A Bon Vivant membership is when you purchase a package of "credits"
that you then use to take the classes of your choice. The standard package is 12-classes which
is good for two years from the date of your first class. Also available are 6-class and 20-class
packages.
Our office keeps a record of your credits and the classes you have taken.
When you see a particular class or course that you would like to take you simply register online,
via email or by phone. We then deduct the appropriate number of credits from your total and
send you a confirmation card and directions to class.
As an example, if you have a 12-class membership and enroll in
the International Cuisine Course (9 classes/credits) we deduct 9 credits from your total. This
leaves you with 3 credits to use on other classes of your choice. When you later sign up for
a single-credit class, that credit is deducted from your total, leaving you with 2 credits,
and so on.
Single demonstration classes (those not marked with a Hand symbol) are
generally one credit unless otherwise specified. Hands-On classes are two credits. Series courses
vary according to the number of classes and whether or not the course is hands-on.
Back to Top
We offer one-time single introductory classes to non-members. Students are
welcome to enroll in any Single Class they desire. After this introductory class, we ask that
you invest in a membership to take future classes.
Back to Top
Single demonstration classes are generally 1 credit, except for special
functions and sit-down dinners. Hands-on classes are generally 2 credits. Series courses vary
according to the number of classes in the course and whether or not it is hands-on.
Back to Top
No, we are unable to offer single classes from the Series Course listing.
Back to Top
Twelve and 20-class memberships expire 2 years from the date of
your first class. Therefore, if you purchase a membership now, but do not take a class for
a few months, the clock doesn't start counting down until you take that class. Six-class memberships
expire one year from the date of your first class.
Back to Top
No, you are welcome to enroll in any class you wish at any time.
In fact, we encourage it. You do not have to complete (or even take) Mastering the Basics in
order to take other classes.
Back to Top
As an active member, you are welcome to purchase more credits at any
time. We offer a standard 12-class renewal for the reduced fee of $330.00. Additionally, you
can renew for a package of 6 more classes for $225. We do not offer purchases of individual
credits, except as a one-time introductory for non-members.
You are welcome to bring guests to classes on a space available basis.
You must contact the office and register your guest in advance. You can use either your own
credits or purchase a single class introductory for them.
Back to Top
You are welcome to give your credits away as gifts, donate them to
a charity or use them to bring a guest. Please contact the office to make arrangements.
Back to Top
Simply let us know with as much advance notice as possible. This allows
us to give someone else an opportunity to fill your space. Even if it is at the last minute,
please let us know that you will not be attending.
Back to Top
If we are notified of your intended absence in advance you are eligible
to make up a missed class. Availability of making up missed classes varies. Most series courses,
such as Art of Fine Cuisine, are offered just once per year (Mastering the Basics is offered
4 times per year).
Some single classes are offered again the following quarter. Others may
not be offered again until the following year. Still others may be one-time opportunities, such
as guest chefs. If you prefer, we can send you the recipes instead of making up the class.
With advance notice of absence, you are given an "excused absence" which
entitles you to take the same class at a future date with no extra charge. If the class
is not offered again, or if you prefer, we can send you the recipes instead. Generally, credits
are not transferable between classes.
The only time we are able to return your credit for use on other classes
is if the space is filled by someone from the wait list.
Back to Top
If you simply fail to show up to class without notifying the office
in advance your credit is forfeited. It's very important that you notify us if you plan to be
absent, even if it's at the last minute, because we often have wait lists for classes.
Back to Top
If you are unable to attend a class you are welcome to send someone
in your place. If at all possible, please contact the office in advance to arrange this.
Back to Top
We offer certificates of completion for our Series Courses. However,
we are not accredited. Additionally, we are unable to offer financial aid assistance or housing.
Back to Top
We do not offer chef training or degrees. Our classes are primarily
aimed at the layperson and pre-professional. However, we have had a number of students who have
gone on to work in the food industry or run their own business.
Back to Top
Our classes take place in a variety of select private homes in the
Seattle/Bellevue area. Many are located at our main teaching kitchen in the home of Louise Hasson,
Director of Bon Vivant. When you enroll in a class you will be sent a confirmation card with
detailed directions to the class location. Our web site and newsletter does list the general
area of the city that the class will be in.
Back to Top
We offer both Hands-on and Demonstration classes. Look for the Hand 
symbol
for classes that are Hands-on. All other classes are Demonstration.
Back to Top
We do not offer refunds. However, if you find that our program does
not suit your needs you are welcome to give your credits away as gift certificates, donate them
to charities or transfer your membership to someone else. Please contact the office to make
arrangements.
Back to Top
You may use our
online
registration form, write us an email,
or call us on the phone. Once you have registered for a class you will receive a confirmation
card with detailed directions in the mail. If you do not receive this within 5 or 6 days please
contact the office. When necessary, we will email you the confirmation and directions.
Back to Top
Very often you can register right up to the day of the class. However,
many classes, such as the Mastering the Basics course, do fill well in advance. Please keep
in mind that our office hours are limited (M,T, TH 10am-3pm). To be assured of getting into
the class you want it's best to contact us during those hours.
Back to Top
We are unable to reserve space in a class without payment in full.
If you would like to have your name on the wait list for a class we can gladly arrange that.
Payment would then be required when a space is secured for you. Please keep in mind that many
of our classes fill well in advance. We encourage you to sign up for classes as soon as possible.
Back to Top
Some Series Course schedules list a "flex date" in addition to the
regular class dates. This is a date we have set aside to allow for changes in the instructor's
personal circumstances, illness, weather emergencies, etc. We ask that you hold the flex date
open on your calendar until we are sure it will not be needed to make up a rescheduled class.
Back to Top
We offer a new schedule of classes each quarter. The schedule is posted
on the web site and mailed to members one month prior to the start of the quarter.
Back to Top
