A dg class is a fun, information packed event, that really helps people make changes. Sophie has been presenting classes around NZ for well over 15 years. 

Here are a  just a few comments from attendees at dg classes.  

I've really enjoyed the dg cooking demonstrations I've been to and always look forward to tasting the recipes. Sometimes during the class I've thought maybe I wouldn't make that recipe but after tasting it I've definitely changed my mind!

🙂 My fussy daughter came with me, and she tried things at your demo that she probably wouldn't have tried at home. 

I've been to two of your classes and love the fact we got to taste what you made. I still make the recipes that I got to taste. Please come back to a Nelson again!

What happens in a destitute gourmet (dg) event - class/demonstration?

A dg class comprises several components including teaching, cooking and tasting. During a demonstration Sophie explains practical and effective ways to shop, cook, eat AND save money at the supermarket. Using her personal experience, anecdotes and loads of tips, tricks and techniques she'll show how to make family food more interesting, healthy and cost effective.
Sophie will demonstrate 4-5 recipes and provide tastings for attendees, so your group can actually sample the dishes being demonstrated.
She provides all her own tools and ingredients as well as recipe booklets containing the recipes used in that class, for each attendee to take away.

How many people can attend?

As host you can structure your event at various levels. A typical class has 100 attendees and 4-6 volunteers/helpers. The minimum number of attendees for a booking is 50, less than 50 is still charged at the 50 person rate. Class sizes scale up in increments of 25 people so consider your venue and the number of tickets you think you can sell, final numbers must be confirmed the week of your event for catering purposes.

How long is a dg demonstration?

A demonstration takes approximately 21⁄2 hours. We start at 7pm sharp and finish around 9.30-10pm so people can chat before they leave. Sophie will arrive 1-2 hours before the start of the class to set up, do pre- class food preparation with the kitchen helpers.

What kind of kitchen & venue is needed?

Churches, community centres, clubs and halls often have kitchens that adjoin an auditorium via a large servery. This type of set-up works very well as Sophie will work on in the kitchen side of the servery.
A trestle in front of the kitchen or on a stage is not suitable as Sophie needs ready access to running water, stove, oven etc. A trestle is also significantly lower than bench height, so very awkward for cooking on. Visibility is the key, attendees need to see onto the bench. You can add a live video feed projected on to a wall to improve visibility if desired.
A domestic oven is OK but must have three shelves and be a standard size, many newer ovens are very small, For 
groups of 100+ two domestic sized ovens or one commercial oven is ideal.

What do I need to supply?

  • Two helpers in the kitchen from when Sophie arrives until the end of the demonstration – preferably adults, No cooking skills are required, just a willingness to assist with prep and do lots of dishes.
  • Four volunteers are to serve samples and to help clean up after the presentation.
  • 10-15 well used, not precious tea towels.
  • 1 side plate and 1 fork and a napkin for each attendee - disposables are fine.
  • Drinks
  • A volunteer to man the dg book table if people wish to purchase books.
  • A hands free microphone preferably a lapel mic if available, otherwise a headset.
Can we sell raffle tickets? Yes, raffles, goodie bags, spot prizes , glasses of wine and so on are fine. If you are approaching sponsors for donations of merchandise for ‘goodie bags’ please do not use Destitute Gourmet or Sophie’s name when you approach them, mke the request in your organisation’s name. Many host groups sell raffle tickets with great success at events, so if you are fundraising you may wish to include this in your planning.

What should we charge for a ticket? We recommend host groups price the event tickets between $30 and $45- if you are including a complimentary glass of wine and snacks you can probably charge more. At this level a group selling 100 $30 tickets will generate $3000, which, depending on other costs, could yield a profit of $1,500.

How much will it cost to host a dg event? 0-50 people $1000.00 + travel if req   51-100 people $1500.00 + travel if req. For groups, over 100 people please contact us to discuss menu, pricing etc.

What if we are outside of Auckland? Travel and accommodation costs vary depending on where you are. “Drive to” classes, where Sophie can return home after the event must be within a two-hour radius of Auckland and will incur an additional "time and travel" cost of $170. Outside this radius overnight motel accommodation is required, we charge a flat rate of $150 for accomodation and book this ourselves. Sophie also does "Fly to" classes, but these will incur the additional cost of airfares, accomodation and transport. Many groups wanting to host an out of Auckland event seek sponsorship from local businesses to help cover the additional costs so this might be an option to consider. All costs are inclusive of GST and subject to change. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure and confirm your booking. Balance is payable on invoice by direct credit before event. Direct credit details; account # 12-3035-0681188-00 For event enquiries or to make a booking please email the dg office admin@destitutegourmet.com Please include your name, the name of your group (if applicable), town/city and a contact phone number.

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