Chef Gio is running a very professional operation that is informative, enjoyable, and tasty. My…read morewife and I attended a class offering instruction on American Regional Pizza. More specifically, Detroit vs. New Haven pizza. We've had Detroit style pizza prepared by a handful of different local establishments in the area over the last five years with no two being alike. Some we enjoyed more than others. Neither of us has ever experienced New Haven style pizza, but I'm acquainted with a number of friends who seriously rave about New Haven "apizza" and are willing to do a road trip there in order to compare some well known New Haven businesses. This class with chef Gio seemed like the golden opportunity to experience "apizza" without enduring the approximately six-hour roundtrip drive. There were about twenty-three students in this class seated at three long tables capable of holding eight each. Beer and wine are available for purchase. The wine can be purchased by the bottle or glass using wine cards in a self-service dispenser. We were satisfied with the carafes of water that were provided at each table. While sitting at the tables provides a reasonable view of what chef Gio is doing at the chef's table, a large overhead monitor ensures that there is no bad seat in the house. The printed recipes provided are intended for your note taking. They only list the ingredients and not the techniques needed to make your end result. With chef Gio's tips and explanations of how, when, and why certain ingredients are combined, it would have taken a twenty-five page book if a regular recipe were provided. Some hands-on experience is provided to give you a feel for what can not be explained in any other way. An example in our class was oiling the rectangular pan for the Detroit pizza and properly spreading the dough in the pan. I've never worked with dough that felt like this. When the dough was ready we also provided the toppings of cheese, pepperoni, and sauce. The New Haven pizza took less time to make so, while our Detroit pizza was proofing we were eating the "apizza." While it was very tasty, I now know that it is not a style that I'd be willing to drive 160 miles for. It was too thin and crispy for my liking. As for our Detroit pizza, it definitely was delicious but not up to the standard of what I can enjoy from a couple of the local establishments, even though we used quality ingredients. The amount of time and work it would require making it at home vs. having one in thirty minutes is a no brainer. Chef Gio's classes are fun, entertaining, and culinarily enjoyable. The only recommendation I would offer is to bring a cushion for the stool you will be sitting on.

I recently attended a NYC bakery class where we made three different pastry selections: babka,…read moreblack & white cookies and crumb cake. It was a great class and I loved the snacks he provided while we learned. It was slightly hands on which is just how I like it. It wasn't too crowded and the other people at my table were friendly and had taken other classes so let me know what to expect. I'd definitely return as he is passionate about what he teaches.

What a great experience! The food was absolutely delicious and for such an amazing price!!…read more We were impressed with each and every course. The service was wonderful. Our server was a bit nervous but did a fabulous job. She was very attentive. We talked to one of the coordinators after dinner and she showed us around to their other facilities and we were just so impressed. Theme night: Spain App: Tapas plate (fried goat cheese with honey, peppers, crispy potatoes with a yummy sauce, mussels, and an unbelievable rib) Dinner: Steak entree with amazing sauces. Steak with a blue cheese sauce, a green sauce with the tomatoes and a semi spicy/cream sauce with the crispy potatoes. Dessert: My boyfriend and I chose separate desserts. Chocolate and vanilla burnt cheesecake with a chocolate sauce. Dulce de Leche ice cream. The only two things I didn't care much for was the crispy wafer that went with the ice cream (that was just preference) and the peppers in the tapas (because they were just boring ). Ps- bring a wine bottle! They charge a $5 corking fee but it is byob. :)

It was a pleasure to dine at the Casola Dining Room. It's a lovely room with great ambiance with…read morehope in the air. The students are friendly and make more of an effort than some of those who are toiling away in some area restaurants. Having been a student (many moons ago) in the same culinary classes at SCCC, it was wonderful to try their offerings. Tonights menu selections of appetizers, entrees and desserts were from Provence. It started with a choice of Vegetable Soup with Pistou (basil and garlic like pesto without pine nuts), Nicoise Salad or a Provencal Vegetable Tart. I chose the Vegetable Tart. I will tell you that the tart filling of diced vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini and onions) only complimented the delicious flaky and light tart. Kudos! I selected for dinner the trio of lamb chops which also had a medley of diced vegetables. (Other selections available were the Chicken Provencale, Bouillabaisse, and Grilled Ratatouille with Israeli Cous Cous.) Being a fan of both lamb and seafood, the decision of what to have for dinner was difficult. I went with the landlubbers lamb. It was delicious, a wonderful dark pink (not totally rare and cold, but lovely warm and juicy) and tasty chops. Last but not least were 3 choices of desserts: Petite Four Assortment with Raspberry Sorbet, Chocolate Pot de Creme and a Pear Almond Tart. Again, difficult to decide but when with the Chocolate Pot de Creme. Very delicious smooth dark chocolate topped with whipped cream and a lovely decorative chocolate swirl with a small spoon shaped cookie! All in all, a wonderful meal from the future chefs in the industry. My only comment would be the students could have a little more tutoring on proper pronunciations and ingredients of dishes being served.

My partner and I participated in another three-day "New England Getaway" at Good Stock Farm this…read morepast weekend. We first participated in one in October 2016 (see my detailed review). Sandy (a James Beard Award winner for his restaurant, Sanford, in Milwaukee) and his wife, Angie, are lovely human beings. They teach themed classes during the year and have a few three-day "New England Getaways" in the fall. Their classes are great for couples as well as small groups of friends who want to cook AND dine together. I cannot say enough good things about Good Stock! Sandy and Angie make you feel like family.

My wife and I were so very fortunate to recieve a demonstration class for Christmas from my sister…read more What a wonderful experience it was and well worth the wait for our May class. Sandy and Angie are a wonderful team and provided an evening filled with exceptional food, great teaching skills, warm hospitality and an unforgettable evening.

Great store.... so many useful products and the cooking area is beautiful. Wish I lived closer…read moreto join the cooking classes on the weekend. Friendly employees. Great spot. I'll def be back.

From the owner: The HGS in Hillsdale Home Chef stands for Hillsdale General Store, our mother company in Hillsdale,…read moreNew York. HGS Home Chef is a kitchen store with all the pots, pans and gadgets a cook could want, but what sets this business apart, is its two teaching kitchens. Local and national culinary stars will teach classes here, offering a unique experience in the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires. Within these inviting rooms, renowned national and local experts will offer classes on how to prepare the most delicious food -- from simple to sublime.

Amazing!!!! Best stocked kitchen goodies shop in the Capital District!!!…read more We have seen the "kitchenware" sign on the Rt 9 side of the building for a couple of years but had never been in. Well, we went in last weekend and were soooo super impressed! We plan to remodel our home and build a new and much larger kitchen in the near future and I saw at least a half dozen items that we will NEED!!

Spoon and Whisk is an independent store with quality high end kitchen supplies. I came today…read morebecause they offer a Knife Sharpening Service. I have three knives that need sharpening. I have been satisfied with the results in the past. I also checked out the sourdough baking supplies. I purchased a beeswax bag made in Vermont to store a loaf of bread. It keeps it fresh. I am amazed at the large amount of stock in this store ranging from lots of metal cookie cutters to Lodge pans to a large assortment of timers to a variety of baking pans to kitchen utensils. The owner or staff person was very helpful. He was available if needed. You can browse if you like.

The first time I had something from Let's Start From Scratch was at Hartford's Open Studio last…read moreyear. Molly makes such amazing treats, some of which are GF & vegan which is great. She is so sweet & creative, and you can really tell she loves what she does! She makes edible cookie dough, chocolate peanut better cereal bars, cookies, fruit popsicles, tons of baked goodies & prepared meals as well! One of my favorite treats are her berry bars, packed with berry goodness. They are the perfect healthy treat! Follow her on Instagram @letsstartfromscratch to stay updated about where she'll be next, and to see some amazing food porn! She's usually at events in the Hartford area like Know Good Market etc. If you like healthy homemade food, that actually tastes good & is packed with flavor you have to try one of her creations!

Ok, let's just talk about the chocolate peanut butter cereal bars. I may have eaten 5 in one day,…read moreand I've got no regrets. Let's Start From Scratch is a joy & Molly is just the best. I came across them as a vendor at the West End Farmers' Market (a 2 minute walk from my home) last summer where they've got a weekly rotating menu of from-scratch baked goods, fresh popsicles in fun, inventive flavors, spritzers, sauces and so much more. Let's Start From Scratch also features an amazing lineup of prepared meals that inspires me to eat a bit healthier without sacrificing great flavor (there's this one sweet potato / brussels sprout / cabbage coconut curry dish that's to die for). Plenty of vegan, vegetarian & gluten free dishes as well! Did I mention homemade choco tacos and macaron ice cream sandwiches? Molly is going to be a vendor at WEFM again this season so don't miss out!