Before the Dinner you will
be emailed specific information, but this may help answer
some questions
in advance.
Where is the Dinner? Just East
of Bahama, NC, Elodie Farms is about 1/2 hour drive North
of downtown Durham.
Click here for a map. Parking is
available in the
field
on your left as you drive up to the Farmhouse.
I have allergies - can
you accommodate me? All Chefs at Dinners
are very understanding about allergies and will do their
best to substitute when possible, or warn you away when
not. You can notify by email after your order to
indicate any issues. However, please be aware that
the Dinners are limited in size, served at one seating
from a small kitchen, and serve a set menu to all, so
there is no guarantee that any specific allergy or request
can be satisfied. Diners who, like the Reservation
Goat, have severe or life-threatening allergies and/or
concerns about cross-contamination or trace ingredients
should use their own judgement in deciding whether the
Chef can meet all requirements in this setting.
Is wine included with the
cost of the event? ABC regulations
prohibit our serving of alcohol, but you are welcome to
bring your own and we do provide wine glasses, ice water,
and iced tea.
Is a gratuity included in
the price? Many of the wait staff at any
given event are there as volunteers supporting the
farmers, chefs and patrons who value the idea of locally
produced fine food. If you wish to show your
appreciation for the fine service provided a gratuity can
be left on your table.
What time will the Farm open?
The
Farm
typically
opens at 6:30p for service at 7:15p, or 45 minutes earlier
for Sunday events, but check the email you receive a few
days before the dinner in case there are any updates to
this.
Will there be a Farm
Tour? When weather and time permit, Dave
Artigues (owner, cheese magician, master of ceremonies,
etc.) gives a brief walking tour just before 7p. If
you miss it, you may be able to
arrange a
visit in the future.
I placed my order, am I
guaranteed seats? Since there is a limited
amount of space for the Dinner, some orders above the
maximum may be received before the order form is
closed. Therefore,
until
you receive a "Shipment notice" email from Google
checkout which says "Availability confirmed - your card
will be charged" you should not assume that your order
can be filled. If your order can not be
filled your card will not be charged.
Will I / When will I
receive my "ticket"? Your Google checkout
order "Shipment notice" email will serve as your proof of
reserved seats - please print the portion showing your
order number and quantity of seats and bring it with you.
I think I ordered
seats but I'm not 100% sure - can I just show up and
figure it out then? No,
absolutely not.
There is not a single extra seat at filled Dinners on the
Porch. So, if you do not have a "Shipment confirmed" order
from Google checkout you do NOT have a seat. To
check your order status at any time go to
checkout.Google.com
and look at "Purchase History" - you must have a
confirmed, charged order from Elodie for the Dinners if
you are to dine. If you have any doubts at all
please contact us prior to the Dinner.
We are meeting friends -
will be seated together? To have separate
reservations placed at a group table just email specifying
the last names on the orders.
What if I placed my order
but realized I can't attend? If your order
has not been processed, you can cancel it via Google
checkout. If you have received a "Shipment notice"
saying your card will be charged then please see the
Cancellation Policy.
You are also welcome to allow someone else to use your
seats by simply forwarding them the shipment confirmation
email you received.
Will we be eating
outside? Depending on the weather, tables
may be set inside the farmhouse or outside on the porch
and under tents in the front lawn of the farmhouse.
Cool-weather months (usually March, November and December)
are served inside.
Is smoking allowed since
this is a Farm and not a restaurant? While
the goats and chickens don't seem to mind anyone smoking
near them, other guests will appreciate that any smoking
is done at a respectful distance (and downwind) from the
Porch and any dining areas even when outdoors or after the
meal has concluded.
What is appropriate
attire? From special occasion to casual,
choose attire that will help you relax and enjoy the magic
of the evening. Whatever you wear remember to wear
appropriate shoes for the grass lawn and if you want to
walk around to see the goats, donkey, horse, chickens and
dairy. And keep in mind that Elodie is "out in the
country" so it does tend to be a bit cooler at night, and
cool off more quickly, than in the Big City.
Will the menu be
available in advance? Some proposed
menus are emailed before the meal, other times Chefs keep
a secret until plate time.
Why can't I make a
reservation by phone or in person?
Overwhelming response, especially after being featured on
NC Public Television's "North Carolina Weekend", led to
some 2006 and 2007 Dinners being booked 4 months in
advance. This led to a large volume of phone calls
being answered just to say "Sorry, we're full" and took
too much time away from cheesemaking. In 2008,
online-only purchasing was put in place to save time for
everyone involved.
What if I have other
questions? Your order confirmation from
Google checkout provides a method to send feedback - we'll
do our best to reply to any questions.