Explore our culinary experiences

What are culinary experiences?

Do you sit on the couch (like me), watching cooking competitions (like me), thinking to yourself (like me), “I could never… but it would be so fun to try… but I could never…”

Well, what if you could?

What if there was a way to do a cooking competition (low stakes, because it’s all about the game, right?), with a theme to follow (because we may be able to think on our feet really well, but we need a little time, right?), with enough time to plan (because we NEED planning time, right?), and enough time to cook (because we are NOT actual chefs, even if we are really competent home cooks, right?)?

Cooking for a Crowd’s Culinary Experiences are designed to bring the competition to you!

Choose from our list of culinary experiences! You do not have to be a trained chef to participate; our challenges are created for home cooks who have a little experience in the kitchen.

  • Blind tasting just like the pros! Can you identify a food item blindfolded? Test your taste buds!

  • Set the stage for a culinary battle with a speed test! Can your culinary skills lead your team to victory?

  • Build a culinary masterpiece using a selected set of ingredients. Can your team create the most delicious dish?

  • Rotate through stations to choose ingredients. Work with your team to craft culinary excellence!

  • Have a group that includes teens? Or planning an experience just for teens? Whisk Takers is designed specifically for adult/teen groups or for groups of teens, aged 11-18!

Customize your experience

  1. Start with an introductory activity. Your experience begins with either The Taste Trial or Mise en Place Mayhem.

  2. Add a cooking competition. Your group will then work together to create a culinary masterpiece. You get to choose from a curated list of themes based on your groups palates.

  3. Have a blast fulfilling your dreams of competing like the pros!

The Taste Trial

Mise En Place Mayhem

Basket Blitz

Pick, Plan, Plate

Whisk Takers

The Taste Trial Mise En Place Mayhem Basket Blitz Pick, Plan, Plate Whisk Takers

What You’ll Learn

Effective Communication

Learn how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This course explores active listening, tone, body language, and message delivery for stronger, more impactful connections.

Content Planning

Learn tools for organizing ideas, setting goals, and building consistent schedules. From brainstorming to publishing, this course helps turn scattered thoughts into a cohesive plan.

Process Improvement

Discover how to analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement smarter systems. This course helps you create processes that actually work, for a team or just for yourself.

Effective Communication

Learn how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This course explores active listening, tone, body language, and message delivery for stronger, more impactful connections.

Meet Your Instructor

Monet Goode

Founder & CEO

Monet is a lifelong educator with a passion for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences. Known for a calm, encouraging teaching style, Monet believes that growth happens when learners feel both challenged and supported.

Learn More

  • "The mix of video, written content, and downloadable resources makes everything feel accessible and well-rounded."

    Former Customer

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This platform has become a regular part of my routine. It’s easy to use, beautifully designed, and full of helpful material."

    Former Customer

Gain access to all our programming when you sign up.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Culinary Experiences are interactive cooking competitions designed for people who love to watch cooking competition shows, and have always wanted to try it for themselves.

  • These experiences are designed for:

    • Friends and family gatherings

    • Visitors to Sonoma County

    • Locals looking for a group activity

    • Corporate or team-building groups

    • Wine club groups and special interest groups

    No professional cooking experience required!

  • Most experiences are designed for adults. There are three options to consider in designing your experience:

    1. Adults over 18 only;

    2. Mixed group of adults over 18 and teens aged 11-18;

    3. Teen groups aged 11-18 only

    We will work together to design the perfect experience for your group, regardless of age!

  • No. Experiences are designed to be approachable and enjoyable for all skill levels. A little experience in the kitchen is helpful, but your group will work in teams, so you will likely have at least a few people with experience.

  • Locations vary based on your group’s needs.

    • Small groups (6-12) can often use a standard size kitchen, either at your own home, or a rental property for visitors

    • Large groups (12-16), or those in need of a larger space, can use the Cooking for a Crowd kitchen

  • Group sizes vary depending on the experience, but most events are designed for medium-sized groups. Since the experiences are competition based, the minimum group size is six people. Teams will be divided into groups of three or four, depending on group size. The maximum size is 16 people.

    If you are interested in a larger experience, we can work together to provide it. (Our biggest group has been 50 people!)

    If your group is smaller than six, contact us, and we can try to schedule two smaller groups together. The nature of the competition requires at least six people.

  • Pricing includes:

    • All food & ingredients

    • At least two hosts, or more, depending on group size

    • Setup & cleanup related to the experience

    • Any additional costs (such as wine purchases or venue fees if needed) will be clearly stated and agreed upon in advance

  • Pricing varies by experience and group size. Most experiences start at a per-person rate, with add on item pricing available upon request. Current pricing will always be listed on the experiences page.

  • Yes! All experiences are private experiences!

  • No. We are not licensed to provide alcoholic beverages, and you will be using knives!

    Depending on location of the experience, you may be able to offer your own drinks following the competition, while you eat and judge each other.

  • Yes, many dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Please share any restrictions when booking.

  • Most experiences require nothing beyond comfortable clothing and a willingness to participate. Any specific requirements will be communicated in advance. If you have long hair, bring something to tie it back.

  • We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and peak travel seasons.

  • Cancellation policies will be clearly outlined at the time of your booking. Because food needs to be purchased in advance, experiences must be cancelled at least three days prior to the event, and may incur a cancellation penalty.

  • Tipping is never required but is always appreciated if you feel the experience exceeded expectations.

  • Experiences can be booked directly through our website. Fill out the contact form, and we will get back to you to determine group size, date & time, and help you choose the best combination of experiences to suit your group.

  • Experiences are hosted by Cooking for a Crowd. Depending on the size of your group, you will have at least two people hosting. They will lead all activities, setup and cleanup related to the experience, and make sure you and your group have the best time possible!

  • If you’re unsure which experience fits your group, reach out — we’re happy to help you choose or create something that works.