FAQ
COVID Protocols
As we reopen our kitchen to welcome guests again, we have carefully considered how to provide safe and enjoyable cooking experiences at The Civic Kitchen.
To that end, we ask that guests be fully vaccinated. Our staff will be fully vaccinated and our HVAC system and professional ventilation hoods will be operational.
Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including cleaning and sanitizing. Staff and guests will wash their hands frequently at one of our three hand washing stations. Hand sanitizer will also be provided (but does not replace the need to wash hands).
We will continue to monitor city, state and federal guidance and update our policies as necessary. Please note that this could include requiring all guests and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors.
For the health of our guests and staff, our protocols are non-negotiable.
About in-person classes
COVID PROTOCOLS
Guests at our in-person classes and events must be fully vaccinated.
Guests at our in-person classes and events must be fully vaccinated.
Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Staff and guests will wash their hands frequently at one of our three hand washing stations. Hand sanitizer will also be provided (but does not replace the need to wash hands).
Our staff will be fully vaccinated and our HVAC system and professional ventilation hoods will be operational. We will continue to monitor city, state and federal guidance and update our policies as necessary. Please note that this could include requiring all guests and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors.
For the health of our guests and staff, our protocols are non-negotiable.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?
Our public in-person cooking classes are generally for a maximum of 14 students. Some classes are designed for smaller groups, and others may accommodate more attendees if suitable to the class content.
Our public in-person cooking classes are generally for a maximum of 14 students. Some classes are designed for smaller groups, and others may accommodate more attendees if suitable to the class content.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR OR BRING TO CLASS?
The Civic Kitchen provides aprons, knives, and all other tools needed for your class. Want to bring your own knife? Feel free! Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Long hair should be tied back.
The Civic Kitchen provides aprons, knives, and all other tools needed for your class. Want to bring your own knife? Feel free! Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Long hair should be tied back.
AM I ACTUALLY GOING TO COOK DURING CLASS?
You bet! Our passion is teaching people to cook, so you can expect to don an apron, roll up your sleeves and get chopping, stirring, and sautéing. Participate as much or as little as you like. And in most classes, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor as part of a shared class meal (for a few classes, you take home what you've made instead).
You bet! Our passion is teaching people to cook, so you can expect to don an apron, roll up your sleeves and get chopping, stirring, and sautéing. Participate as much or as little as you like. And in most classes, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor as part of a shared class meal (for a few classes, you take home what you've made instead).
We sometimes host chefs and food writers for demonstrations and book events, and not all of these involve hands-on guest participation. This information is noted in the event description and in the pre-class email reminder you will receive.
WILL I GET TO EAT SOMETHING DURING CLASS?
Most classes conclude with a generous meal shared with your classmates around our convivial table, complete with wine and beer for adults and non-alcoholic beverages for all ages. Exceptions, such as cookbook events or cooking demonstrations without a full meal included, are clearly noted on our website. Sometimes snacks are also enjoyed earlier in the class. Drinking water is always available. Please plan ahead so you're well-hydrated and energized before class.
Most classes conclude with a generous meal shared with your classmates around our convivial table, complete with wine and beer for adults and non-alcoholic beverages for all ages. Exceptions, such as cookbook events or cooking demonstrations without a full meal included, are clearly noted on our website. Sometimes snacks are also enjoyed earlier in the class. Drinking water is always available. Please plan ahead so you're well-hydrated and energized before class.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to advise us of dietary restrictions, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Our team members have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share their knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to taste every dish prepared in class.
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to advise us of dietary restrictions, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Our team members have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share their knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to taste every dish prepared in class.
Nuts, eggs, dairy, and gluten are used regularly in our kitchen—if you have severe allergies, please take this into consideration.
WHAT AGES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CLASSES?
The minimum for most of our in-person, adult classes is 12 years of age. Please note that any student under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older who has also purchased a ticket for that class.
The minimum for most of our in-person, adult classes is 12 years of age. Please note that any student under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older who has also purchased a ticket for that class.
We also offer classes for younger students. These classes are sometimes only for children or teens and will be described as such on the Class Description page.
DO YOU SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
In most of our adult classes, beer and wine (and sometimes other menu-appropriate beverages like sake or sangria) are served with the meal you have cooked in class.
In most of our adult classes, beer and wine (and sometimes other menu-appropriate beverages like sake or sangria) are served with the meal you have cooked in class.
ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
Class and event menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability. All classes and events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling; you will be notified by email of any scheduling changes.
Class and event menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability. All classes and events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling; you will be notified by email of any scheduling changes.
About online classes
Our online cooking classes are live and interactive via Zoom. We’ve made these experiences as similar to an in-person visit to The Civic Kitchen as we can. Have questions? You’ll get to ask them. Wondering if your dough/sauce/chopping looks right? You can show the teacher and find out. Cooking classes are recorded, and you may view videos by logging into your account on our website.
PURCHASING SPOTS
You only need to purchase one spot per household. You will receive log-in instructions after registering.
You only need to purchase one spot per household. You will receive log-in instructions after registering.
USING ZOOM
Please download the Zoom application prior to class. Click here to download the Zoom software. Learn more about using Zoom in their Quick Start Guide for New Users.
Please download the Zoom application prior to class. Click here to download the Zoom software. Learn more about using Zoom in their Quick Start Guide for New Users.
Join the class Zoom session by clicking the green "Join the Zoom Meeting" button in the Reminder email you receive the day before class, or the same "Join the Zoom Meeting" green button in the Confirmation email you received when you purchased the class.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?
Our online classes are generally for a maximum of 12 students. Some classes are suitable for smaller or larger groups, and exceptions to the 12-attendee limit are noted in the class descriptions on our website.
Our online classes are generally for a maximum of 12 students. Some classes are suitable for smaller or larger groups, and exceptions to the 12-attendee limit are noted in the class descriptions on our website.
CLASS MATERIALS AND PREPARATION
View ingredient, equipment and prep lists by clicking the ‘VIEW THE LIST’ button on the registration page. If you wish to cook along, please complete the prep list provided by the instructor before class. Printable recipes and handouts are available 48 hours prior to the start of the experience.
View ingredient, equipment and prep lists by clicking the ‘VIEW THE LIST’ button on the registration page. If you wish to cook along, please complete the prep list provided by the instructor before class. Printable recipes and handouts are available 48 hours prior to the start of the experience.
DO I ACTUALLY HAVE TO COOK DURING CLASS?
It's up to you! Some guests prefer to watch, then cook on another day or after class. Some students like to cook along with the class video after it becomes available (usually 24-48 hours after class). Others find enjoyment in cooking along live with the instructor. Participate as much or as little as you like.
It's up to you! Some guests prefer to watch, then cook on another day or after class. Some students like to cook along with the class video after it becomes available (usually 24-48 hours after class). Others find enjoyment in cooking along live with the instructor. Participate as much or as little as you like.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to inquire about ingredient substitutions and advice for revising our online menus. Our teachers have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to successfully modify every recipe to meet your dietary preferences.
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to inquire about ingredient substitutions and advice for revising our online menus. Our teachers have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to successfully modify every recipe to meet your dietary preferences.
WHAT AGES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CLASSES?
Cooks of all ages are welcome to participate in our online classes. Any student under the age of 11 should be supervised by someone 16 or older and in the same physical location for safety reasons.
Cooks of all ages are welcome to participate in our online classes. Any student under the age of 11 should be supervised by someone 16 or older and in the same physical location for safety reasons.
About private classes and events
Whether you want to gather in our stylish, fully-equipped space in the Mission or connect together from far & wide, we'd love to host your private cooking event.
For in-person events, the Civic Kitchen is a great place for everything from birthday celebrations to team building events, and rehearsal dinners to chef pop-ups!
Please visit our Private Events page or contact us at events@civickitchensf.com for details.
COVID Protocols for In-Person Events
Guests at our in-person classes and events must be fully vaccinated.
Guests at our in-person classes and events must be fully vaccinated.
Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including frequent cleaning & sanitizing. Staff and guests will wash their hands frequently at one of our three hand washing stations. Hand sanitizer will also be provided (but does not replace the need to wash hands).
Our staff will be fully vaccinated and our HVAC system & professional ventilation hoods will be operational. We will continue to monitor city, state and federal guidance and update our policies as necessary. Please note that this could include requiring all guests and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors.
For the health of our guests and staff, our protocols are non-negotiable.
About Salt+Spine Cookbook Club Dinner Parties
The Civic Kitchen has partnered with Salt+Spine to bring you up close and personal with your favorite cookbooks and authors.
Please note: The Salt + Spine Cookbook Club Dinner Party is not a formal cooking class. It is a cooking-optional event meant for gathering together, interacting with the author and other club participants, and celebrating an exceptional book and writer.
The Salt & Spine Cookbook Club is like a regular book club…but with a special twist. Each season, we focus on one book—reading, cooking and connecting on social media. The bonus: we get together each season live with the author for a Dinner Party, sponsored by Hardcover Cook, the subscription box and ingredient shop for cookbook lovers. The Dinner Party is virtual via Zoom, and we look forward to the day when the club can also meet in person at The Civic Kitchen.
There’s no charge to take part in Cookbook Club activities other than the Dinner Party. Visit the Salt+Spine website to sign up for the club, and to learn more about participating.
Gift certificates
DO YOU SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes, indeed! You may purchase one here.
Yes, indeed! You may purchase one here.
HOW ARE GIFT CERTIFICATES DELIVERED?
We deliver certificates in one of two ways:
1. A PDF certificate emailed to the buyer so it may be printed and given to the recipient. Please allow up to 12 hours to process.
2. A certificate emailed directly to the recipient.
We deliver certificates in one of two ways:
1. A PDF certificate emailed to the buyer so it may be printed and given to the recipient. Please allow up to 12 hours to process.
2. A certificate emailed directly to the recipient.
HOW DO I REDEEM MY GIFT CERTIFICATE?
After you’ve added a class to your cart and are checking out, you’ll arrive at the “Complete Your Transaction” page. On this page, enter your gift certificate number in the “Gift Certificate” section right above the “Billing Information” section.
After you’ve added a class to your cart and are checking out, you’ll arrive at the “Complete Your Transaction” page. On this page, enter your gift certificate number in the “Gift Certificate” section right above the “Billing Information” section.
Refund Policy
Notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com at least 7 calendar days before your in-person or online class or event to receive a credit toward the purchase of a future experience. Class credit is not available for cancellations made less than 7 calendar days prior to the class or event.
If you are unable to attend a class or event for which you have enrolled, you may give your spot to a friend, family member or charity. Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to let us know who will attend in your place.
May I buy a ticket for someone else?
Yes, you may, with the following two options: 1. Buy a ticket for a specific class, and enter the recipient’s name and email address during check-out. 2. Alternatively, you may purchase a gift certificate and allow the recipient to choose a class.
May I give my ticket to someone else?
Absolutely. Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to let us know who will attend in your stead.
Location and getting to The Civic Kitchen
We suggest you take public transit or a ride-sharing service to get to The Civic Kitchen. If you drive, you may find street parking in the area; most nearby meters have a maximum stay of 2 or 4 hours from 9am to 6pm, Monday-Saturday. There are also a couple of parking lots close by:
Please remember to lock your car, and don’t leave anything visible in your car. To see a map of The Civic Kitchen location please click here.
- Small surface lot at 24th Street at Lilac
- Mission/Bartlett Garage at 21st Street & Bartlett
Please remember to lock your car, and don’t leave anything visible in your car. To see a map of The Civic Kitchen location please click here.
Our commitment to the Mission community
We love being a part of the Mission and have carefully considered how to give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed us. Our strength is teaching people about food and cooking, a life skill that was once passed down through generations. Some of that heritage has been lost in our modern lives, and we strive to mitigate that. Drawing on our passion for working with kids in the kitchen, we focus our efforts on teaching Mission youth to prepare food confidently while having fun.
The Civic Kitchen partners with educational institutions in the Mission to provide kids and their families with hands-on cooking experiences. We have worked with Mission High School, Aim High and Enterprise for Youth. We appreciate hearing from community members about further opportunities to serve middle-schoolers, teens and young adults in the Mission. Please contact us with your ideas at info@civickitchensf.com.
Are you looking for new teachers?
Our motto is “Kindness in the Kitchen”. If this describes your style and you’ve got a great class idea, please shoot us an email at info@civickitchensf.com.
I have a great class or event idea - are you interested?
By all means! Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com.
