FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many people will one dish serve?
2. This is a lot of food! Will it all fit in my freezer?
3. Do I have to freeze the meals?
4. I have a small household. Will The Full Plate work for me?
5. I really like this idea, but I don't have the time to get there this month? What can I do?
6. What is included in a dish?
7. I'm not a great cook. Can I do this?
8. My family really likes some of the meals on this month's menu and can't agree on the rest. What should we do?
9. Can I adjust the recipes?
10. I'm a vegetarian. Is The Full Plate for me?
11. How long will the meals keep in my freezer?
12. What if I forget to thaw my food before dinner?
13. How do I cancel?
14. How do I register?
15. Do you have anything to eat or drink during the session?
16. Can I bring a friend to the event to help me?
17. Can I bring my child with me to my session?
18. Are you are member of the BizXchange Barter Network?

Q. How many people will one dish serve?
A. Each dish typically serves 4-6 people, depending on their appetites. All dishes can be split into smaller portions to serve fewer people.

Q. This is a lot of food! Will it all fit in my freezer?
A. Sure. Meals are packaged in disposable pans and freezer bags that are stackable and will fit into a portion of a standard freezer. Prior to your session, we suggest reserving at least 24" high x 11" wide x 11" deep of freezer space for 12 meals or about 16" high x 11" wide x 11" deep for 8 meals.

Q. Do I have to freeze the meals?
A. No. You can store your meals in your refrigerator, if you prefer. Or, cook them as soon as you get home, if you just can't wait! The refrigerator and freezer freshness dates are included on each label.

Q. I have a small household. Will The Full Plate work for me?
A. Yup. Each meal can be split into 2 containers, each serving 2-3 people, or 3 containers, each serving 1-2 people. Or, bring a friend, and split the meals. For instance, choose the 12-dish option, and each of you can make 6 meals. We also offer 4-meal packages during 1-hour Try Me Sessions, that are specially-marked on the reservations calendar.

Q. I really like this idea, but I don't have the time to get there this month? What can I do?

A. We'd be happy to assemble your meals for you. All you have to do is schedule a time to pick them up at our store. The fee for this service is $20-$45, depending on the number of meals ordered.

Q. What is included in a dish?

A. Some menu items offer the entrée only, such as Citrus-Glazed Chicken. Other menu items include a separate main dish and side dish. For instance, the Turkey Meatloaf comes with Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes. Still other menu items offer a complete meal in one dish, such as the Southwestern Lasagna. Refer to the menu page on this web site for more specifics.

Q. I'm not a great cook. Can I do this?
A. Yes! We make cooking easier by developing great-tasting dishes with just the right ingredients. Each recipe station contains simple-to-follow directions and ingredients that are chopped and ready to go. Our kitchen staff is happy to help you and answer any of your questions.

Q. My family really likes some of the meals on this month's menu and can't agree on the rest. What should we do?
A. Feel free to order more than one of any of your favorite meals so long as your order totals at least four meals.

Q. Can I adjust the recipes?
A. ABSOLUTELY. Your spouse prefers his food spicy, feel free to add more jalapenos. Your 4-year son doesn't like green specks in his food, just leave out the cilantro. Our skilled staff can also help you adapt the recipes to suit your tastes.

Q. I'm a vegetarian. Is The Full Plate for me?
A. It sure is. Each month we offer a number of meatless dishes. In addition, we offer guidelines on several of our recipes so they may be adapted to satisfy a vegetarian diet. Refer to the monthly menu for dishes that are listed as "Vegetarian" or "Can be made vegetarian."

Q. How long will the meals keep in my freezer?
A. On the label that comes with each meal, we list how long that meal will last in the freezer. For optimal taste and texture, most meals should be frozen no more than three months.

Q. What if I forget to thaw my food before dinner?
A. Not a problem! Many of our meals can go directly from freezer to cooking, and many can be defrosted in the microwave. Each dish comes with at-home preparation instructions.

Q. How do I cancel?
A. Because we order your food prior to your session, we ask that you notify us at least three days prior to your scheduled session in order to receive a full credit towards a future session, if rescheduled within four weeks. Or, with as little as 24-hours notice, assembly session reservations may be converted to pick-up reservations for an additional charge. This policy allows The Full Plate to continue to offer you great-tasting meals at a good value.

Q. How do I register?
A. Register online: Sign In/Sign Up; call your local store; or, register in person at your local store.

Q. Do you have anything to eat or drink during the session?
A. Bottled water and light snacks are provided as part of your session fee. Feel free to bring your own snacks or beverages including wine. We offer utensils, napkins, wine glasses and a bottle opener.

Q. Can I bring a friend to the event to help me?
A. Yes, you are welcome to bring one guest to help you prepare your dishes, provided there is space in your session. Just send an email to customercare@thefullplate.com with the name of your requested guest at least one day in advance. Available guest spots will be awarded based on the timing of the request. We require that guests outside of your household register as a customer with The Full Plate without placing an order. This insures that the guest has agreed to our safety guidelines before participating in a session.

Q. Can I bring my child with me to my session?
A. For your safety and the safety of the little ones, we ask that no one under the age of 8 years old attend an in-store session at The Full Plate. Each child must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Just send an email to customercare@thefullplate.com at least one day in advance to confirm whether there is space for one guest during your desired session. During specially-marked Parent & Kid Sessions, up to two children may attend with one adult.

Q. Are you are member of the BizXchange Barter Network?
A. Yes. To make a purchase using BizX, email customercare@thefullplate.com or call 510-482-1977 (Montclair) or 925-939-3855 (Walnut Creek) to place an order. Please provide your BizX account number. Alternatively, contact your BizX representative for a gift certificate. Gift certificates may be redeemed online any time when placing an order.

Have a question we have not answered here? Email us at: customercare@thefullplate.com.