Eating at a Stranger's House Is Suddenly Very Popular

Should restaurant owners start to worry? There’s a dining revolution going on, where apps and websites find you a seat inside the homes of chefs and home cooks. Our DC Dining reporter Laura Hayes is here to help you navigate the options.  

Feastly

What it is: An online platform (started in DC!) connecting eaters with rising chefs creating real food experiences and new friendships.

What sets it apart: The focus on creating a community; often “eaters” become “hosts.”

Who’s cooking: A mix of home cooks and budding chefs looking to test recipes and build experience. All hosts are vetted by Feastly.

Where can I find it: DC, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and beyond

Sample Meal: Soviet Food—Spring Edition with Lilya D. in DC on May 6 ($25) featuring Ukrainian salad, buckwheat kasha, farmer cheese crostini, and more.

How Do I Use It: Online only (with a mobile friendly site) at www.eatfeastly.com.

CookApp

What it is: An app that lets you book group meals hosted by chefs in their home, many of which double as cooking classes.

What sets it apart: The opportunity to earn rewards and the occasional “singles only” meals.

Who’s cooking: A mix of professional chefs and amateur home cooks. Reviews are available.

Where can I find it: New York, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Mendoza. DC, and many other cities, have “coming soon” status.

Sample meal: Italian Cooking Class: Gnocchi Making and Central Italian Cuisine with Jeremy and Simona in San Francisco on May 9 ($85) featuring stuffed eggplant, mixed bruschetta, gnocchi and tiramisu.

How do I use it: Online at www.cookapp.com or on their mobile app.

EatWith

What it is: A carefully curated dinner party in a chef's home or a unique space like a boutique clothing store or hidden factory.

What sets it apart: Only 4% to 5% of applicants who apply to cook a dinner are accepted. That's because some hosts reach the calibur of Michelin Star chefs.

Who’s cooking: A mix of professionally trained chefs and extremely talented home cooks who are all carefully vetted (think interviews and home visits).

Where can I find it: Worldwide! EatWith is in 160 cities in 32 countries. In the US, New York and San Francisco are big markets and DC is just getting started.

Sample meal: Innovative Chinese Dim Sum Brunch with Tea Pairing in New York ($55) featuring coconut shrimp ceviche, handmade tofu and steamed dumplings.

How do I use it: Online (with a mobile friendly site) at www.eatwith.com.