Do I need to pay a membership fee to be a part of The Dinner Club?
Absolutely not! There are no membership or commitment requirements at The Dinner Club. If utilizing our website, we do require you to register on our secure website so we can track orders you place with us.

Is The Dinner Club expensive?
We buy high-quality ingredients at wholesale prices and pass the savings to our customers. At a cost of about $3 a serving, the pricing of our meals is less expensive than fast food. We believe you will find our program will not only reduce your overall food expenditures, but it will also provide you with very high quality meals and more time for your family.

How do our meals differ from other prepared foods?
Most of our entrees are more nutritionally balanced than fast-food and processed meals, and taste delicious too. The meals at The Dinner Club are prepared with high quality ingredients, such as restaurant-quality meats, seafood and poultry, which are superior to what you can buy at a grocery store.

The Dinner Club offers whole-wheat options for rice, pasta, and tortillas and we use low-fat dairy products where available. We often use fresh herbs over dried, real flavorings, juices, and fresh produce whenever possible. We do not add preservatives during meal assembly (although some canned ingredients, such as chicken broth and other staples, may already contain some).

How long does it take to make my meals?
It typically takes about 10 minutes at each station; however, if you add a little socializing, laughter, and some munchies, it may take a little longer. Typically you will be done in less than two hours and leave with 12 great entrees.

Can I bring my kids?
We believe having your children help out in the kitchen is a valuable lesson. However, with respect to all of our clients attending our sessions, children must be at least 12 years old, and will need to stay with you at all times. And please, one child per adult. A wonderful option for young children is to attend the Ceramic Art Café located directly below The Dinner Club. This child-friendly atmosphere is a great activity for your child while you are preparing your meals. Please call Sue at (708) 579-3033 for more information.

Can I bring a friend or family member to help me make my meals?
Preparing meals with your friends at The Dinner Club is fun. You can be productive by making meals for your family, while chatting and catching up with friends at the same time. You each need to sign up separately for the same session and can work side by side making your own meals. If you bring someone to keep you company, or you would like to split meals with a friend, please notify our store first. Our kitchen space is limited but we will do our best to accommodate you.

How much freezer space will I need?
Most of our meals are stored in freezer bags to allow for more freezer space and to give you the opportunity to serve these meals in your own dishes. This is a great time to clean out those freezer-burned items and replace them with fresh and healthy meals.

What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring a cooler or laundry basket to transport your meals back to your home. We highly recommend bringing a cooler during the warmer months. You will also need to have your hair restrained to ensure the cleanliness of our facility. We do provide bandanas and hair bands for your convenience. For entrees prepared in a casserole dish as indicated on our menus page, feel free to bring your own dish for serving and presentation purposes. We do supply disposable containers and freezer bags. We also provide aprons but you will want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that could potentially get soiled while working in our kitchen.

What if I need to reschedule?
We definitely understand busy schedules and unforeseen emergencies. However The Dinner Club prides itself in procuring fresh ingredients prior to your arrival. We would appreciate as much notice as possible but do require a minimum 48 hour notice to reschedule. We would be happy to apply credit towards a future session; otherwise, for an additional fee, we can prepare the meals for you to be picked up or delivered. Please call us at (708) 579-3433 or email us to reschedule.

How do I cook these meals at home?
Every meal will be labeled with cooking instructions. Most meals will need to be defrosted in the refrigerator for about two days prior to cooking. You will also receive a freezer list with the month’s recipes and cooking instructions.

Can I re-freeze my meals once they are thawed?
For the taste and safety of your meal, you should not re-freeze your meals unless you have cooked them. Once they are baked or heated, they can be frozen safely if properly packaged and sealed. Meals can be frozen for up to six months prior to cooking.

Can I split my meals into two portions?
Yes. Most of our entrees can be split into two portions that would have about 3 servings each. There are certain meals we do not recommend splitting but we will let you know when you arrive at our facility.