaining 50% balance is due upon completion of the event.
What cooking schedule do you offer?
Evening hours in any 3 hour shifts from 4 – 10 pm Monday thru Friday. Weekends are flexible. With advanced notice we should be able to structure a time and date suitable to your needs.
