Chef for a Day in New York City

Enjoy a Private Cooking Class in Greenwich Village Bistro and Invite a Guest to Join You for Dinner

(27 ratings)
Price for 1 Participant

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About This Experience Gift

Work With a Chef During an Intensive, Hands-on Private Class
Sharpen Your Cooking Skills an Create a Three Course Meal
Invite a Guest to Share the Dinner You Prepared

Learn to cook a delicious three course meal in the heart of Greenwich Village. This three-hour culinary adventure is the perfect recipe for fun and makes a unique gift for any occasion.

The private cooking class takes place at a quaint Village Bistro where you will learn to prepare a fabulous meal from start to finish under the instruction of an award-winning Chef. You will cook like the pros do as you prepare an appetizer, main course and dessert in the heart of a working restaurant kitchen. Once your work is done, you may invite a guest to join you at the Bistro to savor the dishes you have created along with a bottle of wine.

After this unique gastronomic experience, you will walk out of the restaurant feeling like pro! So whether you are a delivery diva or have spent time sharpening your knife skills, this 5-Star rated experience gift is sure to satisfy your appetite!

Where to Go for Cooking Classes and Lessons in New York

New York, New York

Group Size and Spectator Info

Participants
The Chef For A Day Experience Certificate is valid for one participant and one dinner guest, unless additional dinner guests are added.

Guests
You can invite one guest to join you for the meal you have prepared. Alternative Guest Options may be selected.

When can you book Chef for a Day in New York City

OPEN Additional Dates Coming Soon CURRENTLY CLOSED

Additional Dates Coming Soon

The Bistro Cooking Classes are offered Monday thru Saturday evenings year-round, subject to availability. The lessons typically begin at 5:00 PM on weekdays and at 4:00 PM on Saturday evenings.

How Long Is The Chef for a Day in New York City

The Chef For a Day Experience includes a 1½ hour culinary lesson followed by dinner in the Bistro with a total duration of approximately 3½ hours.

Does Weather Impact Cooking Classes and Lessons

The New York Culinary Classes take place in all weather conditions.

What to Wear for Cooking Classes and Lessons

Dress comfortably, flat rubber-soled shoes, long pants or a long skirt and a long sleeve top are recommended for this culinary adventure. Please do not wear open-toed shoes or nylons.

What To Know Before You Go

This experience takes place at Abigail's Kitchen (formerly Camaje Bistro) in Greenwich Village."Quirky" yet "très charmant", this Village bistro delivers "inventive" Franco-American cookery from "superwoman" chef-owner Abigail Hitchcock. - ZAGAT 2007

The price includes a three course dinner, a bottle of wine and all taxes and gratuities.

The menu options each for course are as follows:

Appetizers:
Mediterranean Seafood Soup with Saffron
Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Napoleon
Seared Sea Scallops in a White Wine and Shallot Sauce with Mixed Greens
Duck Liver Pate served with Toast Point, Dijon, Corni

Main Dishes:
Pan-Roasted Hanger Steak with Crispy Shallots and Mashed Potatoes au Jus
Sautéed Wild Salmon with a Lemon-Dill Sauce and Market Vegetables
Grilled Tuna in a Tomato-Olive Broth with Baby Bok Choy
Roasted Portabella Mushrooms

Desserts:
Caramelized Banana and Roasted Chocolate Crepes
Chocolate Souffle
Creme Brulee
Molten Chocolate Cake

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: 05BL10900A

Inquire about this Experience

Reservation And Cancelation Policy

All changes to reservations for the Chef For A Day Experience require fourteen (14) days advance notice.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

Chef for a Day Cooking Experience 0

This week, Abigail from New York based ‘Camaje Bistro’, tells us all about the her ‘Chef for A Day’ experiences. Camaje Bistro serves beautiful French-American cuisine, but a meal out is not the only thing on the menu here! You can step into the restaurant kitchen and experience life as a professional chef, preparing a 3 course meal for your guests. Have a read to find out more about these exciting culinary experiences.

Please could you tell us a little bit about the history of Camaje Bistro and how your Chef for a Day experiences began?

Years ago I worked for Williams Sonoma doing live cookery demonstrations. People loved watching, but wanted to try hands on cooking classes too. At that time, I owned Camaje Bistro and was thinking about opening a separate cookery school so I could offer classes. I decided to test it out in the restaurant, and it all started from there!

Everyone loved cooking in the restaurant environment, so I launched private classes from our base at Camaje – we call it the ‘One Night Stand’. People have a chance to come into the restaurant and cook for one or two guests. They are working alongside professional chefs, carrying out normal service for the night, so it’s a really authentic experience.

Cooking Chef For a Day New York 1

What encouraged your passion for cooking?

My father loves to cook. As I was growing up we would often cook together – we still do today! My parents divorced when I was younger and on the days I spent with my Dad, I remember going out shopping for food with the question “what shall we have to eat tonight?” in mind. We would pick out the ingredients, then go home and cook dinner with the fresh food we had bought. This is where my love for good food originally came from.

Chef for a Day Cooking Experience 9

As a young adult, I went to the University of Bristol in England and began studying for a Botany degree. I lived in a self-catered flat and had to cook for myself for the very first time. I soon found that I absolutely loved cooking good food and thinking about what I was going to eat for each meal. My Botany degree included lots of boring lab work, and one day I realized I’d had enough of science! So, instead of going on to study science at Masters level, I decided to change my career plans and go to cookery school! This was 21 years ago and I still love cooking today.

What would you say is the best thing about the experiences you offer?

It’s a truly hands on experience. Our customers have to prep all of their own ingredients and learn to make everything from scratch. It’s just really authentic. I think being in a real restaurant kitchen environment is the best thing about the experience.

Cooking Chef for a Day New York 2

What makes your experiences different to other culinary experiences?

It’s different in that you are learning to cook in a real working restaurant kitchen, so it’s a very unique set-up. There are a few other places that offer this kind of thing – where you can see inside the kitchen, but they are more like a demonstration. Other cookery experiences that take place in cooking schools use beautiful state of the art equipment, whereas here it’s an actual working kitchen, so you can see what its really like! You really get to learn a lot of technique with us whilst having fun.

Thanks for talking with us Abigail! These cooking experiences sound fantastic!

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Chef For A Day New York Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 5 stars out of 5
A wonderful evening

Our experience was nothing short of extraordinary! Abby proved to be an exceptional host, radiating warmth and professionalism. She was thoroughly prepared upon our arrival and spent the evening skillfully guiding us through the cooking process while sharing stories from her culinary and restaurant journey.

The event was both entertaining and educational, packed with fun moments and valuable takeaways. Abby elevated our understanding of food and hospitality, offering countless insights into cooking techniques and the art of entertaining.

I couldn’t recommend this experience more highly! It was the perfect birthday gift for my husband, a true food and entertaining enthusiast. He was absolutely thrilled, making it an unforgettable evening with friends. Simply perfect!
Diana - Abigail's Kitchen
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Fantastic Experience at Camaje Bistro with Abby

My wife purchased this cooking class with Abby for my 50th birthday and it was truly fantastic. Abby is perfect: personable, interesting and phenomenally knowledgeable about food and cooking. We had a wonderful time, and in less than a week, in my own kitchen, I applied my newly learned skills to create something I never would have thought of if not for my experience with Abby. Thank you to my wife, to Abby and the Xperience team who was transparent and immediate with all correspondence.
Brian - Camaje Bistro Greenwich Village
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Camaje is the best!

This was my second time participating in the Chef for a Day in NYC experience and I couldn't recommend it more! Abigail is so knowledgeable and creative in her craft. The restaurant is incredibly accommodating, food is top notch, location is excellent! An amazing experience!
Dave Lukas - Pennsylvania
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great Date Night!

Great night all around. Met some awesome people, learned how to make some fantastic recipes and tasted some wine that may become my new favorite!
Lisa - Hampton NH
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Wonderful Time

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We expect to be back for classes as well. Highly recommend.
Todd Berman - New York, NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef For A Day

I had the utmost experience of a lifetime. I met with the chef/owner abigal hitchock and she gracefully brought me into her kitchen like it was mine. She was so knowledgable and willing to explain and took her time with me allowed me to experience 'hands on' cooking. My guests were overwhelmed with the meal I prepared and we enjoyed every single course at a leisurely pace. I loved every minute of it and highly recommend visiting camaje and if you get the opportunity to participate as 'chef for a day' this is the place and Abby was great!!!
Carol Bruno - Robbinsville, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef For A Day

This was a gift for my husband for Father's Day from our kids -and I joined him!! Our second time doing this at this restaurant it was phenomenal!!!!! A+++....Abbey and her staff were superb!!! Would definitely do it again not only for the cooking lesson, but the food was outrageous!!! Thank you!!
Jill Rakotci - Camaje Bistro, NYC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Amazing Experience

Abby was totally relaxed and easily welcomed me into her kitchen. She shared some cooking tricks with me while introducing me to new (delicious) recipes. It was fun to cook each course, relax a bit and enjoy then go back in the kitchen for the next course. I recommend doing it with a group of people dining so the person not cooking has someone to hang out with while you are in the kitchen cooking! :) so much fun!
Christina Birkmann - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Review Chef for a Day in NYC

Wonderful experience!! I felt like I was in my friend's kitchen. Chef Abby gave me her full attention even with a restaurant full of patrons. I especially enjoyed learning the chemistry of foods and simple techniques to make preparing food easier and certainly tastier. Being in the mist of the active and well managed bistro's kitchen was a treat in itself. The cook and servers were all helpful and welcoming. I have already prepared the meal Chef Abby and I made together twice and it was just as good, so I know I learned something and it was great fun. I would recommed this experience to anyone who has an interest in and love for cooking and in getting a glance of what it is like to be a chef.
Mary McKenna - Camaje Bistro, NYC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day, NYC

This was excellent. Chef Johnny was superb, directive but not commanding. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself, that notwithstanding it was the hottest day of the year in NYC. The kitchen is small (and unairconditioned) and this is good because I think I might have been intimidated in a larger, commercial-style kitchen. I'm good in the kitchen, and comfortable with a lot of things we were doing. But Johnny tells you lots of short cuts and add-ons and ways to take your dishes to another level. I got there about 5, which was a little earlier than the appointment. I was treated very well from the start. And I much appreciated that it was only Johnny and me in the kitchen, at least for the first 45 minutes or so. That put me at great ease. So, I think it was worth the money. And I intend to go back to Camaje just as a regular customer...when it's not so hot!
Lee - New Jersey
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day

Great experience - Great Staff. The entire team welcomed me as if I was working there for years. I highly recommend this experience to all who love to cook. I learned more than I can remember in 1 day. My brain is still spinning. Thanks!
Robert - NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Excellent Experience at Camaje

Thank you, Camaje, for such a wonderful time. Everyone made me feel so welcome and I learned so much. I'd definitely recommend this experience to anyone.
Janice Golenbock - Stamford, CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!

The Chef for a Day experience was wonderful. The Chef (Johnny) lets you prepare the entire meal from start to finish and gives you a lot of tips along the way. Everyone was very friendly and the food was great. My family really enjoyed it. It was a great experience to be able to cook a meal in a real restaurant kitchen. I can't say enough about this experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Jim - NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day

My girlfriend and I did the chef for a day with another couple and had a great time. The staff was extremely nice and attentive. The food was great. I would absolutely recommend this experience to others. Thank you Camaje for great night!
Len Selenski - Pennsylvania
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day

Great experience. The staff was friendly and made you feel at ease. I learned some new techniques that sharpen my cooking skills at home. The meal was great and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys cooking.
Rocco - Mandaglio
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Cooking Class

My husband, Richard, and I had a wonderful time. It was our first experience with taking a cooking class and we enjoyed it very much. Not only was the Chef very friendly but very helpful as well.
Stella Peralta - New York City
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef For A day

Fantastic day, The Chef was great, very nice and helpful allowed us to do all the work with little intervention (just small demo's and watching our technique and would help when needed). Not only was the food great but he also passed on helpful little tips to use around the kitchen everyday at home, also answered any and all questions about cooking in general that I had. Thanks!!!
Todd - West New York, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day

Everything was perfect. Learned new skills, enjoyed the dinner (food was fresh). Kitchen was in good condition. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Chef was great! Would definitely recommend the experience and the restaurant.
Vince & Denise Riverso - Cameje Bistro, NYC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a Day in NYC

Overall a very enjoyable experience. The chef worked with me to produce a tailored menu that I was excited about, and being in a restaurant kitchen during a service was pretty cool. My family and friends enjoyed the meal and the chef I worked with (Johnny) was fantastic. Anyone who is really into food would love this.
Adam - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for the Evening

My husband and I had a lot of fun with this experience. Johnny was really nice, informative, helpful, and patient. We chose the menu options that we thought would be the most difficult, but to our surprise and delight, the dishes were relatively easy and fun to prepare - we were even given the recipes so that we could impress our friends at our next dinner party. Highly recommend this experience.
Irene Lane - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Cooking at Camaje Bistro

What a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed working with the Chef of Camaje Bistro - Johnny. He was patient, diligent, and carefully explained all the things we were doing and the best way to handle it while doing it at home in my kitchen. I enjoyed the little tips - i.e. washing your hands with a spoon to get the garlic smell out of your fingertips, how to dice an onion, etc.
Vikas Bhambri - Plainview, NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for A Day + Four

Highly recommended! Well worth the price. The food was incredible and the restaurant staff was so accommodating. We were all ready to go back and do it again! Just a fabulous way to spend a late afternoon.
Hillari Ramsay - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Good Stuff

It was a very enjoyable evening. The chef was friendly and helpful, the food was great and the sertting was nice.
Eric Pitt - Camaje
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chefs and Dinner for 2

It was a fun evening but not what I expected. The kitchen was very small. Smaller than mine at home actually. I learned some things and the chef was very nice it's just that for $400 I was expecting more. We brought a change of clothes but did not feel it was necessary as it was such a tiny restaurant. I usually judge experiences by if I would recommend them and if I would repeat them and I would do neither. I was not unhappy, just somewhat disappointed. I would not have been disappointed for $200
Cheryl - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
chef experience

We had a great time! Everyone was very welcoming and, taught us a few new skills and made us feel at home.
Jennie Rosenzweig - Camaje Restaurant
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for a day

We did this at the Camaje Bistro in Greenwich Village, New York City. Had a wonderful time. Learned some new skills, how to prepare certain foods and had an enjoyable time with the staff.
Eric Jackson - Leesport, PA
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Cooking Lesson

To be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect. A cooking lesson from a NYC chef! What an opportunity and a bit intimidating all in one. So, I went in to the evening with high hopes of a fun and educational experience and that’s exactly what I got. Chef Johnny was a true professional and his personality was perfect for the task at hand. He was extremely patient and very accommodating. He took us through the step by step process of preparing and cooking our entire meal starting with the crème brulee first so it could chill while we were working on the rest of our meal. Next, Johnny taught us the tricks of the trade of how to finely chop shallots for our seared sea scallops appetizer. We then proceeded to preparing the tomato-olive broth for our grilled tuna entrée as well as sliced up and seasoned our vegetables for grilling. Once all of the prep work was done, we moved to the stove where we really got a taste of how difficult a job it is to be a chef. Needless to say, it was hot standing over the stove in front of a 550 degree oven. We learned about why it best to use dry scallops as opposed to “wet” scallops (I guess) and how to grill tuna so you get those grill marks for that perfect presentation. It’s a real eye opener when you’re standing there cooking your meal to watch what’s going on around you. Flames shooting up from the frying pans, the oven door opening and closing and each time that blast of 550 degree heat hitting you in the face pots, pans and dishes flying all around you while people are scurrying about preparing meals for the other restaurant patrons.
Bottom line, the food was excellent, the restaurant staff was very friendly and very accommodating and the experience was one that shouldn’t be missed. If you asked me what else I learned besides some very good kitchen tips, my answer would be that I love to cook but I don’t think I’ll be giving up my day job to be a chef!
Frank Tartaglia - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chef for A Day + Four

Highly recommended! Well worth the price. The food was incredible and the restaurant staff was so accommodating. We were all ready to go back and do it again! Just a fabulous way to spend a late afternoon.
Hillari Ramsay - Camaje Bistro
Verified Xperience Days Participant
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Questions about Chef For A Day New York

Question: I would like to buy this for my girlfriend for her birthday. I was wondering if we can do the cooking part together. Or it is just one person cooking and then the guest joins for dinner? Can you please clarify?

Answer: The Chef For A Day Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for one participant and one additional dinner guest. You can add extra chef participants or dinner guests for an additional cost. You would be able to join your girlfriend in the kitchen by adding the additional chef option. You are also able to add additional dinner guests to enjoy the meal you created with the additional dinner guest option.
Question: I am interested in Chef for a day in NY city for my son who is thinking of becoming a Chef. Is it possible to have a teenage boy,17, be the chef?

Answer: That is not a problem at all. Chef Abby would be happy to work with him on this experience. Due to the popularity of this experience, we recommend that you request dates a minimum of two to three months in advance if you are planning to enjoy this experience on a Saturday evening.
Question: I'd like to purchase this gift for my parents as a retirement gift, and I would like them to be able to cook together. If I choose additional guests, will they both be able to prepare dinner?

Answer: No, the additional guests are invited to enjoy the meal and do not help in the preparation. If you'd like for them to be co-chefs you may choose the additional chef option.
Question: I'm going to book your Chef for a Day experience with some friends. I'd like to include a menu with the invitations. Can we choose the menu ahead of time?

Answer: Absolutely! You will choose your three course menu when you make your reservation.
Question: I'd like to purchase this gift for my wife because she loves cooking shows, but she doesn't really ever cook anything fancy. Will she be able to handle this class, and does she need to bring anything with her?

Answer: The Chef for a Day in New York City caters to all abilities. Not only will you prepare an incredible meal, but you'll learn the skills and techniques to make you a better cook no matter how much experience you have. The preparation takes place in a fully equipped kitchen, so you'll have access to equipment that most people don't have in their homes. They will have everything you need to create your dinner.
Question: I am interested in purchasing this for my friend as a 50th birthday gift but I need to know if this is a set menu standard for the Bistro. My friend is allergic to seafood (for consumption only) and a bit of a picky eater, more of a meat and potato type. I would love for her to experience this because she does love to cook, but I also want her to be able to eat what she cooked. Please advise about the menu options for cooking and how they are decided so I can finalize my decision.

Answer: The menu options for the Chef for a Day in New York City Experience are as follows: Appetizers: Mediterranean Seafood Soup with Saffron Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Napoleon Seared Sea Scallops in a White Wine and Shallot Sauce with Mixed Greens Duck Liver Pate served with Toast Point, Dijon, Corni Main Dishes: Pan-Roasted Hanger Steak with Crispy Shallots and Mashed Potatoes au Jus Sautéed Wild Salmon with a Lemon-Dill Sauce and Market Vegetables Grilled Tuna in a Tomato-Olive Broth with Baby Bok Choy Roasted Portabella Mushrooms Desserts: Caramelized Banana and Roasted Chocolate Crepes Chocolate Souffle Creme Brulee Molten Chocolate Cake
Question: What is the 'Chef For A Day' cooking class?

Answer: The 'Chef For A Day' cooking class is a hands-on culinary experience in New York City where you can learn to cook like a professional chef. You'll be guided by expert chefs and get to prepare a delicious meal from scratch.
Question: Who is this experience suitable for?

Answer: This experience is perfect for anyone who loves food, enjoys cooking, or is looking to learn new culinary skills. It's also a great gift for friends, family, or colleagues who appreciate unique experiences.
Question: How long is the cooking class?

Answer: The duration of the cooking class typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the specific class you choose.
Question: What will I learn in the class?

Answer: In the class, you will learn various cooking techniques, knife skills, and how to prepare a full meal, complete with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The specific menu may vary depending on the class.
Question: Do I need any prior cooking experience?

Answer: No prior cooking experience is necessary! The class is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced cooks.
Question: What should I bring to the class?

Answer: You should bring an eagerness to learn and enjoy cooking! All cooking tools, ingredients, and materials will be provided by the class.
Question: Can I book a private class for a special occasion?

Answer: Absolutely! Private classes can be arranged for unique occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or team-building events. It's best to contact the provider for specific arrangements.
Question: Is this cooking class available year-round?

Answer: Yes, the 'Chef For A Day' cooking class is available throughout the year, but it's recommended to check for availability on specific dates.
Question: How can I purchase this experience as a gift?

Answer: You can easily purchase this experience as a gift online through the Xperience Days website. You can also choose to send a digital gift certificate.
Question: What is the cancellation policy?

Answer: The cancellation policy varies by provider, so it's important to check the specific terms at the time of booking. Generally, it's advisable to provide notice at least 48 hours in advance for cancellations.

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