Sur La Table

We went to a Tour of France cooking class with Chef Steve. The class was ok and for those who don’t cook at all I am sure they learn a little something. However I found the class just ok and really didn’t «learn» anything. Our instructor was nice but not very energetic or informative. He seem frustrated with the lack of preparations (everything should have been set out and measured and it wasn’t). I had to ask how to prepare mussels for cooking (de-​bearding … all the mussels were cleaned and set to cook when we got them — it would have been a good idea to learn how to get them ready). Grilling the steaks seemed like a fail for everyone and all the steaks had to be finished in an oven (I wish we could have learned how to check for the different types of doneness). Sur La Table Cooking Classes motto is «Learn, Eat, Laugh» ~ we learned very little but cooked everything, we ate and I don’t remember anyone (16 total) laughing.

Don’t let the French name of this store sway you from entering because you assume it’s too pricey for your budget. Reality: It’s not, if you shop their sale items, and mid summer is a great time to do it.
I don’t shop at malls very often back in DC because parking is always a bear, or it’s not free. Anyways, I usually browse, but today I bought! I had to restrain myself. I have a very small kitchen after all. They had pretty summer melamine plates and bowls at 50% off. Perfect for patio entertaining. I also bought quality decorative dishtowels that were marked down AND buy one/​get one free! They were less then $ 2.00 each and make a great hostess gift wrapped around a bottle of wine.
This location has a separate entrance to their cooking class area, which you can also access through the store. I am going to have to check out their schedule for the next time I am in town.
Bonus points for having the friendliest and most helpful sales staff on the south side of Somerset Collection.

I fell in-​love with this place! They have EVERYTHING! Classes, Cookware (Anything related you will need for cooking), Good Customer Service and few things I’ve missed in between, get my drift?
If you like to cook, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!
Period.

I came in to buy a coffee/​expresso maker. WOW. AMAZING SERVICE!
Not only did she spend an hour with my husband and I but we got to try the coffee and watch actual demonstrations!
She wouldn’t let us buy that day! WHAT?! Exactly how I felt too. she made us go home and do homework on the equipment.
Another great thing to know, they accept the Bed Bath and Beyond 20% off coupons.

One of my favorite stores. Similar to Williams and Sanoma but cheaper. Service and selection are very good.