FAQs
Our Experiences
What are the different formats of your cooking experiences?
Demonstration experiences offer relaxed discussions, tastings, fun question-and-answer segments and well-chosen recipes you’ll be confident preparing at home. Hands-on experiences give you an opportunity to get your hands dirty. Learn by doing as you’re guided by our instructors through all the techniques you need to prepare your class menu. All classes limited to 24 students unless otherwise noted.
What is included in the experience?
Demonstration experiences include menu pairings with beer and wine and are inclusive in the price. Hands-On experiences include all menu items as listed as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine is available for purchase at the time of registration as well as during class.
What are the age limits to attend an experience?
Experiences for Kids – Kids 7 to 12 accompanied by an adult Teen Experiences – Ages 12 to 18 Adult Experiences – Ages 16 and up* *Children ages 14 and 15 my attend an adult cooking class if accompanied by an adult. MAIN COURSE recommends only one underage child per accompanying adult. Tuition for underage child is the same as that for an adult.
How often do your experiences change?
You will find new experiences offered throughout the year along with popular favorites, seasonal, and holiday experiences.,/p>
How much food is served during an experience?
Most experiences are equivalent to a three-four course meal. Back to Basic and Skills Experiences provide a small meal. There are some experiences in which no meal is provided. You will be made aware of these classes by reading the experience description tab.
What should I wear to the cooking experience?
You should dress casually and comfortably. For kitchen safety and sanitation reasons, students should wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves, and flat, closed-toe shoes. We will provide you with an apron to wear during the class. Dangling or excessive jewelry is not recommended.
If I don't finish my meal, may I take it home with me?
Unless indicated otherwise in the description of the class, students are discouraged from taking leftovers out of the facility.
How do I find out more about an experience than what’s online and in the newsletter?
Please call the MAIN COURSE and a culinary team member will be happy to tell you more about any of our classes. 281-825-4470
Does your menu ever change from what’s listed in your newsletter and on your website?
We make every effort to remain true to the advertised menu, while reserving the right to substitute ingredients or menu items. Due to seasonality and availability, occasionally it may be necessary to substitute ingredients
Do you list the skills and techniques that will be taught in the class?
Yes, the key skills and techniques that will be covered are listed on our website under the description SKILLS & TECHNIQUES section for each experience.
Registration, Pricing, Cancellations & Waiting Lists
Do I have to register in advance or can I just show up?
All cooking experiences require advanced registration. Registration usually closes 48 hours in advance of most experiences. Please call MAIN COURSE to inquire about last minute availability. 281-825-4470
How do I search for an cooking experience on your website?
Visit mccooking.com and search classes by the date desired to attend. If you need help searching for a class or would like more information, please call the school and an associate will be happy to assist you.
How much does it cost to take join an experience?
The price of each experience is listed in the description found on-line at mccooking.com. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Do you have a waiting list for sold out experience?
Yes, waiting lists are maintained for sold out experiences. Please call the MAIN COURSE to have your name added to the waiting list. You will be notified if a space becomes available.
How are experiences priced, couples or individually?
The class price is listed per person. Experiences are inclusive of entry to MAINSTREET AMERICA and include non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine is available for advanced purchase.
How do I register for an experience?
Enroll online at mccooking.com. It’s easy … simply go to mccooking.com and browse classes by date. When you have finished selecting classes, follow the instructions to check out and confirm your order. Please Note: If you provided an email address you will receive a copy of your confirmation by email. If you did not provide and email address, please print the confirmation page.
Does the tuition price include the cost for the child and adult or do you need to pay separately?
All experiences are priced per individual. The cost is the same for the adult and child. Please note that each child (ages 7 and up) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Limit, two children per adult.
How many participants are required to hold a public experience?
We require a minimum attendance of 6 to hold an experience. When we are forced to cancel a class due to low attendance, Main Course will email/telephone you to make you aware of the cancellation. Please review the policies for refunds and exchanges.
What happens if my class is cancelled?
Main Couse Cooking School reserves the right to cancel any class up to seven (7) days in advance. In the event your class is cancelled, you will be notified via email/telephone. Please review the policies for refunds and exchanges .
What is your cancellation policy?
A refund will be issued for any class up to seven (7) days prior to the class date. An exchange will be made for any class up to two (2) days before the class date. No refunds, returns, or exchanges will be given for cancellations made less than two (2) days prior to the class date.
Private Event Information
Can I rent your cooking school facility?
Yes, we offer facility rentals for your culinary needs. Contact MAIN COURSE for available dates and costs. Our instructors and utility staff may be available to assist for an additional cost.
Do you offer special events such as teambuilding cooking experiences or cooking parties?
Yes, you can choose the style of your experience and menu perfect for your upcoming event by selecting from the current culinary program. Whether you are thinking about a unique teambuilding exercise for your employees, trying to find just the right place for a birthday celebration, or looking for a stress-free way to throw a dinner party, we can customize a special event to meet your needs. Special events include but are not limited to: teambuilding, birthday parties, bridal showers, recruiting functions, holiday parties, special occasions, supper clubs, luncheons, corporate sales, and fund raising.
Gift Certificates
How do I give someone an experience as a gift?
Gift certificates may NOW be purchased and redeemed on-line at mccooking.com. In August of 2015 we migrated website platforms, so if you hold and older gift certificate, you may register by phone or in person at MAIN COURSE. Gift certificates may be purchased in denominations for $50, $100, $150, $200, or $500.
May I use a gift certificate to purchase an experience?
Yes, gift certificates may be redeemed for experiences or used to purchase merchandise.
Do gift certificates expire?
Yes. Gift certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase.
Beer & Wine
Is beer and/or wine served during your experiences?
It all depends on the type of experience you are registering for. For demonstration experiences, beer and wine is paired with each course and inclusive of the price of the experience. In hands-on experiences, beer and wine are available for advance purchase when reserving and purchasing your selection. Please be aware that MAIN COURSE in providing Beer/Wine for purchase must follow state regulations. No one under the age of 21 may consume alcoholic beverages.
Can I bring my own beer and/or wine?
No, MAIN COURSE does not allow outside wine and beer at this time.
Food Allergy and Dietary Restrictions
Can you make special arrangements to accommodate food allergies?
MAIN COURSE facilities use ingredients that contain dairy, eggs, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans which account for most known allergens. Be aware that cross contamination may occur among food products and we cannot guarantee that our food will be safe for customers with food allergies.
Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free classes?
Many of our classes contain vegetarian, vegan, or gluten –free dishes. Please contact us for more information on a class that may be suitable for you. WE encourage you to learn skills and techniques in our classes then modify at home to suit your needs.
Are your kitchens Kosher?
No, MAIN COURSE facilities are not kosher.