Mary has been cooking and has been teaching cooking for more than 20 years. This is a place where you'll understand what food is, what are basic, necessary elements to a dish, what elements go together, where to buy the groceries from, what liquor, wine, beer, alcohol or non-alcoholic drink would pair the best with the dish. She has an extensive knowledge about food, wine, restaurants, ingredients and holistically culinary art. She can cook different cuisines from French classic to Italian pasta, which will make you wonder why you shouldn't pay more than $15 for a pasta at a restaurant. The sea food classes are from fresh lobsters, clams, etc., from the east coast. She has the seafood ingredients flown in during the right time of the year, that's the reason you'll get limited seafood classes. I highly recommend at least one seafood class. The bourbon class has been a hit since last few years (approx. 7) and you'll understand what can you do with a simple Jim beam. The Indian cuisine is made with the exact Indian ingredients you will get in India, and spoiler alert, she will tell you the exact place you can buy turmeric and black pepper for $2 and not $20. What's the difference between a store bought mayonnaise vs homemade mayonnaise, real vanilla vs the imitation vanilla, when are where you should pay for food and why, and when are where you shouldn't waste your money on expensive food and why. The Mexican town tour is a must attend. Mary and her team will take you to Mexican town and have you taste the authentic Mexican cuisine, suggest places you should buy your fresh ingredients. Obviously Taste A Cook's Place is a success because of the entire team. Sammy has been an excellent cook, Baker, server and a helper in the kitchen. She has been vegetarian for last 5-6 years, but knows how to cook a chicken breast and steak. All this comes from Mary and her training. Mary Christopher has been an excellent Baker and her preciseness towards perfection is an example of how a baker should be. Jen is an excellent helper and will be focused on her test, and will work faster and concentrate on quality. And if you have gotten this far reading the review, you might wonder how do i know these things, and why i appreciate this place so much; it's because Mary and her team has made this business into a family, and experience and you can't beat what you get here. You will hear a lotta stories alongside cooking instructions and you will walk out with an intention to open your own restaurant. You pay a reasonable dollar amount (approx $70-$90, depending on the menu) and you get (5-6 dishes) a salad, an appetizer, a soup, two main dishes, a dessert, etc. You are allowed to bring your own wine and you get to take home the recipe with all the hidden secrets, so next time you invite your friends over, you can serve then the best pierogies (polish dumpling) they have ever eaten. 5/5 star. read more

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I realize that this place is called "Taste," however, be ready to engage all five senses when you attend any of Mary's cooking classes. I have been attending cooking classes with Mary for several years now, and have developed quite a huge stack of recipes from those classes! After my first class (which was a Julia Child-themed class I believe), I was HOOKED... The smell of wonderful things cooking right before your eyes (like interactive LIVE Food Network!) and the relaxed, laid back atmosphere are some of my favorite things about Taste. Of course, my absolute favorite is how wonderfully delicious the food is, and that I usually have to ask for to-go containers because they give you very generous portions of the food that is prepared in each class. The recipes and tips that Mary gives while cooking each dish are priceless, and you can ask her anything during class to help you when you are in your own kitchen at home. The staff is very friendly and eager to accommodate any needs that you might have. Mary is also very knowledgeable about where to purchase and how to purchase various ingredients, like where to buy the best fish and what it's supposed to look like and smell like, or where to go to get the best phyllo dough, and the best (and fastest) way to drain spinach, etc., etc., etc... If you are looking for a pretentious, overpriced, meager-portioned food encounter, go spend your hard-earned money elsewhere. But for a much better value, and the most outstanding food, and the best cooking experience, look no further than Taste: A Cook's Place in Northville, and at www.tasteacooksplace.net/cooking_classes for the latest schedule. read more

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I have been to many of Mary's cooking classes and I would give her 5 Stars for Cooking Skills - Food Quality - and Killer simple & interesting recipes. The "classes" are a fun demonstration & very educational. You get plenty to eat unlike some other cook and snack classes. Go next door to Simply Wine - they have wine to pair with Mary's classes. Seating is 4 to a table so make it a double date. The atmosphere is incredible too - she cooks on a $10,000 French oven in the middle of a tricked out kitchen showroom. Very cool if you are looking for something different! If you are looking for hands on classes you might want to check out Sur la table for 79 bucks at 12 oaks - but downtown Northville & Mary for $20+ less seems like it just right to me! read more

This is an odd/tough review. My husband and I have taken cooking classes before and they have been amazing, very hands on, doing the recipes ourselves with the chef's assistance. THIS IS NOT A COOKING CLASS - this is a demonstration. You do nothing, you sit there and watch the instructor cook as she explains what she's doing. When I made the reservation I was under the impression we would be cooking ourselves... We were highly disappointed when we just sat there for hours. On the positive side, the food was delicious, absolutely scrumptious... Please be warned that this is not a cooking class, rather an informational demonstration. read more

I took 2 demonstration classes last weekend. Mary, her sous chef Jen and assistant (and daughter) Sammy prepared about 5-6 delicious recipes for us to enjoy each night. We brought in a bottle of wine and enjoyed a glass while learning all about food prep from Mary -- where to buy the best ingredients and how to prepare them. We left with recipes in-hand and to-go boxes containing our next day's lunch (aka yummy leftovers). Taste is now located in The Village Workshop on E. Cady St. We got to sit at the counter, sipping our wine (or water/pop) and watch Mary cooking up a storm. Will definitely be going back. read more

My wife enjoys cooking...As a birthday gift I took my wife to "Taste A Cooks Place" as a night out. The session is quite unique as it is a combination of learning and a "dinner night" out. The participants have an opportunity to see how the meal is prepared, ask questions and enjoy a fantastic dinner that you can duplicate on your own with the supplied recipe and preparation instructions. One aspect that we really enjoyed, you are allowed to bring your own bottle of wine (or two ;) We would suggest stopping next door @ Simply Wine for wine recommendations for the upcoming dinner. After attending, both my wife and I would suggest this for anyone wanting to start learning more about cooking, or just a nice dinner night out. This particular course is not hands on however Mary does also offer "hands on course(s)" if there is an interest. Mary and her assistants Jen and Sammy did a great job, the food was excellent! My wife and I will definitely do this again. We may even go on one of the food tours we had heard about. Even if you are not interested in learning to cook, we would recommend this as it is like having a private chef prepare and cook directly for you, (ok... and a few other tables ;) and no large alcohol bill should you like to have a few beverages. During the night I even though of a few suggestions... since some folks would like a "hands on" approach I think it would add to the fun and overall experience for Mary to have one lucky and willing guest to actually participate during the demonstration. This could help in the education value with minimal impact to the overall pace. Thank you Mary, Jen and Sammy for a great evening,,, Kim and Ed Suer I'll be stopping by around 8:30 for that dessert ! read more