Frequently Asked Questions:
I or my child has a food allergy/intolerance.
TCP is not an allergy-free facility. However, provided it is an allergy of ingestion only, our studio should be safe as everyone prepares their own food and simple substitutions or eliminations make it quite possible for us to accommodate needs.
If the allergy is severe, it is best for you to call first so that we may discuss the menu in question. You can reach us at (603) 339-1664 or email . We will do our best to accommodate allergies, but we do need advance notice and in some cases may ask you to bring in your own safe substitutions. Please indicate any food allergies when registering for a class.
What should we bring to class with us?
Events at TCP include all of the food, packaging and tools necessary. Please tie long hair back and wear sneakers/comfortable shoes. Open toe shoes, slides and high heels are not permitted in the kitchen. You will be on your feet for most, if not all of class. Short-sleeves are best. If you would like to bring a water bottle, please label it with your name. Bring a cloth sack or reusable grocery bag to carry your food home.
Can I take one class or do I have to commit to a series of classes?
It depends on the course. Some classes are designed to build on skill from week to week and therefore require a commitment to the series. Other classes are one time workshops. If you are enrolled in a series and are unable to make one of the classes, we may have a make-up option, but it is not guaranteed.
Why don’t you post the entire series class menus ahead of time?
Each class series revolves around a different theme, and each week we cook new recipes from that theme. The website description of the theme may list some of the recipes that we will be cooking. Kids can be fickle with their tastes and what we know from experience is that kids are more apt to try new foods when they cook them. By giving you an idea of what types of dishes we will be creating, we leave their imaginations open. It also gives us some flexibility with the availability of fresh produce. And sometimes we just get inspired at the very last minute!
Do parent/caregivers stay on site at kids cooking classes?
Most choose to drop off, but we do have some seating in the kitchen. If parents would like to stay on site, they are welcome. However, there are a few great coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance. We do require the parent/care giver to stay on site for MiniChefs classes.
Can we tip staff?
Absolutely! You can choose to add gratuity when booking a party or tip in the kitchen after a great class/party experience. Tips will be shared equally among staff working your event and they are always grateful!
Birthday Party FAQs
What does a Culinary Playground Party look like?
Fun, food and friends! This is a hands-on cooking party. Each child will make their own portion of the chosen menu, then sit to dine in our kitchen. There is time for singing and present opening, if you choose. The party family should arrive about 10 minutes prior to party start time so they can welcome guests. If you added aprons or chef’s hats onto your party, those will be out when children arrive, with fabric markers for them to decorate.
How do I book a party?
Click on “Book Your Party” and you will be taken into the calendar.
Choose the date you are interested in and the available party times will be displayed.
Deposit payment for 10 children is due at booking with any balance for additional kids and/or party favors collected at the party.
How many kids can attend and what if some guests are under the minimum age?
A total of 12 kids can participate in our birthday parties, that number includes the birthday child. This is a hard maximum as we can not accommodate more than 12 children at a birthday party. The birthday child must be turning the recommended age for the chosen party menu. If you have guests younger than the recommended age participating we ask that a parent plan to be table side to offer extra assistance.
Do you provide the party invitation?
Yes, we do! We recommend using our invitation as it contains details such as where to park and what to wear as well as our phone number so that guests may call us with food allergy questions or any other concerns. After you book your party, your invitation will be customized and emailed within 2 days. Please make sure to include the email address and phone number you’d like guests to RSVP to as these will be included on your invitation.
We will contact you a few days prior to the party to get the final headcount and answer any last minute questions.
Do you offer Party Favors?
We have white cloth hats and aprons with The Culinary Playground logo printed on them. The kids are given fabric markers to decorate them. They wear them during the party then take them home as a favor. When booking the party you will be given the options to add hats and/or aprons. The system will charge you for 1 and you will pay for the remainder at the party. They are $8/each.
Additionally, many of our party menus include Cupcake Decorating – each child decorates 2 cupcakes, 1 to enjoy at the party after we sing Happy Birthday, the other to take home as a favor. The menus that do
What do I need to bring?
The only thing you have to bring is the birthday child! Many party menus include cupcake decorating which we will use to sing Happy Birthday, if not, we can put a candle in almost anything we cook. We serve water as the beverage and you may add on pitchers of Lemonade at an extra cost. We supply all plates, cups and silverware, as well.
If you prefer to bring in your own themed paper goods or a few balloons, you are welcome to.
Can parents stay and watch?
Most parents choose to drop off, but we do have some seating in the kitchen if a few parents would like to stay on site. We also have a couple great restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of our kitchen.
How do you handle kids with food allergies?
The Culinary Playground is not an allergy-free facility.
However, none of our birthday party menus include nuts or shellfish.
If a child has a food intolerance or an allergy, we can usually accommodate them if we know ahead of time. Please have the child’s parent contact us directly.
We want everyone who comes into our studio to have a safe experience.
Can we tip our party staff?
Absolutely! You can choose to add gratuity when booking your party or tip in cash at the party.
Tips will be shared equally among staff working the party and they are always grateful!
What’s your Cancellation Policy?
Should you need to reschedule your party after booking, you may do so up to 14 days prior to the party, and your deposit will be transferred. Cancellation with less than 14 days’ notice will result in forfeiture of the deposit. If The Culinary Playground needs to cancel your party due to unforeseen circumstances or inclement weather, we will reschedule your party or refund your deposit.