Review of Joan Nathan cooking class Joan Nathan herself was wonderful. However, the microphones were not properly adjusted for her voice to carry to the back where I was sitting - and I have excellent hearing. I made at least 2 requests for the mikes to be fixed better and nothing was done. Furthermore, the camera operator kept forgetting to focus on the FOOD preparation. I needed to use the screen to watch because of where I was sitting and I often couldn't really see what I needed to. I have taken several cooking courses at SS and this was the most disappointing on a technical and preparation level. Usually, the helpers have everything out - or know where it is - and are tuned in immediately to what the guest chef needs. This was lacking in the Joan Nathan course. These are expensive classes and, even if I am the only one with this kind of review, you should take pains to keep us coming back.

The class was pretty good The class was pretty good, I would have liked a little more hands on practice during the initial demonstration to help retain the instructions, but in general a good class, great facilities!

Gift basket ordering I have been a long-time customer of Southern Season (since they were in Eastgate) but we moved away from NC 5 years ago due to a job relocation. I like to give Southern Season baskets for special occasions and in the past they had a great selection. For this most recent purchase the basket I wanted to send was out of stock, but I ordered it anyway since there was no rush to have it sent immediately. Customer service called and notified me that the item was out of stock and could not state when it would be available again. Therefore, I replaced the gift basket with another one at a similar price. I also had trouble with the website with my initial purchase, since NO e-mail confirmation was sent. Only after talking to Customer Service, did I receive an e-mail. I also am a Premier card holder and my discount and free shipping was not applied to this order. Overall, the gift basket selection online is limited and using the Premier card online does not work. For the future, I will stick with just purchasing items at the store when I am back in Chapel Hill (once a year). I love Southern Season, but since online purchasing is less satisfactory it makes sense to do only in-store purchases.

The online ordering system is hopelessly designed and not functional. Your online ordering system is hopelessly designed and not functional. For the 5th year in a row, I tried to spend about $4,000 sending gifts to 20+ people in my address book. I managed to send to 4 and was ejected from your system (not the first time). Upon reentering, I found the orders in "suspense" and was not sure that the transaction was completed for 2 weeks. I gave up and turned to Harry & David

Out of stock. Not very helpful. Both items I ordered were out of stock and I was notified after placing my order. Customer Service was not very helpful. It was a birthday present so I had to rush and find an alternative gift with other company.