Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I arrive?[top]
When you arrive, a Home Appétit staff person will check you in, show you where to
store your cooler, help you find your apron and gloves, explain the recipe station
then help you get started. At each recipe station, you will find easy to
follow recipe cards and all the ingredients, measuring utensils, cooking labels,
and containers needed to prepare the recipe. When you are finished at one
station, you move on to the next station until all your chosen entrees are prepared.
As you complete each entrée, you will store them on your own designated shelf in
our refrigerator.
What if I do not know how to cook?
[top]
No problem. All the ingredients are prepared and ready for you. The
instructions are simple. It is very easy and no prior cooking experience is
needed. If you have any questions or need any help, the Home Appétit staff
is always available to assist you and answer your questions.
What if I don't want certain ingredients in my entrees? [top]
Since you assemble the entrées yourself, most can be customized to meet your needs,
or dietary requirements. If you don't like an ingredient – simply leave it
out.
I'm weary of the dreaded casserole. What are the entrées like? [top]
Each month, we offer 14 meals from which to choose. There are a variety of beef,
chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes. At Home Appétit we concentrate on
recipe development. To confirm it's wide appeal, many people from a variety of backgrounds
sample each dish. This is not the typical frozen dinner. Since you are assembling
your own meals, you are able to customize them by adding more or less of each ingredient.
Are the entrees cooked there at Home Appétit before I bring them home? [top]
No, you will only be assembling your entrées in our kitchen. You will take
them home and put them in your freezer. Thaw the entrées in the refrigerator a day
or two before you are ready to use them. Then simply follow the cooking instructions
on the label.
How long will my session last? [top]
The length of your session depends on how many meals you are making. A 6 entrée
session generally takes about an hour. A twelve entree session usually takes about
2 hours. Remember you can always order your meals for pickup or delivery as
well.
How do I register for a session?
[top]
To sign up for a session, all you need to do is choose an available session off
of our calendar, then choose the entrées you would like to make and pay by
credit card online.
What if I want to sign up for a session that is full? [top]
Please call us. Sometimes we are able to make special arrangements.
Do I always need an appointment to come in? [top]
Generally speaking, most of our customers will be signing up online via our online
calendar to come in on a separate date and time to make their meals. For those
people that just want to come in and check it out and assemble just a few meals,
we will be offering walk-in sessions here and there. Check our
calendar
for dates and times.
If I'm coming home from work can I stop in and pick up a dinner? [top]
Yes! You can just stop in and see what is offered from our specials board or get
a selection made from our current month's menu while you wait. To save even
more time, call in advance, and we'll have your selection ready for easy take-away!
I really like this idea, but what if I don't even have the time to come in and make
the entrées myself?
[top]
No problem. Our staff will be glad to prepare your choice of entrees for you.
All you have to do is stop by Home Appétit and pick them up. The fee for this service
is $25 above the cost of the entrée selection that you chose.
What if I want to schedule a session for just me and my friends? [top]
Definitely. Book a private party for any special occasion. We will provide the snacks
and refreshments. Click here for the
details.
What if I don't want to pay by credit card? [top]
If you would rather not pay by credit card, simply come on in to Home Appétit to
sign up in person or call us on the phone.
What do I bring to my session? [top]
Bring a cooler, laundry basket, or box to transport your meals home. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes. We provide all the containers and supplies
you will need to prepare & store your food, as well as plastic gloves and aprons.
How much freezer space do I need?
[top]
Freezer space depends on the meals you choose. Most of our customers do NOT have
a chest freezer and simply place their meals in a regular freezer. We suggest cleaning
out an area in your freezer before attending a session. Many meals can be prepared
and stored in freezer bags to minimize freezer space. Of course you can save
some room by putting two meals directly into the refrigerator to eat during the
coming week. This is a great time to clean out those freezer-burned items
and replace them with fresh and healthy meals.
How often does the menu change?
[top]
Menus change every month with entrees that allow you to both explore new tastes
as well as enjoy family favorites. Based on customer demand, some Home Appétit
entrees will make repeat appearances throughout the year.
Where do you get your recipes?
[top]
We have gathered all of our family favorites and even asked our friends to share
theirs with us as well. In addition, we have hired a chef to assist in our
recipe development. All of our recipes are tried and true and have been independently
tested using our Home Appétit Taste Tasting Group of 40+ independent people – men,
women, children, singles, you get the picture – to ensure that you receive only
the highest quality entrees that freeze and thaw well, cook easily, and most importantly,
taste great! (Somehow, we don't seem to have any problems getting volunteers
for this group.)
Do I have to thaw my meals before I cook them? [top]
Most of our dishes do taste best and cook easiest if they are thawed completely
before they are cooked. Since many of our meat dishes are frozen in a marinade,
by thawing them you are allowing the meat to absorb the marinade to its fullest
extent. Also, the cooking instructions are based on the meals being thawed prior
to cooking. If a meal can be taken straight from the freezer and cooked, we
will provide those instructions on the cooking label for you to follow.
How long do your entrees last in the freezer and refrigerator? [top]
For optimum flavor, we recommend cooking and eating your meals within 2 months of
bringing them home. After three days in the refrigerator, you can still cook
the entrée & put it back in the refrigerator to heat up and serve the next day.
Can I bring my child (children) to my session? [top]
We are a commercial kitchen with limited space. Our sessions offer an opportunity
for you to get some much needed adult time. For the enjoyment of our other guests,
we respectfully ask that you leave little ones at home and come enjoy yourself with
old friends or make new ones.
What if I am sick the day of my session?
[top]
If you are coughing, sneezing, running a fever or have any other symptoms that may
be contagious, on the day of your session, please call to make other arrangements
or to find out if your meals can be assembled for you, and picked up the following
day. This option is available at the discretion of management and depends
on the availability of staff.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my session? [top]
We definitely understand busy schedules and unforeseen emergencies. However,
Home Appétit prides itself in procuring fresh ingredients prior to your arrival.
We would appreciate as much notice as possible. Should you need to cancel
or reschedule your session time, we do require a minimum 7 days notice. If
you need to cancel or reschedule your session time, less than 7 days notice,
please email us at info@homeappetitkitchen.com
or call us at (704) 979-5566.
IMPORTANT: If you fail to make prior arrangements or do not show
for a session, we will prepare and freeze your meals for you. Your credit card will
be charged an additional $25 service fee on top of the food cost for the assembly.
What if I am not satisfied with my entrees?
[top]
All our meals have been tested and we request that you follow preparation and cooking
instructions closely. If, however, you are not satisfied, for any reason,
with a particular meal we will gladly credit you a meal for your next session
or personally prepare a replacement meal for you at no charge. All we
ask is that you tell us the problem so we can correct it. No hassles...No
hard feelings. We want you to be ecstatic about your entire experience at
Home Appétit.