Corporate Events
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Welcome—and thank you for being here. At Chef Chinchilla, we specialize in creating immersive culinary experiences designed to bring people together through food, creativity, and sometimes... a little friendly competition. Whether you’re planning a corporate team-building event, hosting clients, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking for a memorable way to gather, our events are crafted to be engaging, delicious, and genuinely fun.
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Our home base is The Hood Kitchen, our venue located in Costa Mesa, where we host many of our signature experiences. That said, our kitchen is mobile by design—we regularly take our events on the road, hosting experiences at resorts, private homes, offices, and event venues throughout Southern California. If you have a space meant for celebrating, we can bring the experience to you.
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Our Signature Experiences
We offer a curated range of culinary events with clear, structured options for those who prefer simplicity—alongside the flexibility to design something entirely custom if you’re looking for something truly unique. We offer 4 set styles of team building experiences.
Review option #1-4 and scroll down to review details for each type of event!​
#1
MOST POPULAR - Iron Chef–Style Competitions
This event is a less intense competition!
These high-energy events put guests into teams and challenge them to cook, collaborate, and think creatively under a mildly timed pressure experience. With some guidance from our professional chefs, teams prepare dishes using surprise ingredients all while being able to ask for suggestions & tips before presenting them for judging. It’s interactive, dynamic, and perfect for team building, leadership development, and unforgettable corporate outings.
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#2
***NEW, DUE TO POPULAR REQUEST*** The Ultimate Culinary Showdown
This event is an intense competition!
This is not a cooking class. This is not a casual team-building exercise. This is a full-throttle, intense, television-style culinary competition designed for teams that thrive under pressure and aren’t afraid of a challenge and a not so gentle competition. Do you love cooking shows? This experience might be for you!
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#3
Wine Tastings & Culinary Pairings
This event is not competitive
From relaxed, guided tastings to elevated food-and-wine pairings, our wine experiences are designed to educate and entertain. Ideal for client appreciation, executive gatherings, or social events, these tastings can be tailored to match your group’s knowledge level—from casual wine lovers to seasoned enthusiasts.
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#4
Catering & Chef-Driven Events
This event is not competitive
Looking for exceptional food without the competition? We offer full-service catering and chef-led dining experiences for meetings, celebrations, and private events. Menus are thoughtfully crafted, ingredient-focused, and designed to suit the tone of your event—whether formal, festive, or somewhere in between. Catering ranges from a casual lunch delivery to our formal Immersive Chefs Table Experience.
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And More
From hybrid events to multi-course challenges, themed experiences, and seasonal concepts, our offerings extend well beyond what’s listed here. If you have an idea—or even just a feeling—you want your event to capture, we’re happy to build it with you.
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We Offer Structured Options or Fully Customized—Your Choice
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We understand that some hosts prefer clear, predefined options with straightforward pricing and formats. We offer exactly that. Our set experiences make planning easy and stress-free while still delivering a high-quality, engaging event.
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At the same time, customization is where we truly shine. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, we specialize in designing one-of-a-kind culinary experiences tailored to your group size, goals, dietary needs, timeline, and venue. No two events need to look the same—and with us, they rarely do.​​
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Designed for Connection
Everything we do is rooted in connection. Food has a way of breaking down barriers, sparking conversation, and creating shared memories. Whether guests are competing, cooking, tasting, or simply enjoying a beautifully prepared meal, our goal is to create an experience that feels effortless, engaging, and memorable long after the event ends.
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We invite you to explore our offerings, imagine the possibilities, and reach out when you’re ready. Whether you choose one of our signature experiences or collaborate with us to create something entirely new, we look forward to welcoming you to our place, or yours.
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Whats Next?
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This page lists EVERYTHING transparently for you to peruse at your convenience. We list starting pricing for all events, minimums, menu options, whats included and what flexible options we have set to enhance your experience. Review the options to see which one sparks your interests.
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When you are ready to chat, call, text or email me to get started. We will schedule a call to discuss your event. Please include your date(s) of interest, time and number of guests.
Personal Cell: 949-478-3066​
Email: ChefStephanieChinchilla@gmail.com
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#1 MOST POPULAR
IRON CHEF-STYLE COMPETITION
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A Less Intense Competition
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Each Team Makes 1 Dish For The Judges, Plus Enough For The Entire Team Eat
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The Judging Is Done By Chefs Team Behind Closed Doors & The Winners Are Announced At The End
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Teams Of 3-6 People Work Together To Compete To Make The Best Dish
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2.5-3 Hour Event
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We Can Accommodate 12-25 Guests In Our Smaller Event Space
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We Can Accommodate 25-50 Guests In Our Larger Event Space
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We Can Accommodate Up To 100+ Guests With Advanced Notice
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Includes Still & Sparkling Water
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Dessert Included: Fresh Baked Cookies From Chef's Bakery
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You May Add On Additional Sides & Dessert
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See Add On Enhancement Options & Variables In Pricing At The Bottom Of This Page​
Iron Chef Competition
EMPANADA EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes Appetizer Upon Arrival: Guacamole, Salsa & Queso Fundido with Chips
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Each Team Makes A Different Type Of Empanada
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Typical Empanada Menu: Ground Beef, Chicken, Potato, Chorizo, Cheese & Chile, fruit empanadas
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Each Team Hand Makes Their Empanadas
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Dough Demonstration Taught By Chef
Iron Chef Competition
TACO EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes Appetizer Upon Arrival: Guacamole, Salsa & Queso Fundido with Chips
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Each Team Makes A Different Type Of Taco
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Typical Taco Menu: beef, chorizo, potato, chicken
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You may upgrade tacos to: filet mignon, fish, carne asada or shrimp ($8 more per person per protein upgrade)
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Dough Demonstration Taught By Chef
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Each Team Makes Homemade Corn Tortillas
New.
THE ULTIMATE CULINARY SHOWDOWN
The Ultimate Culinary Showdown
This is not a cooking class. This is not a casual team-building exercise. This is a full-throttle, television-style culinary competition designed for teams that thrive under pressure and aren’t afraid of a challenge.
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Our Intensive Corporate Team Building Cooking Competition drops guests straight into the heat of the kitchen. Working in teams of 3–6 participants, each group is given a single tray of ingredients and a limited set of tools. That’s it. No substitutions. No extras. Teams must rely on strategy, communication, creativity, and execution to transform what they’re given into the strongest possible dish.
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Unlike our Iron Chef competition, this experience is intentionally more intense, more competitive, and more demanding. Chef guidance is minimal by design. There is no step-by-step instruction and no hand-holding—teams are expected to think quickly, delegate effectively, and adapt on the fly. The clock is real, the rules are firm, and every decision counts.
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The judging reflects that same energy. Our judges are strict, blunt, and uncompromising, evaluating dishes on flavor, technique, creativity, teamwork, and execution. Feedback is honest and direct, just like a real cooking competition show. Scores are tight, expectations are high, and only one team takes the win.
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This experience is ideal for high-performing, competitive teams who enjoy pressure, fast decision-making, and candid feedback. It’s best suited for groups that are confident, thick-skinned, and ready to push themselves—and each other—in pursuit of victory. If your team thrives on challenge, embraces intensity, and wants something that feels real rather than rehearsed, this is the event for you.
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The result is an electrifying environment where leadership emerges, communication is tested, and teamwork is revealed in real time. It’s intense. It’s fast-paced. And it’s unforgettable.
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If your team is ready to step into the spotlight, battle the clock, and fight to win—welcome to the ultimate culinary showdown.
ULTIMATE CULINARY SHOWDOWN
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Intense Television Style Competition
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Each Team Makes 1 Dish For The Judges, Plus Enough For Themselves To Eat For Their Meal
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Judging Is Done On The Hot Seat In Front Of The Whole Team
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Teams Of 3-6 People Work Together To Compete To Make The Best Dish
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2.5 Hour Event
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We Can Accommodate 12-25 Guests In Our Smaller Event Space
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We Can Accommodate 25-50 Guests In Our Larger Event Space
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We Can Accommodate Up To 100+ Guests With Advanced Notice
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Includes Still & Sparkling Water
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Dessert Included: Fresh Baked Cookies From Chef's Bakery
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You May Add On Additional Sides & Dessert
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See Add On Enhancement Options & Variables In Pricing At The Bottom Of This Page​
Ultimate Culinary Showdown
STREET TACO EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes 4 Street Tacos Per Person + Chips & Salsa & Rice & Beans to enjoy with the meal
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Typical Taco Menu Includes 1 Of The Following: Ground Beef, Chicken, Potato, Chorizo
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Premium Protein Upgrade: Filet Mignon, Fresh Fish, Carne Asada or Shrimp - Market Cost Per Person Per Protein Upgrade
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Guests DO NOT make homemade tortillas for this edition. Street taco size tortillas are provided.
Ultimate Culinary Showdown
THE PERFECT STEAK
$225 Per Guest/$2600 Minimum
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Includes One 8-10 Ounce Premium Steak Per Person
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Includes A Selection Of 2 Seasonal Veggies For Guests To Make Their Dish
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Includes A House Salad & Fresh Made Bread Chef's Team Provides For You To Enjoy With The Meal
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Add On A Jumbo Charcuterie Board For $29 Per Person
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1 Steak Demo Done By Chef
Ultimate Culinary Showdown
SLIDER/BURGER EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes 2 Sliders Per Guest
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Includes A Selection Of 2 Sides For The Team To Enjoy With The Meal: Sweet Potato Fries, Tater Tots, House Salad, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad​
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Typical Slider Menu: Ground Beef, Chicken, Meatball, Cuban
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You May Upgrade Sliders Protein To: Steak, Fresh Fish, Crab-cakes, Ahi - Market Cost Per Person Per Protein Upgrade
Ultimate Culinary Showdown
SUSHI EDITION
$225 Per Guest/$2600 Minimum
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Includes Edamame & A House Salad With Ginger Dressing To Enjoy With The Meal Made By Chefs Team
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The Rolls Each Team Makes: Cucumber Rolls, California Rolls & 1 DIY Freestyle Roll With Surprise Ingredients
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You May Upgrade Seafood Selections At Market Cost
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1 Sushi Demonstration Shown By Chef
Iron Chef Competition
EMPANADA EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes Appetizer Upon Arrival: Guacamole, Salsa & Queso Fundido with Chips
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Each Team Makes A Different Type Of Empanada
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Typical Empanada Menu: Ground Beef, Chicken, Potato, Chorizo, Cheese & Chile, fruit empanadas
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Each Team Hand Makes Their Empanadas
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Dough Demonstration Taught By Chef
Charcuterie Pairing & Wine Tasting
$250 Per Person/$3000 Minimum
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Up To 2 Hours
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12-50 Guests
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Sparkling & Still Water Included
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4-5 Wines
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Complimentary Surprise Amuse Bouche Included
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Each Guest Gets An Individual Premium Tasting Plate with: 3 Cheeses, 2 Meats, Fruit, Nuts, Jam, Bread, Crackers (Enough For A Meal)
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Professional Wine Tasting Lesson
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Wine Tasting Print Outs To Keep
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Welcome Note Printed With Company Logo
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Dessert Included
Iron Chef Competition
TACO EDITION
$200 Per Guest/$2400 Minimum
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​Includes Appetizer Upon Arrival: Guacamole, Salsa & Queso Fundido with Chips
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Each Team Makes A Different Type Of Taco
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Typical Taco Menu: beef, chorizo, potato, chicken
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You may upgrade tacos to: filet mignon, fish, carne asada or shrimp ($8 more per person per protein upgrade)
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Dough Demonstration Taught By Chef
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Each Team Makes Homemade Corn Tortillas
Other Non Competitive Corporate Events
4
Immersive Chef's Table Experience
$300 Per Person
$5500 Minimum
Our "Immersive" event is 5 courses & includes pairings.
This is a venue buyout at our venue in Costa Mesa.
This is the only event offered that includes items from Chef's bakery & or personal small suburban farm incorporated into each course.
5
Charcuterie & Wine Tasting Experience
$250 Per Person
$3000 Minimum
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Up To 2 Hours
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12-200 Guests
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Sparkling & Still Water Included
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4-5 Wines
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Professional Wine Tasting Lesson
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Wine Tasting Print Outs To Keep Printed With Company Logo
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Dessert Included
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This event can also be done as a charcuterie board competition. It is a perfect casual competition for groups of 50+ guests. We typically set up the "wine tasting" for a large group as a bar top "walk up" experience vs a formal seating.
Applicable Taxes Apply & Gratuities Are Automatically Added For All Events Where Food Or Beverages Are Served.
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Team Building Add On Options
#1 Gift For The Winning TeaFresh Baked Jumbo Cookies
1/2 Dozen = $24
1 Dozen = $48
Non Alcoholic Beverages
$5 Per Person
Mixed Soda Selection
Sourdough Starter Kit
$28 Per Guest
Sourdough starter
Special Starter Jar & Spatula
Instructions & Recipe
Gift Card
Gift Card Of Any Value To Use On Any Service
On Demand Cooking Classes
Gift Card To Onlinecookingclasses.net
Hood Kitchen Wine Menu
Sold By The Bottle Only
Sparkling $17
Rose $17
Dessert Wine $24
Sauvignon Blanc $20
Chardonnay $20
Pinot Noir $32
Cabernet $29
Malbec $21
Corkage Fee To BYO $10 Per Person
Basic Sourdough Tools Kit
$48 Each
Includes the basic tools needed to make sourdough including the proofing basket, dough hook, bread lame & a printed sourdough recipe
Sourdough Starter
$9 Each
or
$18 Shipped
Acacia Wood Cutting Board Gift
With Engraved Logo: $85 Each
Without Logo: $35 Each
Shipping Available
Hood Kitchen Craft Beer Menu
Pilsner ~ $6 Each
IPA ~ $7 Each
Lager ~ $6 Each
Mexican Lager ~ $7 Each
Tortilla Gift Basket
$45 per kit: tortilla press, pouch, masa
Tortilla Press $30
Tortilla Warming Pouch $12
Masa Flour $8
Plateware
We use disposables for cooking classes. You can add on plateware for $35 per person.
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Includes the following rentals: wine glasses, water glasses, plates, silverware, steak knives, linen napkins
Apron With Logo Gift
Starts At $48 Per Apron
Frequently Asked Questions
I run our events out of a large shared commercial kitchen called "The Hood Kitchen", located in an industrial building near the John Wayne Airport. 350 Clinton St, Costa Mesa, CA. Your event is held in a private kitchen there. When you enter the building turn right immediately. Walk all the way down the hallway and turn right at the last door & you will have arrived.
We are located in an industrial building in Costa Mesa with plenty of parking! Please arrange for responsible transportation if your team plans on consuming adult beverages.
Yes. All events over 30 days away require a non refundable deposit. If the event is less than 30 days away the balance is due in full upon booking. The deposit may vary depending on the estimated cost & size of your event.
No. All wine & beer must be purchased through The Hood Kitchen Venue.
No. The venue is not licensed to allow liquor consumption. We also ask that our guests not consume adult beverages prior to arrival for safety reasons.
Yes. We like to politely remind our guests to consume responsibly for safety reasons (ie sharp/hot things while cooking). We also ask our guests who are consuming adult beverages to arrange for transportation prior to arrival accordingly. We also remind our guests in the contracts that our venue is not a "drinking establishment."
No. We do not offer refunds or transfers for any reason once booked & paid. We do not offer refunds if guests cancel last minute or no show. When booking please set your event to the minimum # of guests you know you will have. Make sure to book the right size private event space for the potential number of guests you may have. You can add on guests a few weeks before the event if needed. Check your booking contract in detail prior to paying & booking.
1-3 months in advance. However if you have specific dates needed, many of our guests book up to a year in advance to secure the dates needed.
We can accommodate dietary restrictions & allergies with advance notice, prior to setting the menu for your event. Please ask all of your team to confirm prior to setting the menu.
Absolutely. This is the list to choose from, but, if you want something else feel free to ask. Pricing may vary but options are endless!
Offsite we can host 100+ guests. We simply need a venue to pop up your event in. This is typically at resorts, large outdoor space, a convention center, hotels your home or office. As long as we have a large space and access to hot water we can host anywhere.
Up to 100 in our venue & hundreds for catering.
"While in California for business, my team and I participated in one of Chef Stephanie's cooking class "battles" as a team building event. This was quite literally one of the best experiences and events that we have ever planned. Chef Stephanie and her team provided not only a fun, inviting, and delicious event - but the attention she gave to our team is worth more than 5 stars. If you are looking for a fun activity, great coaching, and good food - I 100% recommend Chef Stephanie for your next event. Can't wait to come back next year for another amazing cooking experience. Thank you so much for everything Chef Stephanie!!!"
— Amy S., Abbvie Company
"I've worked with Chef Stephanie on multiple corporate virtual events. She consistently produces fun and engaging experiences which is so impressive due to the temptation to multi-task we all face when we're in front of a screen. Attendees often stay on much longer than the original duration because they are genuinely having fun. Our virtual events consist of some technical content that can be dry but Chef Stefanie takes the time to understand the objectives and audience to create one cohesive experience. She's super quick to respond, very organized and a dream to work with as not all event vendors are created equal. I really appreciate the creativity, flexibility and professionalism Chef Stephanie brings to the table and hope to work with her over and over again!
Amerit D., CBI Secure
Discover What Our Guests Are Saying!
Click The Links Below To Explore Feedback
Check out Instagram Stories under “TEAM BUILDING” for a behind-the-scenes look at our culinary events and space.
Get inspired for your next unforgettable experience!
The VIP Loyalty Program | Frequent Bookers For Private Events
Perfect for those who love to entertain and book team-building, catering, or private chef experiences.
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Book 2 private events within 12 months → 1 Complimentary upgraded dish on the second booking
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Book 3 private events within 12 months → VIP priority holiday booking + 10% off the next event booked. Discount is valid for the 4th event & a $500 max discount + receive 2 seats to a public ticketed event (a pop up dinner or cooking class)
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Book 5+ private events or if you spend $20,000 or more per year → Ask about our tiered yearly pricing contracts which offers extensive savings & perks.