Book a Class!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a class?

• Classes can only be booked online.

Age Requirements:

• Kids classes are designed for children ages 8-16

• “Regular” classes (other than kids or date night classes) are designed for adults. Young adults between 14 and 15 years of age may register along with an adult. Ages 16 and up may attend by themselves. Knife skills are for ages 16 and up.

• Date Night classes are for adults aged 21 and older.

Where do I park?

• Street parking is free, and we ask for our night and weekend classes to park in the VA Hospital parking lot across the street from our building on 39th St. and Avenue N. Please leave spots in front of the shop for our la Cocina Market customers.

Do I need to bring anything special with me to these classes?

• la Mesa Kitchen has all of the appliances, cookware and utensils you will need so there is nothing necessary to bring. All we ask is that you wear closed toe shoes for your own safety, and comfortable (but not loose) clothing. We also ask that if you have long hair, you tie it back. Students are welcome to bring to-go containers as there are often leftovers and any cocktails or spirits (for students over 21) they prefer. We will provide glassware, bottle openers and complimentary chilled water but also have sodas, juice and bottled water available for purchase. Other than that, simply bring yourself and your willingness to have fun and learn!

Please take note of our cancellation policy

• We have a 72-hour cancellation policy for our public classes and there are NO EXCEPTIONS. If you cannot attend and you are within the 72-hour window before the class, you are more than welcome to send someone else in your place. You do not need to contact us when you send someone else in your place. If no one can come in your place, you will forfeit your seat completely.

• We do not issue refunds, only credit towards other classes. Thus, if you do cancel 72 hours before the class, your credits are available for 90 days. Cancellations or changes can be made by emailing chefmarybass@gmail.com. When a class is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will contact you by text message to reschedule. If you miss a class due to weather-related concerns, our standard cancellation policy applies. If a class is cancelled on our end, we will issue a refund online.

What if I have a food allergy?

• Please note this when you sign up for classes during the checkout classes. We will do our absolute best to accommodate your needs, but please be advised that if you sign up for a class in which the main ingredient is what you are allergic to or is not what you like, (ex. You are allergic to gluten and you sign up for a cupcake making class) it will be nearly impossible for us to change things. If you are especially concerned about your allergies, it is best to email us at chefmarybass@gmail.com to talk about them well before the class.

Should I come hungry?

• la Mesa knows that working with food makes one hungry! In our cooking classes, tasting is always encouraged. Some fundamental classes may take a while before you eat something. We always try to make sure you eat something within an hour of the class start time. Baking classes are a different story unless otherwise stated. It might be best to eat a small meal before attending so you can save room for all the yummy sweets! We want you to be hungry, just not HANGRY!

Are the classes hands-on or demonstration only?

• la Mesa is adamant about getting our students involved in the process. Other than when we need to demonstrate a technique - you are the chefs for the night! We feel it’s the best way to learn and retain what we are teaching you. We hope that you will be using what you’ve learned in our classes for years to come. Each work station has two seats, and you will do most of the prep work at your own cooking station. If you would prefer to sit back and relax, no worries! We’ll do the work for you.

Should I arrive early?

• Yes! Please feel free to arrive about 10 minutes early to find parking and get situated. If you arrive any earlier, we ask that you wait in your car until 10 minutes before the class.

Should I tip the instructor?

• While gratuity is never expected, it is always appreciated.

How many people are needed to hold a class?

• Typically, we’ll hold a class with a minimum of 6 students. Certain classes may require higher enrollment. Low enrollment notices will be issued on the morning of class. If classes need to be cancelled due to low enrollment, la Mesa will offer the scheduled student a $5 credit toward a transfer to a new class.