Frequently Asked Questions

Every menu is built from scratch around your preferences, dietary needs, and the occasion. Chef Mike meets with you beforehand to design something you and your guests will love — no cookie-cutter menus here. Choose from Cajun/Creole, Southwest, Italian, Traditional, Texas Influenced, Asian, or a fusion of styles.

Yes. Chef Mike works with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, nut-free, and other allergy-specific requirements. Let us know during the consultation so we can plan accordingly.

We recommend at least 2 weeks for private dinners and 3-4 weeks for larger events. Holiday dates and crawfish season (late February through May) book quickly — reserve those as early as possible. Last-minute requests are accommodated when possible.

For groups of 7 or more, the per-person price (starting at $55) covers menu planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, cooking, plating, serving, and complete kitchen cleanup. You provide the kitchen and tableware.

For private dinners, we use your home's existing tableware. For larger events, we can coordinate rental services for linens, tableware, and serving equipment at additional cost. We can provide recommendations for rental companies in the Austin area.

We serve the greater Austin, TX metro area including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Kyle, Bee Cave, and surrounding Hill Country communities. Travel fees may apply for locations beyond 30 miles from central Austin.

Chef Mike sources live Louisiana crawfish and brings everything — boiling equipment, seasonings, corn, potatoes, sausage, and sides. We set up, cook, and serve. Boils run $575 for up to 50 guests or $1,050 for 51-100. Season is late February through May.

Yes! TABC-certified bartenders and additional service staff are available at $25/hour with a 4-hour minimum per staff member. This is recommended for events with 20+ guests.

Full kitchen cleanup is included with every service. Chef Mike and his team clean all cooking equipment, wipe down counters and surfaces, and leave your kitchen spotless. You won't wash a single dish.

Absolutely. Our hands-on culinary demos and classes are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced home cooks. Popular topics include knife skills, roux making, Cajun/Creole cooking, and plating techniques. Perfect for date nights, team building, and birthday parties.

Cancellations made 7+ days before the event receive a full refund of any deposit. Cancellations within 3-7 days receive a 50% refund. Within 48 hours, deposits are non-refundable as groceries and prep may have already begun. We understand plans change — just communicate early. Rescheduling is always an option when possible.

Booking is easy! Use the "Book Chef Mike" button on any page to submit an inquiry, call us directly at (512) 751-7957, or email info@nolakitchen.com. Chef Mike will follow up personally with a free consultation to discuss your event and create a custom menu proposal.