Fish Cooking School The class was filled with folks learning about cooking some very special recipes from the NC coast. The teacher was a long time chef with stories and special tips on making his recipes. He has owned his restaurant for a long time. Everyone seemed to have a very good time as we ate the really delicious food. I highly recommend Southern Season cooking classes.

Southern Season has gone completely downhill. Used to love Southern Season. Unfortunately they have gone completely downhill since bankruptcy. They no longer honor their gift cards and the one class that I have attended since the acquisition was a total disappointment. Advanced gingerbread house decorating was like a young child's holiday themed party. I can believe I paid $50 for it. First, the woman teaching it was not knowledgeable of the subject. She made frosting so runny, it was a challenge to get candy to even stick to the house. They also didn't have enough candy and suggested we go buy more from the store ourselves. For the price of the class, enough candy should have been provided. Not sure I will ever sign up for another class at SS.

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.

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.

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.