The woman who was teaching the class just seemed to be having a bad day and taking it out on the group. The "class" was much more of a demonstration than a class, most of the items were already pre prepped and ready. For instance the pate a choux we were "making" already had everything in a pot measured out. There was only a job for a single person to participate, one person stood at the pot and waited for it to boil and then she added in the flour while it was stirred. My friends and I were a group of 7 and there were an additional 8 people and it was pretty cramped in the space. I was also put off by the cleanliness. Clearly this kitchen doesn't have a decent exhaust system the fan is drooping and caked with filth. The vents were also caked with filth. And the two tables where you walk in we're piled with what looked like months of mail, empty boxes, and just overwhelming clutter. It is not the clean kitchen environment I'd expect of a place having classes. The marble island is not sealed which would leave it porous which concerns me on their ability or even concern with sanitizing it. We were making paella and when one in our group mentioned that she won't eat shrimp the chef seemed annoyed and asked if she could just pick them out. The only thing we all participated in was cutting tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Everything else was preprepped, measured, or someone swooped in and tossed it in a pan while one person was stirring. I'm sure other things would allow for more group involvement but a one pan dish did not. Sorry to say I don't think I'll be returning. Fortunately my friends and I can make a good time out of anything so we did have fun spending time together. read more

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My friend got me a gift certificate for us to take a class together just before the pandemic. It was marked to expire at the end of 2020 so I stopped in the shop to see about an extension. I was told that gift certificates never expire and I needn't worry, but I insisted that be marked on the certificate itself, so she begrudgingly changed it to March 31, 2021 (a 3 month extension). During that 3 month time the shop location in Haddonfield closed, so in April I called the proprietor, Kathy, for an update and class location information. First, I got evasive answers about her relocating the shop somewhere she wouldn't say, and then when I mentioned the now-expired gift cert, she condescendingly snipped 'I told you before they never expire!'. When I countered that if that were true then why did she date it for March, she became melodramatic and accused me of yelling at her (funny, she was 'yelling' at me) and curtly told me that she would just give me a refund (as if I don't deserve to take her class for questioning her - lol). I readily agreed. Based on the other Yelp reviews that I've now read, I'm so glad that we did not give this miserable and clearly troubled woman our money and patronage. I received a check from her and went straight to her bank and cashed it out. Done. We will go enjoy some red wine and cooking at Sur La Table. What a pathetic excuse of a businesswoman. read more

Despite all the bad reviews below, My finance and I had a fantastic time! For starters-- I was coming from Philadelphia and was stuck in the worst traffic. Knowing the class was to promptly start at 6:30 and to show up early, I gave Chef Kathy a call to let her know I was doing the best I can and would end up a little late. She was so understandable and very nice over the phone. Didn't miss a thing! For the class, we did the Gnocchi workshop. There was 8 of us total and I thought that was the perfect size for everyone to get some hands-on experience throughout the evening. Participation is shared throughout the night, but when it's time for making the actual gnocchi, everyone had their own dough to craft. Chef Kathy and her side piece Chef Barbie were great demonstrators and kept the night light-hearted and fun. This was my first class and I cannot attest to how the other classes go, but I would highly recommend this workshop for starters! The sauces learned were so easy and SO DELICIOUS! I am surprised how easy everything was and I honestly feel like a gnocchi champion. Can't wait to cook these recipes at home! read more

Taught by the formally trained, Chef Kathy Gold the classes are for all ages, skill-levels and host an arrangement of various styles. Each class is generally $69.00 and by joining the mailing list notification is around once every 2-3 months. Private events are available but if you're unable to make it to a class she can be seen on rare occasions at the Collingswood Farmers Market. I've been taking classes for a number of years with Chef Kathy and I'll admit I didn't want to review In the Kitchen because I didn't want to share Chef Kathy! ha. My first class was cooking lamb and at the time I didn't even know the proper way to hold a knife. In fact, I never even tried lamb. I was really in for an eye-opener. She had me jump right into some hands-on work and without embarrassing me explained certain skills so that I could still participate and learn. Needless to say, the next class I took was knife skills. Kathy was very patient with students and we all came out with some wonderful basic tips. Since then I've certainly evolved...thank god. The classes I've taken after that range from a cupcake class to a 'Homage to Julia Childs' meal. While I admit the classes are not cheap, you will learn a bit. Classes start on time with about 10 or less students, recipes are given out, students learn by lecture and by hands-on and after the meal is cooked the class sits down for the dinner (you can byo if you'd like). I recommend calling her with any questions. Bon Appetite' read more

So to begin, this was a gift for my fiancé. We were really excited to take a cooking class for the sheet enjoyment of a cooking class. Made the reservation, excited to make a date night of it. We entered with our six pack and bottle of red, which were taken from us to wait until the meal, because they don't allow drinking and cutting. The class had already begun (630 start, we were there at 620). The head "chef" Kathy curtly asked if we had reservations. Typically, when running a class you keep a sheet of who's attending, apparently not so with "chef" Kathy. We sat down and joined the other 16 people, yes that totalled 18 people. The cooking demonstration taught virtually nothing and most of the time "chef" Kathy was just being condescending. We made demi glase steaks, roasted potatoes, and cocoa pots. When everyone was asked how they like their steak, most replied medium, with some preferring well done. As we were cooking the steaks in a pan, someone asked about the size. "Chef" replied that the pan should be big enough to accommodate without too much space left over, and food should not be touching... as she is literally shoving the steaks side by side touching each other. The steaks were served rare to medium rare, because apparently "chef" doesn't believe in food thermometers. Many people said they were trying to find more well cooked pieces while Kathy just looked away. As with every other review, we were given the same lecture about the red wine. Hey Kathy, you spent a fortune on the marble, they make sealers for it. Seal it so you don't have a melt down. Or better yet, don't book the class to 18 and we can all sit down together at the table with no worries. read more

I had a team building event here about a year ago. I was looking for a place this year that is a central location for my team. I took a second look at this place, thinking maybe it was a bad day for the chef, but in reading all of the reviews....speaks for itself. It also made me write one for other people. I am looking at one in downtown Philadelphia. Parking is available in the back lot with meters (so bring change). The town is really cute. In the Kitchen is very small and really not big enough for our party of 16. We were tightly squeezed in. We brought wine, but told we could not drink until after we cooked (she should have mentioned that when I made the reservation). She broke us up into groups and gave us our ingredients. The ingredients were fresh and the challenge was very well done. We were tripping over one another and trying to get to the oven, etc. The Chef was very condescending throughout the process. She was reprimanding people. My team works hard and have very stressful days. I wanted this to be a fun enjoyable experience, but it was not. We, of course, made the most of it, laughed, drank (at the end), ate, and really enjoyed our own company!!! Sad, but this could be great. Just don't know if the Chef can change that personality. read more

My work group decided to do a "team building" event here for the holidays. So this review is completely based on our group experience and the thoughts of our group during the evening. The good: The location in Collingswood is very easy to get to and there is plenty of parking in the back in the 2 lots and on side streets. A couple of us in the group were Gluten Free (and dairy) and they took extra steps to ensure that there was no "contamination". They went and got a GF baguette as well which was really good. The assistant chefs and the young guy cleaning up were really nice who whole night as well. They did have some great tips about peeling garlic and cooking chicken. The food once you get to eat is really delicious and there is enough for seconds. So if you like cooking and taking the time to do it, then you will probably like this. The bad: As this was a holiday party we all wanted to drink, we brought a whole bunch of wine, that we weren't able to drink and so at least half of our group was really irritated that we couldn't. The reason we weren't able to drink it (I think) is because part of this "experience" is to have to do the prep work for most of the food that you are going to be eating (3 hours later, so don't go hungry) you are cutting and prepping with your tables group (and yes, all of the stuff you hated doing as a kid like peeling potatoes, that is what I am talking about). We also got reprimanded a few times through the night for various things like scrapping our knife wrong, or tapping it to get the food off, and for God's sake don't take red wine because her counter is marble and if you set your red wine class down on it....watch out. The head chef was nice mostly, but somehow it felt like she was getting irritated at us because we didn't know what we were doing, and half of us didn't want to cook but would have rather been sipping a glass of wine and socializing with each other (remember this was a holiday teambuilding event). I believe that there is an option to either just watch them cook or participate, but it was an all group or nothing, so we got stuck participating because some other people wanted to actually do the prepping. It would have been nice to be able to just let those of our group who really wanted to cook to cook and those of us who wanted to hang out and socialize to hang out and socialize, but I guess that would defeat the purpose of going to a cooking school. All and all, it is a nice location, but I wouldn't suggest it for a team event. Go as an individual if you really like cooking and you will probably love it. read more

I bought this as a gift for my grown children. I wish I had read the reviews before purchasing. From what they told me, the chef could really use some people skills. It was supposed to be a fun night out, but she made it a bummer! read more

My boyfriend and I attending this class together. The food was absolutely amazing and it was a very nice night out for the two of us. Something different and since my boyfriend enjoys cooking he was very excited. The class offered some nice tips and also the recipes to the food that we made which I liked. Also the young guy helping chef Kathy was very nice and helpful. However, the class was not as hands on as we were hoping it would be. Except for a few things like measuring and folding the chefs did most of the work for us while we watched. Wine was not aloud to be brought out until we were eating and if you bring red wine keep it away from the marble counters of you can expect we be lectures on it! Another thing that left a very sour taste in my mouth was the fact that chef Kathy doesn't do the best job at explaining what she wants you to do so when you ask a question or do something wrong she make you feel very uncomfortable about it in front of everyone saying things like "did you not read the recipe" or "of course it doesn't go in there, really?!?". On top of this chef Kathy never explained that the food was also for her to eat as well so when the salad was mostly gone she started yelling at everyone saying "I only said it five times to leave some to us too!" Which she never did say that I or my boyfriend heard. I felt very uncomfortable for a good portion of the night due to these comments that wee made at us. However the other people in the class helped make the environment warmer! After dinner we were quickly rushed out by Chef Kathy. I don't think I would attend another class with Chef Kathy however I would be interested to try another class somewhere else. read more

I would not recommend this class for kids. My girls were nervous about the class and instead of being greeted with a welcoming hello, the teacher said, 'Did you just call? We usually start the class on time." Basically implying we were late when we were actually 2 minutes early. (I checked my phone and said, 'it's 10:28' because the class was scheduled to start at 10:30). When I returned for pick up, I had my 6 year old son with me. My daughter asked if there were extra eclairs for him to have. (We could visible see extra eclairs sitting there). Her response to this was, 'No, that's why I told you to save a bit.' Then when we were driving home we asked the kids if they had fun. They said yea, but the teacher wasn't the nicest. We asked why would you say that and they told us that at one point one of the other kids measured wrong and her response was 'it's not that hard!' read more

Agree with all the other reviewers who said there's something about Chef that seems condescending and irritable. Attended with my family and there was another we didn't know. The menu was very simplistic, but still interesting and all the food came out nicely. There was no place to sit so we all just stood around and ate things as they were ready (not really a meal), and the sparkling juice we brought to drink was never opened. Overall, would not return- mostly because of the slightly snarky comments the chef made on occasion which although we laughed about it, did somewhat ruined our enjoyment of the class. read more

Had a great time.This gift for me was one of the best. This review is over a year ago for my bday So much fun cant wait to go back again. read more

Granddaughter received class as a gift. Upon entering we introduced ourselves and received no greeting or introduction. We were told to return 10 minutes before class was to end at least 3 times. No people or hostess skills in this " chef". Granddaughter loves to cook but has no desire to spend time with cold rude teachers! Bathroom was dirty. My granddaughter asked after class, "why did she dislike me so much! ? I was trying really hard! " . Never will return! I only leave a star because there is nothing lower. read more

I took a multi-session course. After one class I was tempted not to return but did since I had paid for the whole course. Chef Kathy was very condescending, which is not a sign of a good instructor. Yes, you may have graduated from a prestigious culinary school, but you do not need to carry teaching methods that may be designed ferret out the faint of heart among professional aspirants into classes meant for amateurs. You do not need to impress us, you need to impart skills in a patient and encouraging manner. I did learn some skills, but only because I persisted in asking questions despite her condescending manner. read more

Chef Gold really makes your night! She explains a little history about the food and then you get cooking. It is serious enough that you are learning, but fun enough that my cheeks hurt from laughing. We had the best time! read more

My husband bought a cooking class for our anniversary. The menu was ok but it is really for someone with absolutely no cooking skills. We were taught how to chop garlic and onions...The instructor did most of the preparing and I must add she was very rude. When it was time to eat she announced that we prepared the food for 6 people and it was us and another couple. We were unaware that we cooked for the instructor and her dishwasher to eat. I think paying 70 dollars per person we should of been told that. We will not be back and have decided to celebrate our next anniversary at a nice restaurant. read more

I have been here twice and for 2 different purposes. About 6 months ago I brought my Team here for a Team Building Chopped Competition and we had a BLAST!!!! We did most of the cooking this time.Both Chef Gold and Chef Amy were awesome. Tonight my husband and I attended Date Night. Food was incredible, recipes user friendly, and atmosphere was great. I knew what to expect walking in the door so it was it wasn't a huge surprise to me that we wouldn't be doing most of the cooking. Even though we were 8 strangers we worked well as a group and took turns trying techniques and cooking. Personally I was happy to work together to get it done and that the chefs helped us as much as they saw fit or we sought. If you don't ask questions beforehand you wouldn't know what to expect and may not be happy with outcome. I learned a lot of great techniques as well. Overall I love this place. FYI Don't expect to be drinking while you are prepping or cooking (knives and stoves+alcohol=no bueno) read more

I had used this group for a team building event and was very satisfied. Kathy was very responsive. Then I tried to book Kathy for a party of 4. Instead of just telling me that she doesn't do parties of 4 she strung me a long and didn't respond to my calls or e-mails. As a result 2 week before the event I had to scramble and find an alternative. Fortunately I was able to book Let's Cultivate Food and have an in house session instead. read more

10 of us booked a private party to celebrate my Mom's 60th. The 10 of us do a lot of activities (paint nights, string art, pottery painting, cake decorating, etc.). We are pretty well-versed in the whole drinking wine while doing some activity as a group. This was a bit more structured/serious than the activities we usually do, but still really fun. I learned how to make a few different things and I feel like I could absolutely replicate what we did at home. We took turns with the hands on portions of the class, but I still felt really involved in the process. I think it helped that we all knew each other (rather than taking turns with people we don't know). Chef Kathy and Chef Jess were knowledgable. I saw some bad reviews on here and I was a little bit nervous that maybe we wouldn't be pleased. I think it comes down to - Chefs are generally perfectionists and a little intense - if that is a problem you probably shouldn't sign up for a cooking class. We were discouraged to start drinking until after we were finished cooking, just FYI if that matters to you. read more