Frequently Asked Questions

Registration, Pricing, Cancellation, and Waiting List Information

Do I have to register in advance or can I just show up?

All classes require advanced registration.

How do I search for a class on your website?

Visit vikingcookingschool.com and select the appropriate location from the drop down box. In the SEARCH FOR CLASSES box, you may either enter the name of the class or keyword (e.g. cake, sushi, pasta) and select GO. You may also search by the type of class (e.g. hands-on, demo, chef’s table) or by category (e.g. Culinary Basics, Dough and Desserts, Around the World, Smart Cooking). 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 your classes?

The price of each class is listed in the class description found in the newsletter and on-line at vikingcookingschool.com. Prices and length of class, may vary by location.

Do you have a waiting list for sold out classes?

Yes, waiting lists are maintained for sold out classes. Please call the school to have your name added to the waiting list. You will be notified if a space becomes available.

Are Date Night prices for each person or per couple?

The class price is listed per person.

For your series courses (e.g. Essential Cooking Series, Essential Wine Series), what happens if I miss a class?

Don’t worry if you miss a class – you can make it up the next time it is offered. You may also begin the series at any point during the course.

How do I register for a class?

Call or visit a Viking Cooking School, or enroll online at vikingcookingschool.com. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Go to vikingcookingschool.com and select your preferred location. 2. Browse classes by date, class name or subject to add classes to your cart. 3. 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.

All in the Family classes, does the tuition price include the cost for the child and adult or do you need to pay separately?

The class price is listed per person. 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.

What happens if my class is cancelled?

Viking Cooking Schools reserve the right to cancel any class up to seven (7) days in advance. In the event your class is cancelled, you will be notified by the appropriate Viking Cooking School. They will review the policy and apply 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.

General Information

Do you offer a professional culinary degree program?

Viking Cooking School classes are for culinary enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels; however, we are not a professional culinary school. We do not offer degrees, financial aid, grants or loans. While our school is avocational, culinary professionals may also take our classes if they desire.

Where are your cooking schools located?

Currently, we operate schools in the following locations:
AK - Anchorage, p 907-276-0111
GA - Atlanta, p 404-745-9064
LA - Baton Rouge, p 225-906-5882
MS - Greenwood, p 662-451-6750
MS - Ridgeland, p 601-898-8345
NJ - Atlantic City - Harrah's Resort, p 1-800-242-7724
NJ - Fairfield, p 973-244-1580
NJ - Natirar (Peapack-Gladstone), p 908-901-9500
TN - Memphis, p 901-763-3747
TN - Franklin (Nashville), 615-599-9617
TX - The Woodlands (Houston), p 281-203-5608
UT - Salt Lake City, p 801-464-0113

Our Classes

What are the different formats of your classes?

Demonstration classes offer relaxed discussions, tastings, fun question-and-answer segments and well-chosen recipes you'll be confident in preparing at home. Hands-On classes 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 12 students unless otherwise noted. Chef's Table classes are hands-on workshops held in our Hands-On Kitchen or Presentation Theater for a maximum of six to eight students.

What are the age limits for your classes?

•    Kids classes - ages 7 - 12
•    Teen classes - ages 12 - 15
•    Adult classes - ages 16 and up*
•    All in the Family classes are designed to allow parents and children to participate in a cooking class together. Children ages 7 and up are welcome when accompanied by at least one adult. Limit two children per adult.

* Children ages 14 and 15 may attend an adult cooking class if accompanied by an adult. Viking Cooking School recommends only one underage child per accompanying adult. Tuition for an underage child is the same as that for an adult.

How often do your classes change?

You will find new classes offered each quarter along with popular favorites, seasonal, and holiday classes.

How much food is served in your classes?

For demonstration classes, you will have a generous tasting of each menu item. For hands-on and chef’s table classes, a full meal size portion will be served.

What should I wear to the cooking class?

You should dress casually and comfortably. In Hands-On Workshop classes and Chef’s Table Classes, 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.

How many people are in the classes?

Hands-On classes are limited to 12 to 16 students (Note: number of students varies by location), unless otherwise noted in the class description. Chef’s Table classes are limited to 6 to 8 students (Note: number of students varies by location). Demonstration classes vary by location.

Are different classes rated for different levels of experience?

No, anyone can take any class. The advanced and level 2 classes offer different menus and will teach more advanced skills and techniques.

For Hands-On and Chef's Table classes, will I make all of the items on the menu?

Yes, you will be divided into teams; each team will prepare the entire menu (excluding Sample and Bonus recipes). The instructor will demonstrate the techniques, and you will mimic the techniques with guidance from the instructors.

Will I get a copy of the recipes to take home?

Yes, you will receive a recipe packet to refer to during the class and take home with you. Some classes provide additional student handouts.

Can I bring leftovers home with me?

Unless indicated otherwise in the description of the class, students are discouraged from taking leftovers out of the facility. Some classes, such as Cake Workshop, Cookie Decorating, Pies and Tarts indicate that students will take home what they make. In these cases appropriate packaging is provided in class.

How do I find out more about your class than what's online and in the newsletter?

Please call your local Viking Cooking School and an associate will be happy to tell you more about any of our classes.

Are Girls' Night Out classes just for girls?

No, both men and women can attend Girls’ Night Out classes.

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.

Can anyone take your advanced or level 2 classes?

Yes, anyone can take any class. It is recommended, but not required that you take the first level class before the second.

Do you list the skills and techniques that will be taught in the class?

Yes, the key skills and techniques that will be covered in each class are listed on our website under the class description for each class.

What is a Sample recipe and Bonus recipe?

Sample recipes are not made in class, but are tasted in class and are included in the student recipe packet. Bonus recipes are included in the student recipe packet, but are neither made nor tasted in class.

Kids, Teens and All in the Family Classes

Does an adult need to stay for a kids or teens class?

Adults do not need to stay for the class unless indicated in the class description.

How long are your Kids and Teens Camps?

Camps are five consecutive days. Kids classes are 2 hours long and Teens classes and are 2½ hours long. On the fifth day, classes are 30 minutes longer. Parents are invited to the graduation party during the last 30 minutes of class.

Private Event Information

Can I rent your cooking school facility?

Yes, we offer facility rentals for your culinary needs. Contact your local Viking Cooking School 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 classes or cooking parties?

Yes, you can choose the class style and menu perfect for your upcoming event by selecting from our Special Event Menu offerings or 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.

Discounts

What are Early Bird Specials?

Early Bird Specials allow you to save $20 off the regular price of select $89 and $99 workshops. Pay only $69 or $79 for these exclusive hands-on workshops before 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Please note, Early Bird Specials are not offered at all locations.)

Do you give a student discount for items in your store and towards future classes? How long is the discount offered?

Yes, students do receive a 10% discount after class on store retail items and tuition for future classes. The discount is good for the day of the class only. (Please note, discounts are not offered at all locations.)

Gift Cards

How do I give someone a class as a gift?

Gift cards may be purchased by phone or in person at your local Viking Cooking School. You may also purchase gift cards online at select Viking Cooking School locations at vikingcookingschool.com. Gift cards may be purchased for any amount you choose. You may have the gift card mailed directly to you or mailed to the recipient with information about Viking Cooking School classes and registration information.

Can I use a gift card to buy a class?

Yes, gift cards may be redeemed for classes or used to purchase merchandise in the retail store.

Do your gift cards expire?

Gift cards never expire.

Wine

Is wine served in your class?

Wine is served with the meal in our adult classes. Up to two 4-ounce pours of wine per person may be offered. No one under the age of 21 may consume alcoholic beverages. Please Note:  Wine may not be served at all locations. You may contact your local Viking Cooking School for their policy.

Can I bring my own wine?

You may contact the appropriate Viking Cooking School for their policy on bringing your own wine to a class. In most locations this is prohibited due to state liquor laws and other restrictions.

Allergy and Dietary Concerns

Can you make special arrangements to accommodate food allergies.

Viking Cooking School facilities may 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 your local Viking Cooking School 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, Viking Cooking School facilities are not kosher. For Private Events and our Jewish Cooking: Treasures from Around the World, we can use kosher food products including meats.