Frequently Asked Questions
Eat
Can I customize my menu?
Once you’ve requested to book a Dining Experience, a dialogue box between your Chef and you will become available. At this point, you can let them know about any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have.
Do I need to have ingredients for the Chef to use?
Your Chef will come with all the ingredients necessary to prepare your selected menu, the only ingredients you might want are salt and pepper! All you need to supply is the flatware and plates for your friends and family to use.
Is there a limit on how many people I can ask my Chef to cook for?
HomePlate Chefs have experience cooking for up to 8 diners at a time. Contact your Chef directly if you wish to host a Dining Experience or cooking class with additional guests.
How long will my Chef be here?
This will entirely depend on the Chef and menu or class that you select. When booking a Dining Experience, simply select the time you wish to eat, and your Chef will arrive up to 1-3 hours prior to start preparing.
Will my Chef clean up after they’re done cooking?
Yes! Our Chefs will clean any dirty cookware and surfaces before leaving. All you’ll have left to clean up are the plates that you eat from!
What if there is an accident, or damage to my home or kitchen?
No worries! Your home and our Chefs are covered by our extensive insurance policy. Visit our Contact page if you’d like more details.
What if I’m not satisfied with my meal?
We would hate to see that, but unfortunately, we know things like that are bound to happen. Visit our Contact page regarding any issues with your experience.
How can I tip my Chef?
Once your meal or class is finished and you are satisfied with everything, you’ll be sent a survey and option to send gratuity if you want to show your Chef how much you enjoyed your experience.
Cook
What does it take to become a HomePlate Chef?
Each HomePlate Chef is thoughtfully selected after a background check and review of their experience in the hospitality industry.
Can Chefs prepare ingredients prior to arriving at the guest’s home?
According to Food and Safety guidelines, Chefs can only prepare food at certified and inspected facilities, such as restaurants or commercial kitchens. Chefs cannot prepare food at their own house before arriving at the destination.
What supplies do Chefs need to bring with them?
This is entirely up to each Chef, but we recommend having a knife set, instant read thermometer, gloves, etc. All flatware, plates, and glassware should be provided by the host.
Are Chefs required to wear a mask?
This is something we encourage our Chefs and guests to discuss prior to arrival. It is ultimately up to each guest’s discretion whether they would like for Chefs to wear a mask when at their house.
How are Chefs paid?
Each Chef charges their own price based on the quality of ingredients they source and professional experience they have. HomePlate takes 18% for hunger relief efforts and to operate the platform, and the Chefs keep the rest! Chefs are paid directly to their bank account after the class or Dining Experience has concluded.
Feed
How much of the proceeds are going to hunger relief organizations?
HomePlate pledges 15% of the proceeds from each Dining Experience to hunger relief organizations to help our neighbors who suffer from food insecurity.
Where can I find more information to get involved?
Check out our friends at La Soupe in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati to see how you can get involved with food rescue and more information on their Food as Medicine program.
