Recreational FAQ

The Only Missing Ingredient Is You 

Whether you are a novice looking to gain confidence in the kitchen, a total cooking whiz looking to add to your repertoire, a couple or group of friends seeking an alternative fun night out, or co-workers looking to promote team-building, we have a class just for you! You’ll leave each CSCA class with a wealth of new knowledge, a full stomach, memories and stories to share, and often with samplings that you’ve created.

Explore Our Recreational Programs

Build up your repertoire, gain confidence in the kitchen, and enjoy a fun night out with recreational cooking and baking classes for all levels. From technique-driven series to fun and social date nights, there’s a class for you!

Our Classes >
Our Instructors >
Gift Certificates >
Download Recreational Catalogue >

Recreational Classes FAQ

What is your cancellation policy?

CSCA does not offer refunds on any reservation or purchase. If CSCA cancels or postpones any class due to state or city mandate, inclement weather, or other unavoidable reason, a 100% account credit will be issued, or classes will be rescheduled.

Cancellation for Account Credit Guidelines:

  • Attendees may cancel up to 7 days prior to the class start date, by calling the office at 617.354.2020 (Office hours are M-F 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM) or by emailing recclasses@cambridgeculinary.com. An account credit will be emailed to you for future use.
  • Cancellations are not allowed less than 7 days prior to the start of a class.   Therefore, no credits or refunds will be issued. Your seat has been reserved, the Instructor scheduled, and the ingredients purchased and packed for your class.  You may, however, send someone else in your place by simply notifying CSCA of the change in participant.

If you can’t make it to a class in a multi-session series, you are welcome to send a friend in your place. Due to the small size of our classes, we do not offer make-up classes for missed sessions in a series.

All gift certificate sales are final and may be redeemed toward any class experience. Gift certificates that have not been redeemed will expire 7 years from the time of purchase. No cash back.

Will I receive a confirmation through E-mail?

When an email address is provided, we will send an order confirmation to that email address.  If you are unable to locate the confirmation email, please check your junk and spam email folders.  If you wish to further confirm enrollment in a class, please contact us during the week prior to your class.

Do you have parking?

There is on-street metered parking available. Meters are free after 8:00 pm and are free all day Sunday. Students are responsible for adhering to all posted parking signs and city regulations. Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is not responsible for parking tickets or violations assessed to the student. We suggest that you use public transportation whenever possible. The closest MBTA stop is Porter Square (Red Line). We do not have a parking lot or parking garage near the school.

You may also Click Here to learn more about parking in Cambridge.

What should I wear to class?

CSCA recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment. Shorts, tank tops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed to be worn during class.

An apron will be provided for use during your cooking class.

Do I need to wear a Face mask?

Face coverings are optional at this time.

CSCA encourages following CDC recommendations, including several prevention measures when COVID-19 community levels are High:

  • Wear a mask indoors in public settings. Especially if you are immunocompromised.
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms.
  • Stay home if sick or recently exposed.

Please wear a mask if you are more comfortable doing so.

CSCA Staff reserves the right to ask any student exhibiting symptoms of illness to wear a face mask or to leave the premises for the safety of other participants.

Click here to review all of our COVID protocols.

How long are your classes?

Please plan to be in class an average of 3 to 4 hours. Due to subject matter, some classes may run shorter or longer than the designated time span.

What form of payments do you accept?

All payments must be arranged with the Recreational Program Department at the time of registration. CSCA accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover

What do I need to bring to class?

CSCA will supply everything for the class. If you would like to bring a notebook, you may. If you are taking one of our series classes, such as Techniques of Cooking I or II, you may bring your knife set if you would like. We do have knives, and all other tools here for Recreational students to use during their classes. Students taking our pastry-focused classes will often go home with a box of treats. You are welcome to bring a reusable tote bag to bring your goodies home, but we also have CSCA totes available for $2.

Should I tip my Chef Instructor?

Tipping is always appreciated.

Our talented instructors work hard to create a fun and educational experience for our guests.  If you’d like to show some additional appreciation to your Chef Instructor, you may do so by providing optional gratuity and feedback.

Click here to send gratuity.

Can I bring in alcohol?

CSCA does not allow students to bring in alcohol during ANY class. The instructor has the right to ask a student to leave if alcohol is brought in to the school.

What if I cannot attend a class that is in a series?

Classes cannot be made up, but you may always send a friend in your place if you are unable to attend.

Are the classes at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts suitable for children?

All classes are designed for adults (ages 18 and over). Younger students may attend some of our adult classes with permission from CSCA if accompanied by an adult. We offer teen classes throughout the summer months and during school vacations that denote the acceptable age range for attendees.

Contact the Recreational department with any questions regarding class policies and procedures: recclasses@cambridgeculinary.com or 617.354.2020, ext 143.

Disclaimer
CSCA reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, CSCA will contact the students registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather, CSCA will announce its intent to cancel courses on our Class Cancellation Line: 617.497.8488. It is the responsibility of the student to call for information. Please plan to be in class an average of 3-4 hours.

Due to subject matter, some classes may run longer or shorter than the designated time period.

Liabilities
Recreational Programs provide cooking classes. CSCA does not intend, nor does it promise, that these courses will result in job placement or gainful employment in the culinary field. CSCA is not an allergen-free school, but we take allergies seriously and do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please alert your chef instructor of any allergies prior to class. Students participating in Recreational Programs take classes at their own risk. Neither CSCA nor its staff is liable for any injury sustained in the class. CSCA is not responsible for personal property left unattended in the building.

Nondiscrimination Policy
CSCA does not discriminate against race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, or disability, and offers its programs, privileges, rights, and activities to all students. Some courses may be offered in an environment that could be problematic for certain students. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that he/she can participate in the course as offered. We may not be able to accommodate every person. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.