FAQs
How should I arrive to class? / what should I expect?
May I bring wine to class?
How do I access class recipes?
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?
What if there are ingredients I don't like or prefer not to eat?
I’m new to cooking! Is Hipcooks right for me?
May I use my phone during class?
I'd like to bring my Hipcooks food home. Is this possible?
How do I sign up for classes, and do you offer discounts?
How do I redeem a Hipcooks Gift Certificate?
Can I bring someone just to observe?
Can kids join Hipcooks classes? / Do you offer Kid's Cooking Classes?
How should I arrive to class / what should I expect?
Expect a welcoming and friendly environment that encourages everyone to participate and engage! We cook as a group (not at individual stations), and the meal is shared around a communal dining table to facilitate meeting new people.
There’s no need for a notepad — you’ll receive the recipes after class. Arrive dressed in comfy clothes and shoes as you’ll be standing for large chunks of time. We have stools if your feet need a break, and aprons to protect your chic ensembles. If you have long hair, a hair tie is encouraged. (Ask for one if you need.) Expect to use your hands and to wash them often! (Ask for gloves if that is your preference.)
Come hungry, but not starving! It may take about an hour before you enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor. The first course is light (in anticipation of both the main course and dessert).
Don’t expect wine/cocktails right away. We offer water and cold mint tea when you arrive. Alcohol is served with food (as opposed to a welcome drink) and is limited to tasting portions with the meal.
May I bring wine to class?
We do not allow outside food or beverages — but we’ve got you covered! We select wines (or a cocktail) for each class and serve tasting-sized pours (usually during the first and second courses of the meal). Alcohol consumption is limited at Hipcooks classes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
How do I access class recipes?
Your Hipcooks class recipes are always available on your My Hipcooks page. To log in, use the same email address you used when registering for class.
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?
If you have a food allergy (i.e., peanuts), please let us know when you sign up for class! Tell us the severity of your allergy — for instance, if exposure to an ingredient could cause anaphylactic shock, we’ll likely recommend a class that doesn’t use that ingredient instead of making special preparations. Once we receive your information, we’ll get back to you promptly with details.
For those with wheat and/or dairy allergies, our Class Descriptions page can be sorted to display classes with no wheat and/or dairy: there are many to choose from! Vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians can also use the sort feature.
Some classes can be adapted to fit dietary needs, but please give us advance notice. Otherwise, we can’t guarantee accommodations. (Please note, not all classes can be modified.)
If you have a “blanket restriction” (i.e., no garlic, butter, salt, or sugar), we will suggest an appropriate class. We will not be able to accommodate you in all of our classes.
When in doubt, email admin@hipcooks.com and we’ll help you find the right class.
What if there are ingredients I don't like or prefer not to eat?
Food aversion? No worries! Please tell us in advance — we will let you know if we can accommodate. If it’s an easy adjustment (like skipping a cilantro garnish) we’re happy to do it. However, if you abhor spice but sign up for a Thai class, that’s harder to modify. In those cases, we’ll gladly suggest a menu that better suits your preferences. Advance communication is key!
A note about avoiding an ingredient versus a food allergy: if you’re trying to avoid certain ingredients we will do our best to accommodate. However, if you indicate an allergy, we take it very seriously to prevent cross-contamination. It can be frustrating to find out, for example, that a student will “make an exception” for a previously declared allergy. Please be honest with us, and we’ll work with you.
I’m new to cooking! Is Hipcooks right for me?
We pride ourselves on the ability to teach everyone! There’s always something new and exciting to learn. We love beginners! With few preconceived notions of how things “should be,” new cooks have potential for great culinary innovation.
Some of our classes are wonderful introductory classes, with a bit of knife skills in each lesson: J'aime Paris, Cooking for a Crowd, Ciao, Italia! Risottos, and Don't Cry For Me, Argentina (to name a few!)
The nice thing about Hipcooks is you can "try us on." Sign up for a class, and if you love it, come back for more. Our advice? Check out the Class Descriptions and read the menus. The one that makes you salivate is the best way to get cookin’!
May I use my phone during class?
Of course! If you need to text or take a call, we kindly ask that you step outside or away from the teaching area and not disturb others. Taking pictures/videos is fine (provided the people in the shot don’t mind). We love your social media posts! However, we always ask you to please wash your hands each and every time you use your phone.
I’d like to bring my Hipcooks food home. Is this possible?
Sorry, but no. Our regulations do not allow prepared food to leave Hipcooks. Everything must be prepared and consumed in our kitchen.
How do I sign up for classes, and do you offer discounts?
We’d love to cook with you! To sign up:
Go to hipcooks.com and select your location. Click on “Class Schedule” on the menu bar under the Hipcooks logo. From there, select a class and click on “Details / Sign me up!” to register. Choose the number of spots and click “continue registration.” Fill out the requested information then click “Add to Cart.” Then add payment details to checkout. (Note that the system will time out after several minutes without completing payment.)
Occasionally, we offer special deals. The best way to find out is by subscribing to the Hipcooks Newsletter.
How do I use redeem a Hipcooks Gift Certificate?
Easy! Go to hipcooks.com and select your location. Click on “Class Schedule” on the menu bar under the Hipcooks logo. From there, select a class and click on “Details / Sign me up!” to register. Choose the number of spots and click “continue registration.” Fill out the requested information then click “Add to Cart.” Then, copy your gift certificate code in the labeled box and click “Apply Gift Code.” If you have multiple gift certificates, enter and hit “Apply Gift Code” after each entry. Check for any remaining balance owed. Be sure to hit the Proceed to Check Out button to complete your registration! If not, your registration for class will not be complete, and your sign-up will not be received.
You can access your Gift Certificate numbers and balances on your My Hipcooks page.
Hipcooks Gift Certificates are valued at purchase price (even though it might say "Good for 1 spot"). Our Gift Certificates never expire and can be redeemed only for classes, not retail items.
Can I bring someone just to observe?
Only paid reservation holders are allowed. The class price is per person. We do not permit observers to be present, as the class is fully dedicated to participants only.
Don’t be shy about coming to class alone – many people do! It’s a lovely way to meet people in the community.
Can kids join Hipcooks classes? Do you offer Kids Cooking Classes?
Please note that a minor child brought to class without prior approval may be turned away.
No minors (under 18 years of age) are allowed at Hipcooks. We make exceptions for mature children over the age of 10 who are accompanied by an adult and have prior permission from Hipcooks. Evening classes are generally not appropriate for children, but we may give special permission for daytime classes, like Pasta, Cavatelli, Sushi, or Dim Sum. To request permission to sign up with a minor child, please email admin@hipcooks.com with the child's age, class, date, and location. We'll get back to you promptly!
We offer Kids Cooking Classes as Private Group Classes. We've had delightful Pasta classes for teens and pre-teens. We’d be happy to chat and see if Hipcooks is appropriate for your group.