When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor 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 retail company specializing in high-quality kitchenware and cooking tools, founded in 1972 and based in Seattle, Washington. It offers an extensive selection of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, glassware, small kitchen electrics, tabletop items, linens, and outdoor cooking products. With 184 stores across 32 states in the U.S., Sur La Table not only serves as a store but also as a vibrant community hub where culinary enthusiasts can gather, explore, and enhance their cooking skills. Many locations feature dedicated kitchens for hands-on culinary classes, fostering a social and educational environment perfect for friends to meet, learn, and share their love of food. These classes cover a wide range of culinary topics and techniques, making Sur La Table a destination for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Additionally, the company features a blog, "A Sharp Knife & Salt," which offers insights into food culture, chef interviews, and product highlights, further enriching the customer experience. The store combines the appeal of shopping for gourmet tools with the opportunity to connect with fellow food lovers in a lively, inspiring setting. With its blend of quality products and interactive experiences, Sur La Table is a unique and inviting place to meet up with friends who share a passion for cooking and entertaining.
Here's what people think of Sur La Table
As of recent, Sur La Table holds a 3.9-star rating based on 171 reviews.
Customer reviews for Sur La Table average a 3.9-star rating from 171 reviewers, reflecting a generally positive reception with some reservations. Many positive reviews highlight the extensive selection of quality kitchenware and cookware, praising the durability and functionality of products such as their 5-ply stainless steel and enameled cast iron cookware lines. Shoppers appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the enriching cooking classes that provide hands-on opportunities to learn new culinary skills, enhancing the overall value of Sur La Table beyond just retail. The ambiance of the stores often receives commendation for being inviting and well-organized, contributing to a pleasant shopping and social experience. However, some negative reviews mention concerns including pricing perceived as high compared to competitors, occasional issues with product availability, and inconsistent customer service experiences across various locations. Some customers have also raised points about the online shopping experience, citing delays or difficulties in customer support. Despite these critiques, the company’s dedication to cooking education and quality kitchen tools maintains strong loyalty among many patrons. Overall, Sur La Table offers a highly regarded combination of products and experiences, making it a compelling destination though with room for improvement in service consistency and pricing transparency.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Estela Ortega
We had our first cooking class experience and had a memorable time. We were welcomed with a coffee by the retail staff that were friendly and assisted during our shopping experience by answering questions on various products. Chef Wendy and James provided an educational experience on new recipe and cooking techniques while also highlighting on cool new products we purchased. Great staff and we had a wonderful time meeting new people. The food was as delicious…we look forward to recreating the dishes at home. Thank you. We will be back!
Maddie Maviglia
We had the best time in our “Celebrating Colorful Cooking” class with a Chef Wendy. We were LUCKY to be the only people in our class and had a 2 hour personal lesson with her. She made learning fun, taught us tips and tricks, and was such a patient teacher. She even let us take our dessert for the road (BONUS!) We will be back!!
Jeanette Chiodo
We had a wonderful night learning how to cook with chef Nina! She was extremely organized and easy to follow. She answered questions and made everyone feel very comfortable. We brought friends with us and made it a true date night! Our food turned out amazing and James and Reese were wonderful helpers. This was our second class and we will definitely sign up for more classes with Chef Nina.
Beverlyn Salva
First timer joining a cooking class & it’s a great way to celebrate any type of occasion. We did the Pasta from scratch and Chef Gabby was our chef. She’s super passionate and the way she coaches you on every detail is amazing. Thank you Chef Gabby, hope to see you again!
Krystal Fowler
I had a lot of fun taking a hand made pasta class from Chef Nina. Nina is an enthusiastic teacher, and I loved how she made it feel so easy to learn to make pasta. I had the opportunity to learn to make egg yolk ravioli with sage butter sauce, spinach pappardelle with prosciutto walnut and sage cream sauce, and a spinach raddichio salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
How to reach Sur La Table
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Why Sur La Table may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sur La Table with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at Sur La Table makes perfect sense if you love food, cooking, and shared memorable experiences. This culinary haven is not just a kitchen store; it’s a vibrant community space where the joy of cooking meets the thrill of discovery. Whether you and your friends are seasoned chefs or enthusiastic novices, Sur La Table offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that sparks creativity and connection. Imagine learning new recipes, techniques, and flavor profiles together in hands-on cooking classes led by expert instructors. Beyond the educational aspect, it’s the shared experience of chopping, stirring, tasting, and laughing that turns a simple meetup into a lasting memory. Even if cooking isn’t your weekend plan, their extensive collection of high-quality cookware, cutlery, and unique kitchen gadgets makes browsing and shopping together equally engaging. Plus, their knowledgeable staff is ready to add expert tips or help select the perfect tools that can inspire your culinary adventures at home. Whether you want to bond over kneading dough, mastering a new cuisine, or simply discovering the latest kitchen innovations, Sur La Table offers the perfect blend of fun, learning, and quality — an ideal rallying point for friends who enjoy life’s flavorful pleasures.
What activities can you do together at Sur La Table?
Sur La Table is famous for its diverse, interactive activities that suit groups of all cooking skill levels, making it perfect for a group meetup. The highlight is the cooking classes, which are hands-on sessions where you and your friends can work side by side at your own station. These classes cover a wide range of cuisines and techniques—from Italian pasta making to Asian-inspired stir-fries, baking breads to crafting gourmet appetizers. Each class is led by passionate instructors who guide you through every step, ensuring a fun, rewarding experience. The best part is that after cooking, everyone gets to enjoy tasting the dishes you’ve created, turning the meetup into a delicious shared celebration. Beyond classes, there are also special events and author appearances where culinary experts and cookbook writers share insights and demonstrations that can deepen your group's appreciation for food culture. Sur La Table also offers knife sharpening services if your group wants to tune up your kitchen essentials together. Shopping for new tools or testing out high-end knives and gadgets can also be a fun way to explore your culinary interests as a team. Every visit promises an immersive and inspiring encounter with the art of cooking, perfect for bonding over shared interests.
Why is Sur La Table ideal for group meetups?
Sur La Table manages to blend shopping, education, and socialization into a cohesive experience that suits groups, making it an ideal venue to get together. Its spacious store layout provides ample room for groups to move, explore, and interact without feeling cramped. Whether your group decides to attend a cooking class or simply walk the aisles discovering the latest in kitchenware, there’s always something special happening. The classes promote a highly collaborative environment where teamwork is encouraged, perfectly suited for friends or family who want to learn and have fun simultaneously. The instructors foster a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that breaks the ice, so even newcomers to cooking feel comfortable and welcomed. Additionally, Sur La Table often hosts themed classes or seasonal events, which can add an extra layer of excitement and variety to your meetup plans. They also offer flexible scheduling and a variety of class sizes, so your group can find a session that fits your needs. The supportive staff and attention to detail ensure every guest has a personal, enriching experience, making Sur La Table a perfect hub for culinary camaraderie.
What kinds of cooking classes and events are available?
Sur La Table offers a rich variety of cooking classes and culinary events designed to excite groups with diverse tastes and interests. You can find courses ranging from beginner-friendly basics like knife skills and sauces to advanced classes specializing in ethnic cuisines like French, Mexican, or Vietnamese. Baking enthusiasts can delve into breads, pastries, and desserts while others might enjoy mastering grilling techniques or seasonal holiday dishes. The classes are structured to be interactive and participatory, giving each attendee a chance to learn, cook, and ultimately sample their creations, which makes the experience highly rewarding. In addition to cooking classes, the store sometimes hosts author events where renowned chefs and food writers share recipes and cooking tips, providing an inspirational experience for food lovers. There are also hands-on demonstrations and workshops that give your group a chance to try new tools or techniques. Many of these events cater to groups, making them perfect for meetups. Whether you want something casual and fun or a more focused culinary study, Sur La Table offers a dynamic schedule that keeps the culinary spark alive.
How does Sur La Table enhance the shopping experience for groups?
Shopping at Sur La Table is much more than picking up kitchen supplies—it’s an interactive and educational experience that can be thoroughly enjoyed by groups. The store features a carefully curated selection of top-tier cookware, bakeware, knives, and culinary gadgets that appeal to all kinds of cooking enthusiasts. What makes shopping here special is the availability of trained brand specialists and culinary experts who can guide your group through product choices, offering personalized recommendations and cooking tips. This expert assistance transforms a simple shopping trip into a shared learning experience where everyone can gain practical insights. Furthermore, Sur La Table encourages customers to try tools before buying, like testing different knives to find your perfect cutlery fit, which is a fun group activity. Their “Return to Learn” program and in-store demonstrations provide ongoing opportunities to engage with new culinary trends together. The store environment is comfortable and accessible, making it easy for groups to explore and bond over their shared love of cooking gear and food preparation innovations.
What makes Sur La Table’s location and history special for meetups?
Sur La Table was founded in 1972 at Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market and quickly became a trusted name known for pioneering kitchen innovations like introducing the Cuisinart food processor to the west coast. The Berkeley location, nestled in a city celebrated for being a birthplace of California cuisine and home to culinary legends like Alice Waters, offers a culturally rich backdrop that adds to the experience. This heritage makes a meetup here especially meaningful for food enthusiasts who appreciate the deep roots of the culinary arts combined with modern trends. Sur La Table in Berkeley embraces that history by hosting events tied to notable chefs and culinary pioneers, which can inspire and educate your group. The store hours are generous, providing plenty of flexibility for planning meetups at convenient times. This blend of historic significance, culinary innovation, and community focus lends an authenticity to your gathering, giving your friends more than just a venue—a memorable and inspiring culinary destination.
How can Sur La Table turn an ordinary meetup into a special occasion?
Sur La Table transforms a routine get-together into a unique experience centered around creativity, learning, and delicious food. Hosting your meetup here means you’re not just sharing time; you’re engaging in an activity that cultivates skills and memories together. Cooking classes, for instance, give everyone a role and promote collaboration, which strengthens friendships in a fun environment. Sampling your own culinary creations adds a celebratory feel, almost like a private dinner party with a hint of adventure. Even when not in class, the act of browsing for gourmet kitchen tools and considering new recipes stirs conversations and shared dreams about future meals. Special events, seasonal workshops, and expert talks offer additional layers of interest that can make your meetup feel like a thoughtfully curated outing rather than a typical gathering. The atmosphere itself—rich with the scents of fresh ingredients, the sight of gleaming cookware, and the buzz of culinary energy—makes your time together feel festive and meaningful, turning friends into a community of food lovers.
Why do customer reviews mention both the pros and cons of Sur La Table?
With an average rating near 3.9 from a substantial number of reviews, customer feedback reflects both enthusiasm for the unique experiences and some areas for improvement. Many customers appreciate Sur La Table for its expert-led classes, wide product selection, and friendly staff who enhance the shopping and learning environment. The hands-on approach and educational focus earn praise, making it a favored destination for food lovers seeking more than just retail. On the other hand, some reviewers note occasional issues such as class pricing, availability, or variations in the quality of service depending on location or time. Like many specialty retailers, maintaining consistent quality across busy schedules and a broad class offering can be challenging. However, the overall sentiment remains positive, emphasizing that the benefits of engaging classes and a superb array of cooking tools outweigh occasional drawbacks. This balanced feedback highlights Sur La Table’s commitment to creating a valuable culinary experience for groups, while also reminding visitors to plan ahead and inquire about specifics to maximize their enjoyment.
What practical tips will help your group get the most out of Sur La Table?
To ensure your group has a fantastic time at Sur La Table, planning ahead is key. First, explore their class schedule online and book your spots well in advance as popular sessions can fill quickly, especially for larger groups. Take time to review class descriptions so you can pick themes that suit everyone’s interests and skill levels, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience. When visiting the store, don’t hesitate to engage the brand specialists who can provide personalized advice and product demos, making shopping both educational and fun. If your group includes knife enthusiasts, consider utilizing the expert knife sharpening service offered on site — it’s affordable and a nice way to bring your own tools up to standard while learning about maintenance. Finally, keep the meetup social and relaxed. Share recipes, tastes, and tips, turning your visit into a culinary celebration that strengthens friendships well beyond the event itself. By combining careful preparation with an open-minded and curious attitude, your group will make the most of everything Sur La Table has to offer.
This comprehensive article highlights why Sur La Table is an exceptional place for meetups centered around cooking and food culture, detailing the activities, environment, and history that make it so appealing for groups, ultimately crafting an inviting case to rally your friends at this quality culinary destination.