Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are classes held?
Our group classes are held at PARC (Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex) and take place in the Proud Mitten Culinary Concepts Kitchen, located at 650 Church Street, Plymouth, MI 48170. The building is the former Plymouth High School, right across from the police station.
For the easiest access, park in the back and enter through the Activities Entrance with the red awning (you will see a large mural of PARC on the left hand side of the building). When you enter under the red awning, turn right, you’ll see a set of grey doors, go through them, there is a small corridor almost immediately to your right. The Culinary Concepts Kitchen is the first door on your right.
The Proud Mitten Culinary Concepts Kitchen is located on the ground floor and accessible from the Activities Entrance. Please reach out with any specific accessibility needs prior to booking.
What should I wear?
Cooking with us is hands-on! Please wear **CLOSED-TOED FLAT SHOES** for all guest’s safety. Please also wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy. Aprons are provided, but sauce splashes and flour clouds come with the territory! Lastly, please bring a hair tie or hair restraint for all long hair.
Do I need to bring anything?
Your smile, comfy shoes and clothing, and an appetite!
Water will be provided (please no outside bottles) as well as a *small* snack before class.
Everything else, from tools to ingredients, is ready and waiting for you.
How early should I arrive?
The kitchen doors open **15 minutes before class**. Classes typically start at 6:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Please allow extra time for parking and navigating the building. We’ll be starting at 6:30 PM ON THE DOT!
How are classes structured?
Each class begins with a cooking demonstration. From there, you’ll break into small groups (4 people max at each station) to prepare the recipes together. You’ll share equipment, prep space, and food with your tablemates, be prepared to make new friends! Depending on the menu, we may pause to enjoy dishes, break for another short demo, or save your feast for a sit-down at the end.
What if I book a group larger than four?
We welcome and encourage you to do so! Keep in mind, all stations accommodate a maximum of four people, there are no exceptions due to space.
For example, if you have six people with you, four will be at one station and two will be at another station grouped with two other people in the class. Most stations are very close to one another, so you won’t be far from your friends!
Please also keep in mind, this is a cooking class, if you are celebrating a birthday or other celebration, please be mindful of the other guests.
How many people are in a class?
Class sizes typically range from 15–28 participants
How long is each class?
Most classes run about 2 ½ hours for cook time with a half hour to enjoy your food at the end.
Can my children join?
All classes are for ages 16 and up. By reading and acknowledging these FAQ’s you recognize that we will not be able to accommodate anyone below the age of 16. If you’re looking for cooking classes for younger chefs, we recommend checking out **The Simple Kitchen with Chef Kristin**, also hosted at Proud Mitten.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We’re so sorry if you can’t attend! Because of the time, planning, and fresh ingredients that go into each class, all bookings are **non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled**.
If you can’t make it, you are welcome to gift your spot to a friend, just email me their name and contact info so I can update the guest list and have them sign a waiver when they arrive.
If the class is sold out and there’s a waitlist, I’ll do my best to fill your seat **if I receive at least 7 days’ notice**. In that case, I’m happy to issue you a **credit toward a future class**.
In rare cases where minimum enrollment of 15 participants isn’t met, or if I need to cancel due to illness, emergency, or inclement weather (severe weather cancellations are at the sole discretion of Kalota Culinary) you’ll receive a full refund or class credit if you choose.
What if I have a food allergy?
Kalota Culinary classes are designed around shared menus and a hands-on group experience. For that reason, we are unable to make substitutions or accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Guests are always welcome to simply skip an ingredient on their plate (for example, leaving cheese off a salad), but we cannot alter recipes, provide alternative ingredients, or prepare separate dishes.
If you have a serious food allergy, please note that our kitchen is not an allergen-free environment. Participation and entrance is at your own risk.
Menus may change based on ingredient availability and seasonality.
Is there a waitlist if a class is full?
Yes! Please email me with your name, phone number, and the class you’re interested in. Open spots are offered to the waitlist in order received.
Do we get to eat what we make?
Absolutely, that’s the best part! Depending on the menu, you’ll enjoy dishes during class or pack them to enjoy at home.
Will I get the recipes?
Yes, you’ll leave with a printed recipe packet so you can recreate everything in your own kitchen.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Per PARC policy, Kalota Culinary classes are alcohol and substance free. No outside drinks or controlled substances are permitted in the kitchen. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Plymouth has a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants within walking distance of PARC, perfect for a nightcap after we cook together.
Guests who arrive under the influence of excessive alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate and will forfeit their class fee. Thank you for helping us keep the kitchen safe, focused, and fun for everyone.
Do you host Private Events?
Yes! In addition to group classes, I also host team building at Proud Mitten, private classes, and in-home culinary experiences. These are a great option for celebrations, team-building, or just a unique night with friends. Please use the contact form to inquire about details, menus, and availability.
Say Cheese! (and tag us too!)
We love capturing the energy of our classes! Photos and short videos may be taken during class for Kalota Culinary marketing and social media. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded unless you let me know otherwise before class begins.
You’re also encouraged to snap your own pictures to share your creations and your team in action. Don’t forget to tag @kalotaculinary so we can cheer you on and maybe feature your post!
Waiver
All guests will be required to sign a participation waiver before class begins. This helps ensure everyone understands the hands-on nature of the class and agrees to participate safely.