Kitchen & Bar Maestro
The experience
A Kitchen & Bar Maestro is a dynamic culinary and mixology expert who brings creativity, precision, and flair to both the kitchen and the bar. With a passion for flavor and presentation, they masterfully craft delicious dishes and signature cocktails, offering guests a seamless and unforgettable food-and-drink experience.
From cooking up mouthwatering meals to shaking up the perfect cocktails, the Kitchen & Bar Maestro blends the art of cuisine
What you offer
4 hours of help per day
Cooking:
Choose the menu, pick ingredients and cook delicious dishes.
Kitchen Hand:
Help prepare, finish and serve meals.
Bartending:
Make and serve drinks and help maintain the beverages inventory.
Additional fee required
Amount:
US$ 250
Per day
Fee pays for:
Materials for volunteer activities and Donation to project
Description:
The $250 volunteer fee covers accommodation ($80), partial meals ($50), project materials ($45), local transport ($30), orientation and guide support ($25), and direct community contributions ($20). This fee ensures your stay is safe and impactful while supporting Ruiru Sportiffβs feeding programs, charity work, animal care, painting, and cultural exchange in Nairobiβs slums.
What you get
3 days off per week
Shared Dorm:
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Team Dorm:
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.
Dinner:
You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Discounts on Parties:
Get discounts at nearby parties and clubs.
Discounts on Drinks:
Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.
Discounts on Tours:
Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.
Free Parties:
Get free entrance for the best parties in town.
Pick Up:
We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Language lessons:
Take free language classes at our place.
Holistic Therapies:
You can take part in any of our therapeutic activities for free.
Permaculture Course:
Take part in our Permaculture course for free.
Use our equipped kitchen:
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate:
Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Fast Internet Access:
High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Between 18 and 63 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
Step into the world of culinary creativity and mixology mastery with our Kitchen & Bar Maestro Experienceβa unique, hands-on program designed for food and beverage enthusiasts who want to sharpen their skills while immersing themselves in vibrant local culture.
This program combines the art of cooking with the science of bartending, offering participants the chance to learn professional kitchen techniques, craft signature cocktails, and explore food and drink pairings. Whether you're a beginner or a budding chef, you'll gain real-world experience in a supportive, fun, and culturally rich environment.
What Youβll Learn:
Culinary fundamentals & global recipes
Knife skills, plating, and presentation
Bartending basics & mixology secrets
Beverage and food pairing techniques
Hospitality and customer service tips
Local food traditions & market tours
Program Highlights:
Hands-on sessions with experienced chefs and bartenders
Live kitchen and bar practice
Cultural outings and local food exploration
Opportunities to serve at real community or charity events
Certification of participation (optional)
Ideal For:
Travelers, volunteers, aspiring chefs, hospitality students, and anyone passionate about food and drink.
Join us for an unforgettable journey of taste, technique, and tradition. Whether you're flipping a pan or shaking a cocktail, the Kitchen & Bar Maestro program will ignite your passion and build your skills for life.
Activities & Shift
π οΈ Key Program Activities
π¨βπ³ Culinary Activities:
Knife skills and safety
Traditional Kenyan cooking
International recipes & fusion dishes
Plating & presentation workshops
Community cooking (feeding programs)
Market visits & ingredient sourcing
πΉ Bartending & Mixology Activities:
Bar setup and hygiene
Cocktail crafting basics
Local drink mixing (e.g., Dawa, Kenyan cocktails)
Mocktail creation for kids/teensβ events
Drink & food pairing techniques
Beverage service simulations
π¬ Community Engagement:
Cooking for outreach or charity events
Hosting food & drink demos for locals or tourists
Cultural exchange dinners
Serving guests in pop-up kitchens
π Shift Flexibility:
Morning Shift: 8:00 AM β 1:00 PM
Afternoon Shift: 2:00 PM β 6:00 PM
Full-Day Shift (optional): 8:00 AM β 6:00 PM (with breaks)
π₯ Group Roles May Include:
Head Chef Assistant β Leads recipe prep and cooking
Bartending Lead β Oversees cocktail-making and setup
Service Coordinator β Manages plating and guest experience
Community Liaison β Engages with guests and volunteers
Rules
π½οΈ Kitchen & Bar Conduct
Always maintain cleanliness and hygiene β Wash hands regularly, wear clean aprons, and follow food safety guidelines.
No alcohol consumption during shifts β Bartending practice is strictly professional. Tasting is supervised and limited to educational purposes.
Respect kitchen and bar equipment β Handle all tools and appliances with care and report any damages immediately.
No eating while preparing food or drinks β Wait until breaks or after service to enjoy meals.
Wear appropriate attire β Closed shoes, clean clothes, and hair tied back (kitchen caps provided).
π§βπ€βπ§ Behavior & Attitude
Be punctual and dependable β Arrive on time for all shifts, briefings, and activities.
Work as a team β Support fellow participants, respect roles, and communicate openly.
Respect the local culture and community β Use polite language, follow local customs, and engage positively with residents and guests.
No discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior β This includes offensive jokes, gestures, or any form of disrespect.
Stay drug-free and sober during the program β Illegal drugs and intoxication are strictly prohibited.
π οΈ Safety & Responsibility
Follow all safety instructions from supervisors β Especially around sharp tools, open flames, and hot surfaces.
Keep your workspace tidy β Clean as you go and always sanitize your station after use.
Report any accidents or injuries immediately β First aid will be provided on-site.
π‘ Accommodation & Free Time
Respect quiet hours in volunteer housing β Typically from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Keep your personal belongings safe β Lock up valuables and respect shared spaces.
Inform the coordinator if leaving the site β For your safe