Culinary Communion
Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: (206) 284-8687
User Reviews for Culinary Communion
06/03/2008 Posted by johnaka
I am a pretty accomplished self-taught home cook, with little instruction from parents or grandparents. I have taken quite a few classes here, and overall each time has been educational and enjoyable. Gabriel Claycamp is an enthusiastic food geek, and loves to share his knowledge of which he has lots, both theoretical and empirical. He charismaticly engages on all levels, but never haughty, overbearing, or condescending. Classes are hands on, and can be overwhelming the timid--ask questions, get your hands dirty, and immerse yourself into the experience and education of these exceptional classes. Take the Knife Skills class or the Seasonings class for some eye-opening classes for the self-taught home chef, or the Charcuterie class for the weekend warrior. The menu composition class is a fantastic class for anyone who likes to entertain, and the confit clinic really shows some assembly line techniques that ease the labor into quick work. The Series class are some serious instruction, and great friends will be made. Recipe cards are distributed as soon as you walk in, and most likely you will get through them all, depending on the speed/expertise of the class. It is better to have felt like there was too much then to be bored. Often, the class takes home leftovers--these alone are worth the cost of a fancy lunch and dinner!
Pros: Hands-on beats mirrored countertops any day.
Cons: Students should avoid advanced classes if they don't--can't--cook.
02/09/2008 Posted by benrobin
File this review in the pending category, as I have yet to actually attended one their classes. The three star is for the customer service should your class be canceled. My wife and I were registered for a class on January 8th. The class was scheduled for 6pm that evening, and it was canceled at 4pm that afternoon. It was very short notice and seemed a little unprofessional. They contacted us by phone and email, so they definitely worked hard to notify us. The three star is partially for the rushed cancellation, but it is primarily the delay in the refund. It took three weeks to get the money returned. I do give them credit for having very friendly and courteous staff.
01/12/2008 Posted by ngscls
My husband and I took a wine class at the West Seattle location - we had a lot of fun! While it was a little cramped, we learned a lot and enjoyed the evening - fabulous appetizers, great wine, hands-on learning. Highly recommend it!
Pros: something different, interesting, fun
Cons: smaller class would have been better

