By Tomoko
Do you like to cook and entertain people? You may not have been to a culinary school, but everybody tells you that you are an awesome chef and you know it. You like to eat as well and you like people. If so, you might be able to make some extra money by hosting a dinner party.
There is an Israeli company called EatWith, which has spread throughout Europe, and recently landed in New York City and LA a few months ago. The idea is fascinating to me because I am always curious what other people eat at home.
If you want to host a dinner, go to www.eatwith.com, select your city, post your menu, and indicate cost per guest. Those who want to dine would also go to the site, look at the chef’s menu, date, location, cost, and reviews written by other guests who have attended previous meal gatherings. If you choose to attend, you pay via Paypal in advance for the meal, so the chef knows exactly how many people are attending, the funds will be released to the chef after the planned meal gathering, and Eatwith takes a percentage.
I noticed that many savvy tourists have started using Eatwith when they travel overseas. Yes, you can always go to a local restaurant, but the great thing is you can dine with the locals at their home. Wouldn’t you be more interested in eating a wonderful meal at someone’s aunt’s home, who just knows how to cook, than... let’s say… to eat at an overpriced steakhouse in a tourist trap restaurant?
For example, for the price of $40, out of someone’s house in Brooklyn, a Puerto Rican style meal was presented:
“…nice warm toasted garlic bread is served as soon as you sit at the table, followed by an arugula, nuts, and fruit salad. For an appetizer, we will serve "piononos" sweet plantain filled with cheese or meat. The main course will consist of a whole chicken with butter and herbs and a side of rice and beans. Dessert will be a traditional "tres leches" cake. More drink if requested! “
This chef got 7 reviews from those who attended and got 5 stars for the food and overall experience.
And here is another one. A Japanese lady offers a Japanese inspired meal for $46 per person. She got 5 stars on 14 reviews.
“- vegetable mille feuille
- two more appetizers
- homemade silken tofu with edamame sauce
-tomato salad: tofu, hijiki seaweed, corn, shiso, chive, and arugula from the roof top
-buckwheat noodle with sesame sauce: shiso, mushroom, peas.
OR
-Grilled rice ball in dashi soup (fish broth)
OR
-barley risotto with ponzu: mushroom, chive,
-Dessert: TBA
If you got a mom, aunt or sister (or male relative) who can cook, and a great apartment to entertain several people comfortably, this may be a great way to earn extra money and also meet new people.
It is true that food brings people together, and you will encounter people that your path would not normally cross in your daily life.
And just for your information, I was not paid by them to write this….but I did propose them to expand their business to Tokyo..…
