GETTING STARTED

What exactly is a Culinary Experience? We bring restaurant-quality dining directly to your home or chosen location. Our dedicated chefs and service team handle everything from shopping and cooking to serving and cleanup, creating an intimate restaurant experience in your own space. Think of it as having your own personal restaurant for the evening, complete with beautifully presented courses, professional service, and zero stress for you as the host.

How many people can you serve? Our experiences are designed for intimate gatherings of 18 guests or fewer. This allows us to maintain the personal, elevated service that makes these experiences special.

What areas do you serve? We serve throughout Sonoma and parts of Napa counties at no additional charge. We're also happy to travel further - as far as Cloverdale, the North and East Bay areas, and even Lake Tahoe - for additional transportation fees. Extended travel areas will need to meet specific event minimums based on the season.

PLANNING YOUR EXPERIENCE

How far in advance do I need to book? We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance to give our team plenty of time to coordinate a seamless experience. On certain occasions, we can accommodate requests up to 7 days in advance, though earlier booking ensures we can secure your preferred date and source the finest seasonal ingredients.

What if I need to cancel or change my plans? We understand that life happens! You can cancel up to 2 weeks before your event for a full refund. If you need to reduce your guest count, just let us know before that 2-week mark as well. If you do need to reduce numbers within 14 days, we'll still prepare those extra portions so your group can enjoy leftovers or pack them away for later.

Can I get a taste of your food before my event? We'd love to have you dine at our restaurant and venue, Songbird Parlour, to experience our style and quality firsthand! Guests can make a reservation directly via the Songbird website up to 30 days in advance.

DIETARY NEEDS & MENU PLANNING

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies? Of course! This is one of the biggest advantages of having a private chef - we can customize each dish to work for your guests. Whether someone is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, has food allergies, or follows a specific diet, we work with those needs during the menu planning process. We'll discuss everyone's requirements during your consultation and make sure every guest feels included and well-fed.

How does menu selection work? This depends on which experience you choose, but generally you'll select from our seasonal offerings about 2 weeks before your event. For most courses, you pick one option that everyone will enjoy, but we always accommodate individual dietary needs within that selection. For entrees, you typically choose two options and then let your guests pick their preference (like a wedding RSVP). If you want to offer multiple options for any course, we can do that for an additional fee.

Do you create custom menus? Think of our culinary experiences as an in-house restaurant experience. Our chefs have crafted and perfected the perfect dishes for each service, which ensures an exceptional experience for every guest. While we don't create entirely custom menus from scratch, we're happy to discuss modifications and work within dietary requirements during your planning process.

What about wine and cocktails? We're happy to pour any wines or beverages you provide. If you'd like us to handle the beverage program with professional pairings or craft cocktails, that's available for an additional charge - just ask us about options when you book.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON EVENT DAY

What do I need to provide? The beauty of our service is that we handle almost everything! You provide the dining space (table and chairs for your group) and a basic kitchen with standard appliances. We bring all the cooking tools, serving pieces, beautiful table settings, fresh flowers, candles, printed menus - essentially everything needed to transform your space into an elegant restaurant.

What if my kitchen isn't fully equipped? You'll need a standard kitchen with working appliances and basic cookware including some pots, pans, sheet trays, and cooking utensils. Our chefs come prepared with professional tools and additional equipment, but we do rely on these kitchen basics to create your meal. If you're staying at a rental, we recommend checking with your host about what kitchen supplies are available.

How does the evening actually unfold? Your experience begins when our team arrives (timing varies by service type). We'll check in with you about table setup and any last-minute details, then get to work in the kitchen while setting your table beautifully. You and your guests can relax and enjoy each other's company while we handle everything behind the scenes. Throughout the meal, your chef will present each dish, explaining the preparation and ingredients. We take care of all cleanup too, leaving your kitchen cleaner than we found it.

What does your team wear? Our service staff dress professionally in crisp, pressed attire - think upscale restaurant service. Our chefs wear traditional chef's coats and company aprons. Everyone maintains a polished, professional appearance that complements the elegance of your event. We want our team to enhance your celebration, not distract from it.

How long does everything take? Most experiences run 3-4 hours from our arrival to departure, but this varies by the type of experience you choose. We never rush - the goal is for you to relax and savor both the food and the company. We do offer a 30 minute grace period beyond the scheduled timeline of your event. Anything over will incur additional hourly labor charges for your staff on site.

LOGISTICS & COORDINATION

Do you coordinate rentals? For all events of 18 guests and fewer, a completely curated dinnerware and tablescape package is included. If your group is larger than 18 guests, you prefer a specific dinnerware package, need special design or decor pieces, or your venue requires table and chair rentals to accommodate your group size, we will happily coordinate this rental order for you for an additional 5% event production fee and you will be billed directly from the rental company. You also have the option of coordinating the rental yourself to save costs, and will be required to share this rental order with our team for coordination and planning purposes.

What access information do you need before the event? We ask that all clients provide detailed access and parking information well in advance of their event. This might include specific directions, gate codes, or specific loading or parking instructions. If your group will not be present upon our arrival, our team will also require instructions on how to access the house, which might include the location of spare keys or house access codes.

Who handles waste removal? This is one of the best parts - you don't lift a finger! We handle all dishes, kitchen cleanup, trash disposal in provided receptacles, and leave everything spotless. You can focus on enjoying your guests and the evening. If your venue requires trash removal, this will incur an additional charge.

Do you have insurance? Yes, we're fully licensed and insured. We can provide proof of insurance if your venue or rental requires it.

KIDS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

What about children? We love including the little ones! For younger children (ages 3-6), we offer simplified versions of the adult dishes (think sliced filet with pommes puree and roasted carrots) plus a special ice cream sundae with our house-made caramel for $35. Older kids (7-11) often want the "grown-up" experience, so we offer smaller portions of the full menu - typically the entree and dessert for $85, or they can add courses to match the adults.

What if we run longer than expected? Life happens, and good conversations shouldn't be rushed! We build in a 30-minute grace period for timing. If your dinner runs longer due to extended conversations or toasts, additional hourly charges may apply, but we'll never rush you.

Can vendors (photographers, musicians, etc.) eat too? Absolutely! We're happy to provide vendor meals for $55 per person - a hearty plate featuring selections from your chosen menu. We can accommodate any dietary restrictions your vendors might have too.

PAYMENT AND LOGISTICS

How does payment work? We'll send you a proposal and contract electronically to make everything simple. A deposit secures your date, with final payment due the Tuesday before your event.

What if something unexpected happens (weather, power outage, etc.)? While we always plan for success, we understand that sometimes circumstances beyond anyone's control can affect events. In cases of severe weather, power outages, or other unforeseeable situations, we'll work with you to find the best solution possible.

MULTI-COURSE TASTING MENU EXPERIENCE

• Groups of 18 or fewer • 3-hour experience • $995 minimum

Our signature culinary experience for intimate celebrations

How does the evening unfold? Your dedicated chefs and service staff arrive 45-60 minutes before your scheduled cheeseboard service. They'll check in about locations for cheeseboard and dinner seating, then begin kitchen prep and table setting. You'll enjoy approximately one hour with the cheeseboard before we announce dinner service. Your chef presents each dish with preparation details while staff pours beverages you've provided. The entire experience lasts no more than 4 hours from arrival to departure.

What's included in this experience?

• Dedicated chefs and service staff

• Complete curated tablescape with chargers, runner, linen napkins, votive and tapered candles *no tablecloths provided

• Bud vases with fresh local flowers (colors vary by seasonal availability)

• Ceramic plates and water glasses

• Printed menus

• For 13+ guests: Flatware and wine glasses

What do I need to provide?

• Adequate dining space (tables and chairs)

• For 12 or fewer guests: Flatware and wine glasses (we can provide for additional $3 per person each)

• Standard kitchen with working appliances and basic cookware

How do I choose my menu courses?

• Single-selection courses: First course, second course (if selected), and dessert require one choice for all guests. We accommodate dietary restrictions within your selection

• Multiple selections: If you would like to add additional course options for your guests to enjoy (for instance, 2 first course options or 3 entree courses), additional fees will apply

• Entree course: Select two options, then collect guest preferences (like wedding RSVP). For vegetarians, choose one vegetarian entree as an option or our chef will modify a meat-based entree

What about children?

• Small Children's Meal (Ages 3-6): Simplified versions of adult entrees plus ice cream sundae with house-made caramel - $35 per child

• Smaller Portion Coursed Meal (Ages 7-11): Full dining experience participation. Typically entree plus dessert for $85, or add salad for $95 (three courses), or $105 for full four-course experience

Important deadlines for this experience:

• Menu selections: 14 days in advance

• Event start time: 14 days in advance

• Menu heading message: 14 days in advance

AL FRESCO MEDITERRANEAN TABLE EXPERIENCE

• Groups of 18 or fewer • 3-hour experience • $995 minimum

How does the Al Fresco experience unfold? Your dedicated staff arrive 30 minutes prior to mezze board service. You'll enjoy the mezze board, then dinner is served 1 hour after that. The entire event time from arrival to departure is 3 hours. This is a family-style service.

What comes with every Al Fresco Experience?

• Local boutique wine (1 bottle per 4 guests)

• Dedicated professional culinary and service staff

• Curated dinnerware and tablescape (placemats, table runner, linen napkins, bud vases with local flowers, votive candles) with printed menus. *no tablecloths provided

• Complete kitchen cleanup and organization before departure

• Full accommodation of dietary restrictions

What do I need to provide?

• Adequate dining space (tables and chairs)

• For 12 or fewer guests: Flatware and wine glasses (we can provide for additional $3 per person each)

• Standard kitchen with working appliances and basic cookware

Can I enhance the experience?

• Local artisan bread and olive oil (+$10 per person)

• Additional side (+$12)

• Additional entree (+$18)

• Seasonal craft cocktails (+$45 per person)

• Additional wine (ask for list and pricing)

When is this experience available? May through October. Book at least 14 days in advance.

ARTISAN CHEESE & WINE FONDUE EXPERIENCE

• Groups of 18 or fewer • 3-hour experience • $995 minimum

How does the Fondue experience unfold? Your dedicated staff arrive 1 hour prior to service. This is a family-style service with a 3-hour total experience from arrival to departure.

What comes with every Fondue Party?

• Dedicated professional culinary and service staff

• Copper fondue pot, organic stone dinnerware, placemats, table runner, votive candles, bud vases with local flowers, napkins, and a printed menu

• Complete kitchen cleanup and organization

• Full accommodation of dietary restrictions

What's served at the fondue experience?

• Traditional Accoutrements: Wood-fired baguette, seasonal pickles, buttered heirloom potatoes, local crudités, Journeyman pork sausages, herbed shrimp skewers, filet mignon steak skewers

• Farm fresh salad: Sunray Farm greens with meyer lemon vinaigrette and shaved mezzo secco

• Something sweet: Almond financier with roasted fruit compote and chantilly cream

Can I add beverages?

• Seasonal craft cocktails (+$45 per person)

• Additional wine (ask for wine list and pricing)

When is fondue available? November through April. Book at least 14 days in advance.