FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is CAE Dining?
CAE Dining is a private dining and in-home chef experience based in Melbourne. Each event is designed around thoughtful menus, seasonal produce and considered cooking, bringing a restaurant-quality dining experience into the comfort of your home.
Our approach draws on Japanese techniques and global influences, with each menu designed to feel personal to the occasion.
How does a private dining experience work?
Once your date, guest numbers and preferred package are confirmed, we take care of the menu planning, ingredient sourcing, preparation, cooking and service.
We arrive at your home before the agreed dining time to set up and prepare, serve your guests throughout the experience, and pack down our working area afterwards.
You can settle in with your guests while we take care of the food.
Where does CAE Dining operate?
CAE Dining is based in Melbourne, Victoria. Get in touch with your event location and we can confirm whether we service your area. Travel fees may apply depending on the location.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Guest numbers depend on the selected package, menu, kitchen facilities and staffing requirements. Let us know how many people you’re hosting when you enquire, and we’ll recommend a suitable experience.
Larger events may require additional staff and a customised quote.
Menus & Dietary Requirements
What kind of food do you serve?
Our menus are influenced by Japanese cooking, with elements of South American and Southeast Asian cuisine. We focus on seasonal ingredients, balanced flavours and thoughtful presentation.
Menus vary throughout the year depending on ingredient availability and the nature of your event.
Can I customise my menu?
Menus can be tailored to suit the occasion and selected package. If you have a particular dish, ingredient or style of dining in mind, let us know when enquiring.
Any changes to a confirmed menu are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Can you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Dietary requirements and allergies must be communicated at least seven days before your event. Requests made after this point may not be accommodated.
Please disclose all allergies and dietary restrictions as early as possible, ideally when making your initial enquiry, so we can assess whether they can be safely catered for.
As private dining often takes place in domestic kitchens, we cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment unless this has been specifically discussed and confirmed in writing.
Do you cater for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free guests?
Please let us know your guests’ dietary requirements when enquiring. We’ll assess what’s possible within the selected menu and service.
Not every requirement can be accommodated with every package, so advance notice is essential.
Pricing & Bookings
How much does a private dining experience cost?
Pricing depends on the menu, number of guests, event requirements and level of service.
Our experiences currently start from $135 per person, with more extensive menus and premium dining experiences priced higher. Minimum spends may apply depending on the booking.
Contact us with your date, guest numbers and preferred experience for a tailored quote.
Is there a minimum spend?
Some bookings have a minimum spend, depending on the package, group size and date. Your minimum spend and all inclusions will be outlined in your quote before you confirm.
How do I secure my booking?
Once you’ve received and accepted your quote, a 30% deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due seven days before the event.
Payment is made via bank transfer using the details provided on your invoice.
Can I change my guest numbers after booking?
Confirmed guest numbers cannot ordinarily be reduced after booking. Requests to increase numbers must be approved in advance and depend on kitchen capacity, menu feasibility, staffing and ingredient availability.
Additional charges apply for approved increases where applicable.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change.
Rescheduling requests are considered case by case and are subject to availability. Cancellation charges depend on the notice provided and the reasonable costs and commitments associated with your booking. Any applicable refund will be assessed under our booking Terms & Conditions and applicable consumer law.
Preparing for Your Event
What do I need to provide?
You’ll need to provide access to a clean, tidy and functional kitchen, adequate refrigerator space, running water, electricity and suitable cooking facilities.
We’ll discuss any specific equipment requirements before your event. Please ensure the kitchen and preparation areas are ready when we arrive.
How long will you be at my home?
Our standard service allocation includes:
Up to two hours for setup and preparation.
Up to two hours for dining and food service.
Up to one hour for pack-down.
Additional time may incur extra charges. We’ll discuss any applicable additional fees where reasonably practicable.
Do I need to provide plates, cutlery and glassware?
Plates, Napkins and Cutlery will be provided.
Glassware is not included.
Do you clean up afterwards?
We pack down our working area and clean up after our preparation and service. The kitchen will be left tidy, with the work areas we have used cleaned as part of the service.
This does not necessarily include general household cleaning, cleaning unrelated to our service or washing every item used by your guests, unless agreed in advance.
Final Details
Can I purchase a CAE Dining experience as a gift?
Get in touch with your preferred budget, occasion and guest numbers, and we can discuss suitable options.
Can you photograph my event for social media?
We love documenting our food and creative work. However, we only share event photographs publicly with the client’s permission.
What happens if you’re unable to attend my event?
In the unlikely event that illness prevents us from providing the service, we’ll offer to reschedule to a mutually agreed date. If rescheduling isn’t suitable or cannot be agreed upon, your deposit will be refunded, subject to the applicable booking terms and legal requirements.
How do I enquire or book?
Send us an enquiry with your event date, location, number of guests and the occasion you’re celebrating. If you have a preferred package, budget or dietary requirements, include those too.
We’ll review your enquiry and get back to you with the next steps.
Still have a question? Get in touch — we’d be happy to help.
