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.

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

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.

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

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.