Overall, the experience was really nice and the staff was very accommodating. The concept is great,…read moreand with a few changes I honestly could have seen this becoming a regular date-night activity for me. My biggest concern was the sushi-making setup. I really did not like having one shared bowl of rice for an entire table of strangers, with everyone wetting their hands and repeatedly reaching into the same bowl. Watching multiple people's wet hands go in and out of the same rice completely made me lose my appetite. Even with handwashing, people may have long nails, cuts, broken skin, or other things that make shared hand-contact with food uncomfortable. I think each person or party should have their own bowl of rice, and gloves should at least be available for anyone who prefers them. I also did not like that the chef walked around and repeatedly touched different people's food with her bare, wet hands without asking first. I understand that she was trying to help demonstrate the technique, but not everyone is comfortable with someone touching their food, especially after moving from station to station. It would have been much better to ask before touching someone's food. I also did not love being required to leave the cooking area and walk around the store during the class. I understand the marketing idea behind it, but I would have preferred to stay, enjoy the experience, and finish my food. For the price, I also expected better beverage accommodations. I was not offered water, wine, or really any drink option. Even water and perhaps a complimentary glass of wine would have been a nice touch. Lastly, the portions could have been a little more generous. At one point there was not even enough rice for everyone.
The experience itself was fun and the idea is excellent. I just think some small improvements, especially around sanitation, individual ingredients, portions, beverages, and asking before touching guests' food, would make a huge difference. I would probably try another cooking class concept elsewhere that offers a setup better suited for people who are more particular about shared food preparation.