When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Sur La Table
Why Sur La Table is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sur La Table is a premier kitchenware retailer known for its expansive selection of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, small appliances, and tabletop essentials. Founded in 1972 by Shirley Collins in Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market, this store has cultivated a reputation for combining top-quality products with a passion for cooking and community. With 56 stores across the United States and an extensive online presence, Sur La Table caters to culinary enthusiasts with both practical tools and inspirational expertise. A unique highlight of Sur La Table is its hands-on culinary classes, offered in over 80 stores, where food lovers gather to learn new cooking techniques, recipes, and kitchen skills. These classes foster a vibrant social atmosphere, making Sur La Table an excellent place for friends to meet, share culinary experiences, and grow their passion for food. The company’s focus on French cuisine and culinary culture—reflected even in its name, which means "on the table" in French—adds a sophisticated yet welcoming touch to its brand identity. The stores also regularly host cooking demos and special events, enhancing the community feel and ensuring visitors leave inspired and equipped to create their own kitchen magic.
Here's what people think of Sur La Table
As of recent, Sur La Table holds a 4.7-star rating based on 561 reviews.
Customer reviews for Sur La Table generally highlight a strong satisfaction with the quality and variety of products available, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly staff. Many users appreciate the well-curated collections of cookware and gadgets that cater to both amateur cooks and professional chefs. Positive reviews often mention the enjoyable and educational nature of the cooking classes, which are praised for being hands-on, informative, and inspiring. Customers also value the exclusive items and unique kitchen tools that set Sur La Table apart from typical retailers. On the negative side, some reviews note occasional issues such as pricing being on the higher side compared to other kitchenware stores, and reports of limited stock or availability of certain popular items. A few customers have expressed frustration with customer service responsiveness or online order delays. However, these critiques are relatively uncommon and seem to be outweighed by the overall positive sentiment. In conclusion, Sur La Table is widely regarded as a leading destination for culinary enthusiasts seeking quality products and interactive, community-oriented cooking experiences, making it an excellent meeting place for friends to share their culinary passions and learn new skills together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aresa Hairston
I took the cooking class with Maribeth and she was amazing. She was so much fun and very informative but not rude. The class was a reasonable amount of time but I could've stayed longer and made more things, but that's me. The cakes, bark and strawberries were delicious and fun, and seemed simple enough to make at home. I left feeling more knowledgeable about things that I thought I knew prior. I'll definitely be coming back for another class. Chef's kiss.
Matt Kuntz
I have to say this was disappointing. The chef didn’t have much experience preparing Asian cuisine before so he spent a lot of time reading off the notes, you couldn’t hear what he was saying and we were left countless times looking at our partners asking, “what are we supposed to do”. There was a lead chef and two helpers who tried to make their way around the 4 groups as best as they could but it was hard to follow. The helpers didn’t know what they were supposed to be doing which was disappointing. We spent half the time looking for guidance and looking for tools which they kept taking to wash them. Why I’m not sure. The chef didn’t prepare what we were supposed to do and then show us, he just talked through it and expected us to run with it from there. We made 1 spicy tuna roll and tempura vegetables. The tuna as the chef explained “wasn’t the best tuna as it was frozen”. The roll turned out ok but it was literally seaweed, rice and a piece of tuna. For vegetable tempura we’re were provided a zucchini, onion and sweet potato which we split with our partners and then got to practice knife skills. The tempura batter was prepared using the ingredients provided but the batter turned out pretty thick and we had to ask for more liquid which was quickly added and then off he went. They had the chef deep fry our vegetables and of course we were the last group of 4. By the time he got to use our veggies had frozen to the tray in the blast freezer which may have helped the batter stick. All in all a super expensive lesson on knife skills, a sushi roll and a few pieces of tempura but my daughter and I had fun. For $200 I had high expectations but this fell very short. Some thoughts for improvement: - Have the chef practice the recipes before running a class - Show us what we’re supposed to do and how it should look like - Educate the helpers on the whole process - Double check to ensure ALL the tools and ingredients are out and ready to go - Have the helpers provide guidance during the process which would speed things up a lot - Use a bigger deep fryer to cook the vegetables faster
LaShonda Alston
I took the French Macarons class today and absolutely loved it! The instructors were wonderful, gave great tips and were very helpful. I even think I figured out what went wrong when trying to make these on my own. I will definitely be back for another class!
Cheryl Willis
Marybeth is an exceptional instructor. The knowledge and education she shared was fabulous. I’ve enjoyed doing the French pastry shop today and the treats were amazing
Cathy Beddick
Had a wonderful time at the Latin American dining experience. The night was fun and educational; we went home with some new skills, new recipes, and stomachs full of delicious food. Will definitely be looking at other class options to take another one in the future!
How to reach Sur La Table
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Why rally at Sur La Table with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at Sur La Table is an exceptional way to combine fun, learning, and shared experiences centered around the universal joy of food. This business offers far more than just a retail kitchen store; it’s a vibrant hub where people passionate about cooking and entertaining can connect. The welcoming atmosphere and the wealth of hands-on activities make it a perfect venue to spark creativity and camaraderie. Friends who enjoy trying new recipes or food lovers intrigued by culinary techniques will find abundant opportunities to engage together. Moreover, Sur La Table’s reputation for excellent customer service, expert instructors, and top-quality products means your visit promises to be both enjoyable and valuable. Whether you want to bond over preparing a meal, discover new kitchen tools, or simply enjoy a foodie event, this place fosters an inviting environment where memories and skills are simultaneously made. Rallying your group here transforms an ordinary meetup into an immersive culinary adventure that satisfies all senses.
What fun and interactive activities can you do at Sur La Table?
Sur La Table offers a variety of activities designed to engage groups and create memorable experiences. Central among these is their celebrated cooking classes. These hands-on sessions allow you and your friends to gather around a workstation, equipped with all the necessary tools and ingredients, to learn and execute delicious recipes under expert guidance. The immersive format encourages full participation, with each participant actively involved from chopping to plating. After cooking, you get to taste your culinary creations together, sharing the satisfaction of teamwork and the delight of food. Besides cooking classes, Sur La Table provides expert knife sharpening services, offering a practical way to improve your kitchen arsenal. Bringing your knives in for sharpening boosts their performance, and testing a variety of blades in-store lets your group compare and select favorites, adding a tactile dimension to your visit. The store also features product demonstrations and special events that can coincide with your meetup, allowing your group to explore new gadgets, cookware, and tips to elevate your home cooking. These varied activities ensure each visit is stimulating and social, perfect for a group gathering.
What makes Sur La Table ideal for group meetups and social gatherings?
Sur La Table excels as a venue for groups due to its welcoming and well-organized environment tailored to shared culinary experiences. The store’s layout, designed to encourage interaction, allows groups to comfortably explore a myriad of cooking tools and kitchenware together, sparking lively conversations and shared discoveries. Cooking classes and events cater specifically to groups, with dedicated workstations for each participant promoting hands-on learning that involves everyone equally—ideal for friends, families, or colleagues bonding over food. The professional instructors foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can ask questions and learn cooking techniques at their own pace, making the experience engaging regardless of skill level. Additionally, by sampling your cooking efforts collectively afterward, your group naturally enjoys a festive, communal moment that extends beyond a typical class. The location of many Sur La Table stores in lively urban centers also creates convenient access and opportunities to continue socializing nearby. Overall, the combination of interactive cooking, expert guidance, a comfortable setting, and the opportunity to enjoy your handiwork makes Sur La Table perfect for group meetups that want to mix education with fun and social connection.
How does Sur La Table support culinary creativity and learning during your visit?
Sur La Table is committed to inspiring your culinary creativity through a blend of expert knowledge, quality products, and immersive experiences. Their cooking classes stand out because they encourage experimentation and confidence by teaching techniques and recipes suitable for all skill levels. The professional chefs leading the classes share insider tips and demonstrate skills you can apply at home, making learning tangible and rewarding. Additionally, the store’s extensive assortment of cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and unique kitchen gadgets invites visitors to try out exciting new tools, sparking ideas for future cooking endeavors. By allowing customers to “try before you buy,” Sur La Table removes barriers between discovery and purchase, helping groups find equipment that truly fits their cooking style. This hands-on approach, combined with educational resources, recipes, and a knowledgeable staff ready to guide you, turns any visit into an enriching experience. For groups, especially, this creates an environment where ideas flow freely, new skills are practiced, and cooking becomes a collaborative adventure rather than a chore.
What additional services and amenities enhance the group experience at Sur La Table?
Beyond the main attractions of cooking classes and retail shopping, Sur La Table offers a host of additional services and amenities that enhance group visits. One standout service is their professional knife sharpening, ideal for groups interested in maintaining or upgrading their kitchen essentials. This service is affordable and accessible, providing a value-added reason to visit with friends who appreciate culinary precision. Sur La Table also features seasonal events, hands-on demos, and exclusive in-store offers that can enrich your group’s outing by adding layers of entertainment and discovery. Furthermore, many locations provide friendly brand specialists who can tailor recommendations specifically for your group’s interests, whether in cookware, cookware care, or cooking techniques. The store’s “Return to Learn” program offers opportunities for repeat visitors to refine skills or explore new themes, making it a spot where groups can return regularly and continue their culinary journey together. These services, combined with the inviting store layout and attentive staff, ensure your meetup is smooth, enjoyable, and full of opportunities to learn and share.
Why do Sur La Table’s customer ratings and reviews make it a trustworthy meetup venue?
Sur La Table boasts an impressive customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 560 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction and strong community endorsement. Such high ratings highlight the business’s commitment to quality—whether in educational value, product assortment, or customer service. People frequently praise the knowledgeable instructors in cooking classes for their ability to create engaging, supportive environments that cater to a range of skill levels. Customers also appreciate the store’s well-curated kitchenware selection and the opportunity to physically handle and test products before purchasing, which adds a tangible and trustworthy dimension to the shopping experience. These reviews often mention the friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, crucial elements when organizing a group event where personalized attention enhances group enjoyment. The positive consensus from diverse visitors assures potential patrons that their experience at Sur La Table will likely meet or exceed expectations, making it a reliable and appealing place to host a social, educational, and enjoyable gathering.
How can visiting Sur La Table strengthen friendships and family bonds?
Visiting Sur La Table serves as more than just a shopping or class outing—it acts as a platform for deepening relationships through shared experiences and mutual discovery. Cooking is fundamentally social and creative, and tackling recipes together offers endless opportunities for teamwork, communication, and laughter. When friends or family members engage in cooking classes, they support each other in learning new skills and celebrate collective success, which builds positive memories and sense of accomplishment. Tasting the food created together fosters not only enjoyment but also connection through a common reward. Additionally, exploring kitchen gadgets and products as a group ignites conversations about food preferences, culinary traditions, and future cooking plans, enriching bonds further. The informal yet interactive setting encourages playfulness and collaboration, creating a relaxed environment where relationships can flourish. Ultimately, Sur La Table’s blend of education, social interaction, and culinary delight creates memorable moments that strengthen friendship and family ties beyond the ordinary.
What practical tips ensure a smooth and enjoyable group visit to Sur La Table?
To maximize the value of your group meetup at Sur La Table, some practical planning can help create a seamless experience. First, booking cooking classes in advance is essential, especially for larger groups, since spots fill quickly and personalized workstations are limited. Checking store hours and any special event schedules ensures your visit aligns with optimal offerings. Communicate your group’s skill levels and interests when making reservations, as the staff can often tailor experiences accordingly. Arriving a bit early gives your group time to browse products, chat with specialists, and settle in before activities begin. Don’t forget to allocate time after classes or demos to casually explore the store and discuss new ideas over snacks or drinks nearby, extending the social aspect. Lastly, encourage everyone to participate actively, whether chopping vegetables or selecting gadgets, to foster a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. These tips help your group fully enjoy both the educational and social aspects of Sur La Table, leaving everyone with rich culinary inspiration and stronger connections.