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.

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.

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

Fantastic Culinary Classes The staff at Southern Season's Cooking School do a phenomenal job presenting their own cooking classes, both demo and hands-on, as well as bringing in talented and personable guest chefs. The most recent I attended was Chef Keith Rhodes from Catch Restaurant in Wilmington and have already re-created 2 of the recipes at home. Highly recommend Southern Season and their cooking classes for everyone who delights in good food! The portions are great and I often take some home. Delicious wine pairings help round out the evening of culinary entertainment.

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.