General FAQ
Where is The Cooking Lab and where should we park?
The Cooking Lab is located at 162 Main Street in Port Washington, NY. Two-hour metered parking is available on Main Street. Free three-hour parking is available on nearby Monroe Street or Webster Avenue.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests can be made via email at info@thecookinglabpw.com or by phone at 516-570-0050 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the event in order to receive a credit for a future class. Due to the fact that we’re working with perishable ingredients, there are no refunds in the event of cancellation. However, our classes are fully transferable so feel free to send a friend in your place if you can’t make it. All credits expire 6 months from the date of original purchase. Credits may be used towards any comparable, age-appropriate class or an upgraded class/camp (additional charges will apply). If you have any specific questions regarding these policies please do not hesitate to contact us.
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In the unlikely event that we have to cancel or reschedule a class, you will be offered a full refund or transfer for your purchase.
Is my class hands-on?
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Yes! All of our classes are hands-on, which means you should be prepared to get messy!
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Will you provide the recipes?
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Yes! In an effort to be as green as possible, we will email you the recipes after the class.
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Will we eat what we make?
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Yes, at the end of the class, you will be able to enjoy what you prepared.
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The class I want to take is full. Can I get on a wait-list?
Absolutely! If our website indicates that the class you're hoping to attend is full, email is at info@thecookinglabpw.com or call us at 516-570-0050 to add your name a the class wait-list
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Do I have to bring anything with me to class?
Just yourself! We have a fully-equipped kitchen and have aprons for you to wear during class.
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Who teaches our classes?
Most classes are taught by The Cooking Lab’s founders, Michelle and Mat. We also invite guest chefs from a variety of backgrounds to teach classes.
​What if I have a food allergy?
Our recipes are developed using common cooking and baking ingredients including various fruits and vegetables, meats, spices, wheat flours, nuts, etc. If you have a food allergy, please contact us to discuss your needs when you sign up. Adjustments cannot be made during class.
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I'm not a fan of an ingredient we're using in class. Can I request a substitution?
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Since the menus for our classes are determined in advance, we are unable to accommodate substitutions.
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How can I arrange a private group class?
We offer a wide variety of private events in our kitchen. Click here to learn more or contact us at info@thecookinglabpw.com for more info.
Kids' After School Classes & Camps FAQ
Can I drop off my child for class or is it necessary to stay?
Unless otherwise indicated, all classes are drop-off. If you wish to stay, we have a comfortable seating area while you wait, but we kindly request that you don't disrupt the class in any way.
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Can my child make up a class?
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If your child is registered for an after-school series and cannot attend their regularly scheduled class during any given week of the program, please email or call us to let us know. If needed, we allow one make-up class for each series. Make-ups are not available for Summer or School Holiday Vacation Camps.
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Can my child take one class or do I have to register for the full series?
There are opportunities to sign up for single session classes throughout the year. For our grade-specific after-school cooking classes or weeklong camps, children must register for the full series. When children attend multiple classes, they build upon their skills each week, fully experience the wide array of ingredients we use, and become more comfortable each week in both our kitchen and yours.
Do you provide the menu ahead of time?
Our policy is to not share the menu ahead of time. Kids can be fickle with their tastes and we know from experience that kids are more willing to try new foods when they cook them. By not sharing the menu ahead of time, their imaginations are fully open when they walk into our kitchen, leaving them more open to try and discover new flavors. Our mission is to expose kids to a wide array of ingredients, spices and cuisines through our classes.
How many students per class?
The average number of students in a class is 12.
What if my child has a food allergy?
Our recipes are developed using common cooking and baking ingredients including various fruits and vegetables, meats, spices, wheat flours, etc. If your child has a food allergy, please contact us to discuss his or her needs when you sign up. Adjustments cannot be made during class.
Will my child eat in class?
Yes, at the end of the class, your child will be able to enjoy what he or she prepared.
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Kids' Birthday FAQs
What days / times do you offer birthday classes?
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Birthday classes at The Cooking Lab are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. We typically offer a morning time slot of 11 AM to 1 PM and an afternoon time slot of 2 PM to 4 PM. We may be able to offer custom weekend time slots or weekday birthday classes upon request - please contact us to discuss.
What age children are allowed to participate in the cooking class?
Our classes are for children in Kindergarten and up. Each class is customized for the age group. Younger children are not permitted in the kitchen.
What if my child or one of the guests has a food allergy?
Our recipes are developed using common cooking and baking ingredients including various fruits and vegetables, meats, spices, wheat flours, etc. Please contact us to discuss all food allergy needs at least 72 hours prior to class. Adjustments cannot be made during class.
Is a birthday cake included in the package?
No, we do not supply a birthday cake. You are welcome to bring your own cake and any special candles you would like to use.
I’m ready to book my event, now what?
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date/time. All details including headcount, class theme, add-on’s, etc are due 72 hours before your class.
What time should I arrive?
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It is best to arrive about 15 minutes before the class with the birthday child. If you have any items to set up we ask that you arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before the class.
Are there any special arrival notes we need to notify our guests of?
The Cooking Lab is located at 162 Main Street in Port Washington, NY. Parking is available on Main Street (metered), Monroe Street or Webster Avenue.
What if a guest shows up to the party with a sibling?
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If the sibling has not been accounted for in the original headcount and they wish to participate, you will be charged an additional child charge. Please note that children younger than Kindergarten age are not permitted in the kitchen.
What else can I do to help the class run smoothly?
We’re so glad you asked! First of all, you’re here to relax and enjoy your time with your child and your guests. However, we do ask that you please adhere to the following rules so that we can focus on doing our job and keep our facility clean and safe. Please:
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Do not let children run around
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Do not bring any food into the retail or front waiting area
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Do not encourage your guests to attend the party if they are ill (fever, cough, colds, runny noses, etc)
Is there something else you would like to discuss further? If so, please call 516-570-0050 or email info@thecookinglabpw.com.
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Birthday Classes Terms & Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to reserve the date and time. The remaining balance is due on the day of the event.
If cancellation of the class occurs less than 72 hours before the event, The Cooking Lab reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of $200 (in addition to the non-refundable deposit) to cover the loss of business and cost of perishables.
If The Cooking Lab deems it necessary to cancel your event due to extreme weather or an unforeseen emergency, The Cooking Lab will use every effort to reschedule your event within a reasonable time frame.
The final headcount for the number of attendees is due 72 hours prior to the event. We plan for the event based on the number you give us at this time. Because we have to purchase perishable ingredients for the minimum number of children you tell us, this is the number of children for which you will be charged on your invoice. Example: if you confirm for 10 children and only 8 show up, the final invoice will reflect charges for 10 children. Also, please note that if you confirm for 10 children and 12 show up to the party, you will be charged for each additional child.
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