Southern Seasons test of time Growing up in Durham in the 80's, I made my Saturday ritual trip to Southern Season to shop for coffees and other wonderful treats. I have lived out of state for the past 20 years and I still shop on-line. Items I order are accurate and here in just a couple of days. Southern Season has grown and improved every year. I still stop by to shop and browse the wonderful store when I visit Chapel Hill. A great store with great memories.

DOn't try to do too much Although chef was very well informed, he attempted to do too much. Often had to move among recipes and he was clearly under pressure. Don't know if latter made him impolite to volunteers (only the women) but it seemed unnecessary and not humorous

Made a southern girl smile. Got this as a present for a southern girl who relocated for love. She misses home, so the first chance we got, we sent her the Heritage basket. She loved it and took pictures of what it looked like. Honestly, was a lot bigger than I expected and was very professionally done (hate it when I order baskets and such and nothing looks like what I ordered). Would highly recommend and will definitely be ordering again.

Not enough hands on coming opportunity My 9 year old daughter attended a cooking class this past weekend. The facilities were lovely, and the teachers warm and kind. My daughter was, however, frustrated by the lack of actual cooking she got to do. Would have enjoyed more individual work, rather than making a class dish, which was mostly cooked by the teachers and then divided for all to try.

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.