Cooking Class - Lively Louisiana Fare

First, the class is located inside of the Natick Mall. This was very disappointing as I’d booked the class for myself and two friends as we were in Boston and the website said that’s where the class was located. Until I paid for our spots and got the exact address—30 minutes outside of Boston. We were a several minutes late (about 10) because of parking and having to find the store within the mall. The resident chef was fine, but ill prepared for the class. I initially thought we just missed any introduction because we were late. Later found out chef never fully introduced herself to the class. Proper utensils were not provided (no wooden spoon and used the same one knife and rubber spatula to cut and mix everything), chef did not know how to pronounce the names of the pasta we were making and told us she taught herself how to make one of the shapes of pasta we made by watching a YouTube video. She told us she has 10 years experience….as a pastry chef….who is now teaching a pasta making class? Used the KitchenAid pasta attachment instead of manual pasta maker…when my table asked for a manual maker, we were given a broken one, not offered one that worked, and ended up having to use the KitchenAid (I wanted to use the manual one since I have one at home I’ve never used and was looking forward to learning how to use it). Chef also kept us on break so long (we could walk around the store and get 10% off any purchases since we were taking the class) that by the time she called us back in, she’d already made 95% of one of the sauces without us. The only thing left to do was stir in the “fresh” herbs (basil was browning). Dessert had alcohol in it that wasn’t cooked out and we were provided no disclaimer ahead of the class that you needed to be 21 to legally enjoy dessert. Prosecco in the dessert was grossly overpowering, no one at my table was able to finish as a result. The description I believe stated this was a four-course meal class, we were served only three. There were no paper towels in store (none in the bathroom or the class kitchen) and no napkin was offered for when we were eating. Overall, enjoyed time with friends and the finished product of one of the two pastas, but disappointed in the quality of the class and instructor. I won’t be returning or recommending the experience.

Chef J was awesome. I can’t wait to take more classes! Thank you!!

Terrible. We left after 10 minutes and are seeking a full refund. It’s not a cooking class for families to learn how to make wings and pizza; it’s a demonstration geared toward young children who participate by taking turns mixing. It was a definite miss for us and very disappointing given the price and the effort we made to travel to be together for Father’s Day.

The class was great but I wish the food portions were bigger for the money you pay for the class.

We had a fantastic time with Chef Scott! Not only was the food delicious, but he did a fantastic job of explaining the technique behind each step in the recipe, which made for an interesting and fun experience!

I was really looking forward to this class, but my partner and I found it fairly disappointing for a few different reasons. An introduction among the guests would have been helpful to create more of the "family" vibe the staff were after. The menu was good (though it never referenced tofu), but the two main dishes were quite salty, and the sorbet, which didn't freeze properly, was too sweet. The timing of the various meal components were not well executed, so dishes were served at different times, and the entire class finished quite early. It was obvious that the staff didn't intend to do that and were therefore trying to find ways to fill the time. The details on the event webpage did not fully align with our experience. Chef Patrick was not there. We didn't work in stations. There was absolutely no "date night" aspect to the class, which was a big disappointment. There were no chairs, which I found annoying when it came time to eat. I used to be a cooking class instructor, so I understand that I likely picked up on more of the pitfalls than the average guest, but even my boyfriend who had never been to a cooking class noticed a number of things that were not great.

Chefs Jhailyn and Scott were awesome! Their tips while preparing the meal were very helpful. The meal and dessert were phenomenal. I look forward to making it again soon! The recipes we received after the event were great! It was a very enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend it and look forward to our next Cozymeal event!

Class was good. A bit disorganized and chaotic.

Chef Scott did a great job. The evening was a lot of fun, we learned new things and really enjoyed the cooking and eating a great meal.

It was a lot of fun and Chef Scott did a great job, however I would limit the size.

The chef Patrick was not the chef. The entire thing was very disorganized and unprofessional.There was not enough dough for everyone and the teacher did not know what she was doing. The croissants did not come out at all like croissants! False advertising!

Chef Malcolm did a great job! We had a fun and the food came out well.

Great. We left with lots of leftovers!

Directions sucked. Could find the place. Never use cozy meal!

We felt that the class was disorganized and 16 is too many people for this space. The class ran late so we were handed our food to go. Would have been nice to enjoy hot.

I like the classes

There were too many people in too small a space. It was not truly a hands-on experience. We were lucky to be in the front so we could see, but some people were in the back and/or not facing demo area.

Great time and great cooking tips!

The class good. I never received the recipe I was told I received

Overall this was a disappointing class. The chef was good but I did not expect to have to share a Yule log with a partner. Also there seemed to be limited supplies. Not worth the price.

Chef Meghan was great - relaxed, energetic and knowledgeable . Wonderful group of folks at our table. The set up was roomy and everyone worked together on our ingredients, kneading dough, mixing etc. I will be back for other sessions for sure. Nice to shop afterwards with a discount as well.

I was not aware of how the class worked, but having 2 couples at each work station was certainly not what we expected. also, there was not enough info on the location. While we arrived at the mall 15 minutes early, it took us 25 minutes to navigate where to go. First I called Cozy meal, and after 5 minutes on hold, was given the number of . After 5 m9re minutes on hold, we were given directions on where they were located. So, being 10 minutes late, we missed how to make the gelato. The staff was very good, which is why I give 2 stars. All in all, My wife and I were fairly disappointed.

I’m torn on how to review this class. The instructor was good and recipe’s were delicious, but I was a little disappointed in the way it was structured. There were five people total in the class and only two sets of meals cooked. In other words, not everyone cooked their own meal. It seemed odd to me that we are were not able to make our own meal and had to share the food at the end. For the price, I would have expected each person gets to make each item.

Informative, great class.

Great intro class suitable for all

Fantastic class!

It was a great experience, and we walked away with new recipes.

Thanks for a lovely evening

We did the pasta cooking class and there were pros and cons. The pros were it was relaxed enough to accommodate our big group straggling in after hitting a huge traffic jam on the pike, since there wasn't all that much to actually do, so starting late you could still catch up. The con is the other side of that coin; not having much to do; basically each table of 4 people was making one dish, so at each step one person could do it. (We all took turns, and during the 2.5 hour class I did 2 tasks myself). For the money, and compared with other cooking classes, I think usually you get to actually *do more* rather than just watch along. There was also a ten minute break to shop in the store and sample the coffee. This might have felt more natural if our dish had used something in particular the store sells. I get that this is probably an arrangement/perk that agrees to hold the classes there in exchange for getting people walking around and maybe shopping. Maybe it could even just be phrased as a 10 minute bathroom break if people need it, and feel free to stretch your legs and browse if you want? Our chef was someone different from Chef Josh- she seemed relatively green as far as instruction, but friendly and nice, which I appreciate. Sometimes just a smidge too friendly(?); most people came to the class in groups and liked talking with each other throughout the class since it's sort of a social activity, and when she would circulate she would stay and start get-to-know-you conversations which kind of impeded our catching up with each other. No regrets though- I wouldn't necessarily recommend this class to someone else, but I also wouldn't tell them to run the other way- it was fine.

Josh was great. We had a wonderful time!

Chef Claire very friendly. The disappointment was in how skimpy the ingredients were. 3oz pc of salmon for 4 to share in their sushi rolls. Mostly rice roll. Giant mounds of tempura cooked with all purpose flour vs rice flour to save on their food costs. Disappointing. Tempura ultimately discarded. The experience was ok but totally skimped out on ingredients.

Definitely a fun first time experience, but was a little disappointed with how little cooking experience we a had. I thought it would be more time cooking but because we shared the stove and materials with one other couple we had to basically share everything. Overall good first experience though and food was great!

chef clare was great. but for the class itself, there was a lack of preparation and supplies. there was not enough eggs, no bowls to eat out of so we used to go containers, the eggs weren’t marinated instead just plain boiled. the pork and pickled mushrooms were the best part. there was no yuzu soda made at all.

It was chef Josh. There were many substitutions and class ended early.

Was ok. This was my first experience and had a different expectation. Will be more thorough if I plan another cooking class. Would not do another at this location. Staff was friendly, enjoyed the interaction with the other couples. Would have preferred doing the full meal prep between just the two of us. Also would have preferred a more relaxed eating experience, with drinks. We had to stand while we ate and I felt rushed.

We had a great time with Carter and chef Josh!

My Chef was great, however, it was not Chef Josh, it was Chef Regina. She was wonderful!

We had a great group and really fun time. Instructor was great! Easy to follow , very personable , recipes were not complicated to Make again and we’re delicious!

Chef Regina was amazing! Great teacher, delicious and easy recipes, awesome! Can't wait to take another class! Linda Sternberg

Chef Josh was very friendly and helpful throughout the class. We made delicious food and would definitely take another class with him.

Megan was great!

Hello Check Josh- I am writing to request a refund for the class I took on Monday March 4 at 7:00 pm at the Natick Mall with Claire. I did careful research to find the class and ready many reviews. I picked yours because of the ambiance that clients raved about, and the cooking tips that you give. Claire was very efficient, but appeared in a rush to leave and made it feel that the entire experience was an inconvenience to her. Instead of being informative and engaging, she seemed eager to leave and annoyed by the concept of a one-off cooking class. She first started by saying that we should get started because it was a school night for her. Imagine a cooking class starting and you already feel that the instructor wants to go home. There were many comments along the way that were sarcastic towards the class. For example, she said she left the broccolini leaves on the stems because “you all need something to do". She also made comments that were judgemental towards past students such as " let me know if you have any dietary restrictions before we start cooking because sometimes people tell me they are allergic to (some ingredient I forget), when the name of the class has (that ingredient) in it" . Or "sometimes people will tell me they are gluten free but what can I do when we are making hand rolled pasta?" There were no tips except had to hold a knife. I felt I was following instructions like a child without any bigger context. At one point I did ask what the bigger picture and objective was of each step and she said I would see what it all comes together. I told her that is not how I learn. She then gave a very quick and hasty explanation of why we fry when we braise but she said it so fast that I retained nothing. When we asked what the parsley is for she said its there because this is supposedly an 'Italian' meal. The meal did taste good and it was efficient, but I was really paying for learning cooking, and I learned nothing, and the entire time felt I was inconveniencing Claire. I have no judgements on her character as a person, but I am extremely clear that the way she fulfilled the role as a cooking instructor last night was incredibly inappropriate and frustrating. Please let me know how I can receive my full reimbursement. I had bought two tickets, one for me, and one for my friend. It was her birthday. I am a teacher in Boston public schools and told my colleagues I was attending the class last night. They were excited about the notion and then shocked by what I experienced. I hope to rectify my report back to them by letting them know that you promptly and fully addressed my concerns. Many thanks, Aida asadr@gmail.com

Awesome!

Chef Claire was great, took the night in stride and did a great job explaining each step of the sushi making process. We got to do everything from cut the vegetables, to frying shrimp, to rolling. Great time!

I'm deeply disappointed by the anniversary gift I arranged for my girlfriend—a cooking class that didn't live up to its promise. Despite spending $190 on tickets, the experience fell short in several ways. We received a mere cooking demonstration from the chef and were tasked with menial chores like chopping vegetables and dumping pre-prepped ingredients, all while sharing our meal with strangers. The entire session felt like a blatant sales pitch for products, leaving us underwhelmed and disheartened. Even worse, the break in the middle seemed designed solely for shopping, rather than enhancing our culinary skills. Upon examining the recipe booklet left on the counter, it became evident that the ingredients cost a fraction of what we paid, indicating a significant upcharge. In hindsight, I'd advise others to skip this overpriced experience and opt for a cozy evening at home with Thai takeout and a cooking show on TV instead.

Chef Regina was engaging and fun. I learned how to make pasta from scratch and it wasn't as hard as I thought!!

Not chef Josh. Large class with no chance to actually do any of the cooking. We kneaded the dough and each chopped one vegetable, then had 6 people take turns rolling out their dough on a single pasta maker. Meanwhile, the "resident chefs" cooked all the sauce and pasta while we were encouraged to go "shop around the adjacent store." We did get to watch them make the dessert though, maybe it should be called a "watch someone else cook" class. Definitely not worth the $180 we spent (didn't even have any drinks for us), will look for a different place to take a class.

I almost feel bad leaving this review, because it should not reflect Chef Josh but the Cozymeal team. Terrible experience using this site from start to finish and wish I had not booked this experience. When booking this event for a Teambuiliding with my employees, I selected "Boston Proper", and was surprised after booking when the location was Natick, MA which is very much a suburb of Boston. I went ahead with the event anyway, and when I received the event information I was given the event location name of "Cooking Creations" which I passed along to my team with the directions. We assumed this was an independent company as these events are advertised to be with private chefs, and were very disappointed when we arrived at the Mall. We started looking for "Cooking Creations" which could not be found. Some of the members of my team did some Google searching to figure it out as I called the coordinator who booked our event, Lauren. She had no idea where to send me and transferred my call to Customer Service. Some of the folks from my team who were able to navigate their way there before the rest of us informed me the staff was not happy we were late and were quite rude to them about it. I can understand their frustration, but better directions were necessary from Cozymeal. We did not get to enjoy the class due to a work situation that required immediate assistance. However, it would not have been worth it at that point considering how late we were. False advertising and poor instructions made this a very uncomfortable experience.

Our chef was terrific. She did a great job. Very personable and gave good instruction and we learned a lot. We really enjoyed the experience. Hoping to get the recipes emailed to us. Thank you!!

Very cool experience and such a cool recipes!

N/a

Amazing class. Chef and her assistant were wonderful! Highly recommend.

Great class. I learned a lot and class was very hands on.

This was the first cooking class I have ever taken! It was very informative and I enjoyed the class . I will be taking more classes in the future.

We thoroughly enjoyed our class. The instructor made our class so much fun. The macarons were delicious. Looking forward to more classes.

This class was great! Very informative and lots of fun, the instructors were very helpful (and the food was delicious!). I highly recommend this class and look forward to taking another class soon.

The Instructor was "world class" with supportive instructions and humorous analogies. Considering taking the class for a second time.

Loved the class! Chef did a great job teaching us these recipes. I can not wait to take more classes.

Excellent class. Chef Michael made it fun and informative.

The class was really fun and informative. My girlfriend and enjoyed it as a birthday gift. We will definitely attend more classes in the future.

Absolutely loved the class. I'm an experienced baker and have wanted to make macarons. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed the class so much, I'm considering taking the class again as it was so much fun!!!

Fabulous class, food was fantastic and met some great people! This was my second class, I'm signed up for several others!!

Super enjoyable class! Instructor moved at a good pace and food ended up tasting delicious! Will be back for another class for sure!

I walked out with technique and confidence. I enjoyed the setup of the class and the instructor very much. Would take another class!

Great class! So delish!

Loved the class. I was able to make the croissants at home with ease. My family loved them. Looking forward to my next class.

Excellent instructor. Great hands-on experience. I was able to go home and replicate the recipes.

Our instructor was super hands on - taught us some great techniques! Food turned out amazing. We were all impressed!

I loved the class. The ladies I was paired up with were a little chatty so was hard to listen to chef! Before class I was very intimidated but after class I was I got this! Excited to try making fresh pasta my self! Great class over all would definitely take again!

Enjoyed the class. Vanessa is really fun! Cheers!

Fun class. A little complicated with the dumpling dough, but we got through it and the food tasted great.

I had the greatest time at my cooking class! The food was so good and the chef was fun and and taught many helpful hints during the class! I will be taking a cooking class again very soon!