FAQ

These are some of the questions we’re asked most frequently about Wok+Wine.  If what you’re after is more of a general introduction to the concept, you’ll find more about the Wok+Wine Concept here.

Scroll down for the answers:

1.   Who’s behind the concept?
2.   How did you come with the concept?
3.   Where did it start?
4.   What kind of concept/event is it?
5.   Why do you limit it to 40 people?
6.   What kinds of people can I expect to meet?
7.   Can I come alone? Is it still fun?
8.   How much does it cost?
9.   What do I get for my money?
10. What types of wine do you choose?
11. Why only 1 type of wine?
12. How do I sign up?
13. Is there a vegetarian option?
14. Can I bring my own food?
15. What if I just eat or just drink (not both)?
16. How many friends can I invite?
17. Can I tell my friends about Wok+Wine even if I can’t come?
18. How long does the event last?
19. What is the dress code?
20. What is the agenda?
21. Why pay in advance?
22. What happens if I said I was coming and then can’t make it?
23. Can I suggest a potential location?
24. Can I host a Wok+Wine event at my own location?

1.  Who’s behind the concept?
The Wok+Wine project is currently run by Peter Mandeno (New Zealand) and Lizzie Shupak (London, UK).  Wok+Wine is just one project under the umbrella of the agency we call ‘Marmalade’ that’s dedicated to creating experiences to help people to engage with each other and unleash their imaginations.

2.  How did you come with the concept?
Having lived in several major cities around the world over the past 15 years our experience is that it’s easy to meet a lot of people but meeting interesting people is more difficult.  Typically someone does the segmentation for us when we go to ‘networking’ events but often the most inspiring people are found in the least expected places.  We wanted to do something with good food and good wine that was a break from tradition (not a dinner party or wine tasting) and which provided a platform for inspiring people to engage in conversation.  Wok+Wine was the perfect answer.

3.  Where did it start?
Wok+Wine was ‘born’ in an East Village apartment in Manhattan, New York.  We started with a few friends.  Everyone loved it and started asking us if they could bring their friends.  “Of course!” was the answer but we had to look for bigger venues… and a bigger wok!

4.  What kind of concept/event is it?
That’s the cool part about Wok+Wine, as it means something different to almost everyone who comes.  Wok+Wine has been dubbed “The World’s Most Delicious Social Network” and that pretty much sums it up.  We take what’s happening online offline.  There is no program or hidden agenda.  It’s just about inspiring people engaged in interesting conversation around a communal table.

To some people Wok+Wine is a great way to make new friends.  To others it’s a one night out when you don’t have to cook.  To others it’s a relaxed way to experience new wines.  The one point that we’re unanimous on is that it’s finally a chance to get messy and eat with our hands!

Wok+Wine is about sharing, savouring, meeting, conversing and relaxing with exceptional food and wine binding the experience together.

5.  Why do you limit it to 40 people?
In our experience, by sticking to around 40 guests, everyone gets the chance to meet everyone else (if you want to that is).  It’s big enough to get lost in but small enough that it still feels manageable.

6. What kinds of people can I expect to meet?
Just think of the saying: “any friend of yours is a friend of mine”.  Wok+Wine is proof of this thought. Your friends are a great filter for the new people you meet so your new friends will have a similar outlook on life but will likely be from different backgrounds.  This creates an environment of many like-minded people with very interesting stories.  From artists to architects, entrepreneurs to engineers.  The guests at Wok+Wine are typically outgoing, internationally-oriented, cosmopolitan, connected, open-minded and inspiring.

7.  Can I come alone? Is it still fun?
Are you kidding – of course you can come alone!  However, don’t expect to be alone for long.  We’ve had many solo guests in the past but within a matter of minutes you will have met a bunch of new people.  We will take very good care of you.

8.  How much does it cost?
We only ask for enough to cover the raw ingredients and whatever is left goes into equipment hire, venue costs etc.  We typically ask around $50 in the United States and €40,- in Europe.

9. What do I get for my money?
As well as the chance to meet a bunch of new friends and have a great night out, you will enjoy great wine and be very well fed – with quite possibly the best jumbo shrimps you have ever eaten in your life.

The Wok+Wine team works very hard to source only the very best shrimp and wines from around the world.  We work directly with wholesalers and distributors to make sure you get the most delicious bang for your buck and that they’re from environmentally sustainable farms.
The quantity calculation we use is one pound (half a kilo) of jumbo shrimps and 1 bottle of wine per person.  To be honest, we just made this up at the beginning but it’s worked out really well.

10.  What types of wine do you choose?
We are not wine experts – we just know what we like.  Generally what we enjoy will be enjoyed by our friends.  The key word is quality.  All of the wines we choose are unique in some way and are the best possible wines we can buy whilst still keeping the events affordable for everyone.  Some people say that only white wine should be enjoyed with shrimps but we let our taste-buds do the judging and have paired our world famous shrimps with some great reds, rosés and bubbly.  We choose a different wine for each event but only one type of wine per event.  Check the ‘wines’ tab for an overview of some of the wines we’ve enjoyed.

11. Why only 1 type of wine?
Shifting the conversation from “what are you drinking?” to “would you like a top-up?” has a great effect on the group dynamic.  It’s very easy to approach someone with an empty glass and fill it as you know exactly what they’re drinking.  Also, by not having to decide what you’re drinking with every new glass, you free up your mind for other fun stuff.

12.  How do I sign up?
To sign up for the Wok+Wine updates, use the registration form on the site.  To sign up for an individual event, check the ‘Next Event’ tab on the site and follow the instructions.

We ask for payment up front as we have to buy all of the ingredients in advance.  You can do this through Eventbrite or internet-banking depending on which part of the world we are in.

13.  Is there a vegetarian option?
At Wok+Wine we only serve one type of food – jumbo shrimps cooked the old fashioned Venezuelan way.  They will most likely be the most delicious shrimps you have ever eaten.  Unfortunately we don’t have any other food options besides the giant loaves of artisinal breads.

14.  Can I bring my own food?
Unfortunately no.  Key to the concept of Wok+Wine is the one-food, one-drink idea.  We don’t allow people to bring their own food.

15. What if I just eat or just drink (not both)?
To avoid complexities in the ordering/purchasing process, we don’t make deductions for people who only come to eat or drink.  Don’t worry, even without the eating or drinking part, Wok+Wine is a great experience for all who attend.

16. How many friends can I invite?
As many as you like.  There is always a maximum of 40 guests but as long as there is space available, we encourage our friends to invite their friends.

17.  Can I tell my friends about Wok+Wine even if I can’t come?
Of course! We’d love to meet any friends of yours.  That’s how the whole concept began.  If you know of other interesting/creative people that you think would enjoy the Wok+Wine experience somewhere in the world, please feel free to forward them the invite or send them to the site to register.

18.  How long does the event last?
A typical Wok+Wine event lasts about 3 hours (7-10pm) so it’s a great start to the evening if you have plans later, and it also means you’re home in good time to get a good nights sleep if it’s a ‘school night’.

19.  What is the dress code?
Come as you are.  There is no dress code at Wok+Wine.  Some people may have just come from the office and will be in suits.  Others may have come from chilling at home in jeans and a t-shirt.  There is no dress code but as we’ll be eating with our hands, you may want to leave your best white shirt/top in the wardrobe

20. What is the agenda?
There is never a set agenda for a Wok+Wine event.  If you arrive early we may ask for your help in setting up or chopping parsley.  If you arrive late, don’t worry as we typically serve food for about 2 hours.  After enjoying a first glass of wine we’ll start the cooking.  The first shrimps hit the table after about 1 hour and we’ll give you a good explanation of the best way to eat them – including sucking the head!  After that the pace of your evening will be guided by your hunger and the conversations with your new friends.

21. Why pay in advance?
We pay for everything out of our own pockets so we need your payment to cover our costs.  Also, paying in advance seems to make sure everyone turns up.  Too many spaces have gone empty in the past due to no-shows.

22. What happens if I said I was coming and then can’t make it?
If you’ve told us you are coming, we count on your attendance (and on your payment).  We buy all of the materials and ingredients we need in advance.  If you cancel at the last minute we will expect that you still pay for your share.  We understand that your plans may change so you can cancel up to 7 days prior to the event or of course you’re welcome to send another friend in your place.

23. Can I suggest a potential location?
We would love to hear from anyone that has a potential location for a Wok+Wine event.  We try to use a different location for every event so we’re always on the lookout for new spaces.  The venue should be low- or no-fee as all costs are passed on to guests and we want to keep the events affordable.

All that we really need are toilet facilities, electricity/lights, a long table or other flat surface to eat from and space for 40 people and a 24inch Wok.  We bring the rest with us.  So far we’ve done Wok+Wine events in the basement of a tea-house, at the beach, in a yoga studio, in an office, on a rooftop, in a flower studio, in a half-demolished restaurant.  The more unique, the better!  Please send your ideas to woknwine@gmail.com

24. Can I host a Wok+Wine event at my own location?
Yes! We are always on the lookout for potential hosts.  We are also open to putting on a private event just for you and your friends.  In both cases, we offer 2 free tickets for the host.  Please contact us at woknwine@gmail.com for more info.