Cooking Class FAQ’s

How can I contact someone at Open Kitchen?
Email is the best way to contact us.  We can be reached at classes@openkitchen-dcmetro.com or by phone 703-942-8148

Where will your culinary classes be held?
Our classes, hands on and demonstration style will be held at the Open Kitchen Bistro’s  Demo kitchen in Falls Church, VA.

Where is Open Kitchen located?
Open Kitchen is located at 7115 Leesburg Pike, #107, Falls Church, VA.  Please see  Map for directions.

When will you be open?
Our culinary space opened September 2009.

How do I get more information regarding your class schedule and culinary events?
Pick up a class schedule at the Open Kitchen Bistro or visit our web-site for class information.

What is the format of your cooking classes?
Adult Classes: We offer two different formats:  Hands-on and Demonstration. Our classes are approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours in duration. For some classes, you will be given a tasting size portion of all the dishes prepared during the class.  For others, in addition to a tasting, a full sit-down meal will be served following the class.  We will also provide you with recipes for all the menu items.

• Hands-on: These are full participation classes where you take part in practicing techniques and preparing the menu items.  These classes are smaller in size – up to about 10-20 participants
• Demonstration:  These classes are designed for you to observe the chef as he/she explain and show recipe preparation and cooking techniques. These classes are larger in size.

Children Classes: We offer two different formats:  Hands-on and Demonstration. Our classes are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in duration. For some classes, you will be given a tasting size portion of all the dishes prepared during the class.  For others, in addition to a tasting, a full sit-down meal will be served following the class.  We will also provide you with recipes for all the menu items.

• Hands-on: These are full participation classes where you take part in practicing techniques and preparing the menu items.  These classes are smaller in size – up to about 12-15 participants.
• Demonstration:  These classes are designed for you to observe the chef as he/she explain and show recipe preparation and cooking techniques. These classes are larger in size.

Can I take leftovers home that I have cooked during the class?
Participants take full responsibility and liability for consuming food items prepared during class on Open Kitchen premises.  For liability purposes, we discourage participants from taking home/removing leftover food items that were prepared during the class from the premises.  However, if participants elect to do so, participants will assume all responsibility and liability for the proper transporting, storage, and/or reheating of these food items.       For more food safety information, please visit www.homefoodsafety.org or www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

What are your rates?

• Adult Cooking Classes and Culinary Events – the price for a regularly scheduled class and event  will range an average of $75-$95 per person. More advanced classes requiring pricey food ingredients will be priced accordingly.
• Special Cooking Events including wine pairing and other tastings will be priced accordingly.
• Children’s Cooking Classes and Culinary Events –The classes will range from $45 - $75 per person per class for regularly scheduled classes.

Is it safe to use my credit card on-line to register?
Online payment via credit card is secure, fast, easy with Paypal and will guarantee that your registration is processed immediately.

What methods of payment do you accept?
Our online system allows us to accept PayPal.

How do I sign up for a Cooking Class?
Cooking class and/or event registration is on a first-come, first serve basis. Reservations can be made electronically by clicking the “Register Now” button at the class of your choice.  If you are looking for more information regarding the classes that are currently scheduled or need assistance with making reservations please e-mail us at classes@openkitchen-dcmetro.com or call  (703)-942-8148.  Reservations are held by full payment with either Visa/MasterCard.

What do I do if the class is full(waiting list only)?
Complete the sign up procedure for the class all the way through checkout to place your name on the waiting list. Your credit card or gift certificate will not be charged if no seats are available.

What do I need to bring to a cooking class?
Aprons will be provided. Please wear closed-toed, non-skid comfortable shoes for your safety in the kitchen. For all classes, bring a healthy appetite to learn and have fun!

Why was my class canceled?
Occasionally we have to cancel a class due to lack of interest. We encourage you to  register early and bring your friends to ensure that this doesn’t happen.  If we must cancel a class, you will be offered to attend a similar class or another class with the chef at a later date.

What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds will be honored if cancellation is received 5 days or more prior to the cooking class or event. We do not provide refunds for cancellations made within 4 days of the cooking class/event date. Exceptions will be made in cases of illness. In these instances, registered participants can apply their payment to classes or events taking place within 6 months from the original class or event. A $15 fee will be applied to process refunds and rescheduling.  All cancellations must be made by phone: 703-942-8148.  We won’t accept email or voice mail cancellation.

Cooking classes/events with insufficient enrollment will be canceled 5 days prior to the class/event date. In these instances, registered participants will be notified by phone and email and will receive a full refund.   Open Kitchen also reserves the right to cancel a class due to inclement weather, illness of the Culinary Instructor, or other emergencies.  In these situations, participants will be notified as soon as that decision is made and a full refund will be issued or participants can apply payment to a future class.

Open Kitchen reserves the right to modify classes and menus.

How do I cancel a class?
If you need to cancel, please  phone us at  703-942-8148.

Can I hold a private event at Open Kitchen?
Absolutely!  Whether you’re considering a unique team building event for your organization, a special theme setting to hold your holiday party or fundraising event, a fun place for a bridal show or gourmet club dinner, or just a stress free way to host a dinner party, Open Kitchen has the ingredients and know-how to transform a collection of recipes and ideas into a very special occasion.   Below are just some ideas:

Contact us at classes@openkitchen-dcmetro.com to get your party started!

Can I become a culinary instructor at Open Kitchen?
One of our goals is to promote local culinary talents – therefore, we are definitely interested in talking with you and exploring your culinary interests and background. Email and tell us a little more about yourself and what you have to offer.

Would you be interested in partnering to organize a culinary event?
Most definitely!   We are always looking expand our class offerings.  Email us.