Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School

My wife and I celebrated a delayed birthday of mine to go to Sweet Basil to attend a cooking class consisting of three courses. It was considered a "Gourmet Couples" class and included a first course, an entree, and a dessert. We were one of only three couples present though the classes typically have four or more couples in attendance. The instructor Linda Martin was dynamic and made learning come naturally for all of us. The first course dishes included fig and goat cheese on grilled crostini with port syrup and a caesar salad with sourdough croutons. This was served with a J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay (2022). Then, the entree consisted of chicken piccata with lemon and capers, gorgonzola mashed potatoes, curry-scented roasted vegetables, and grilled fresh broccoli with lemon and garlic, all of which was paired with a Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon (2022). Then, the dessert course included flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries. My wife and I took the lead on the the fit and goat cheese on grilled crostini with port syrup. Later, during the entree, we prepared the gorgonzola mashed potatoes. I was impressed how delicious every course turned out to be! After each course, the three couples along with the chefs took a break to enjoy our courses. We enjoyed showcasing our own dishes and giving it a try along with the other dishes and courses. We also each received a tasting of the other courses. Later, after we wrapped up the session, we could make a purchase in the store (that night only) at a discounted rate. All in all, the food was delicious, the instructor taught us a lot, and the recipes helped us recreate the food the next time we were up for the challenge.

Just completed the Christmas Cookie class. If you are a serious baker this is not the class for you. The class consisted of a non bake cookie and a bake cookie. Couples would have one of each to complete. When completed the cookies were shared out with the rest of the class. The cookies made are very small which leads to the 16 dozen a participant could walk away with. I should have researched this class more. I expected to have some teaching or example of a cookie. Each couple was give two recipes with pre measured ingredients to combine. I was surprised to see imitation vanilla being used and not real vanilla. Walmart ingredients were also used. I have no problem with Walmart ingredients but when you are making a chocolate cookie the Home Brand is not necessarily the best chocolate to be using I am glad I participated, but I would not recommend participating in this class.

My family attended a Spanish tapas and paella cooking class here and we really enjoyed ourselves. This was our first experience in a big cooking class so we didn't know what to expect, but we all had a great time. Between the four of us, there's a variety of cooking skillsets so I appreciate that Chef Linda went through each recipe clearly and explained different techniques to use. This was super helpful for more beginner cooks, but I could see this being a little boring for those with more experience in the kitchen. The menu selection was excellent that day, and we loved sitting down to eat everything at the end of the class. All of the recipes were easy enough to follow along and replicate later. We made a bunch of them for our Christmas meal this year - so fun!

I had the pleasure to take a holiday cookie baking class at Sweet Basil this past weekend. The class was fun and the fact that we came home with a ton of cookies to eat was great. I do wish we could have made more than just 2 of the 14 types, but at least we went home with the recipes for all. I had a great time with my friend at the class and the shop attached is super cute. The oven work and cleaning was taken care of by the chef and her assistant.

I attended a fun and exciting cooking class today with Chef Amy Barnes. Not only was she very pleasant, but she was also very informative. Along the way, she peppered in kitchen and product hints. Little things mean so much, such as how to store cilantro in the refrigerator, the best way to mince shallots, and even how to "violently smash lemongrass" to obtain the proper cut and flavor. Chef Amy was so fun to learn from. I didn't feel intimidated. When I made an error in making the recipe, she assured me that all would be fine! You can tell she loves what she does and loves to share her knowledge. Today's class was Modern Thai. Chef Amy made sure to tell us where to find potentially hard-to-find items--specifically told us of stores in the general Phx area. Michele was Chef Amy's assistant. She was so helpful! And patient! We were kind of needy when we first started acclimating in the kitchen! After class, she took me around the store helping me find a few items that I just knew I could not live without! ;) I came by myself, but left with many new friends! I can't wait to attend another class!

There website stated they had a cooking available on a Tuesday morning so when I went to call and book, The lady on the phone stated they no longer are having the class "due to the amount of people." I guess not enough people signed up so they aren't going to have the class which is very unfortunate since I was planning to do this for my boyfriend's birthday. I wish they took down the class because it gives the impression that it's available to new customers like myself. The lady on the phone then recommended to get a gift certificate. Why would I get a gift certificate to somewhere where they cancel their classes even when they promote them? WILL NEVER TRY AGAIN.

I am shocked by the low rating of this place given how much I enjoyed a cooking class through them. I attended their tapas class and it was great. The class split up to make around 8 dishes (plus or minus) ranging from appetizers to desserts. Students are able to pick what they want to make and all of the recipes are demonstrated and a complete recipe book is given out. Other than the fact that we couldn't make all of the dishes, we had absolutely no complaints. The dishes all turned out great and the whole experience was a blast. Will be back for a class on desserts.

We had such a fun time at the new location (not currently registered with yelp) that is at Pima and Pinnacle Peak. We pre-registered for a couple's cooking class and although it said it was full, at least one couple did not show up, but it was a good size group for this class. I did notice that almost all of their classes are full, so pre-booking is important. Everything was ready and clean when we arrived. Class did start a little late as we were waiting for some people to arrive. Everyone is provided with a packet of the recipes we were preparing and an apron. They offer water and iced tea before class. Honestly a glass of wine would have been nice as you don't eat or drink until everything is done- so about 9:00pm. And here is the deal on wine; they offer lovely pairings from a sommelier (that I thought were fantastic) or you can choose to bring your own wine and drink all through the class, but you can not do both. And that is likely the only downside. Otherwise everything was great. Chef Linda was knowledgeable and the recipes were usable and very tasty. She knew her recipes well as they were actually hers, which I liked. We paired up and everyone made a dish. Chef Linda was superb at guiding us in what we should be doing. No one was new to cooking but she had good pointers, and great organization. There was plenty of food when we were done, in fact I could not finish it all. I am excited to make these recipes at home.

I've been here a few times for cooking classes and I have loved every single one of them! Some of the recipes I was taught are now regulars. This is such an incredible place, I love the setup and their system for classes! I highly recommend this place! A cooking class makes a great gift for your spouse, mom or best friend!

I was a regular in this store when they were on Shea and Scottsdale Rd. I just went to their new location in Scottsdale for the Valentine cookie decorating class. Here are my observations:1. Cookie looked and smelled store bought. 2 icing although said to be made from recipe distributed from instructor, was not. She later admitted to purchasing the icing from ABC Cakes in PHX.3. The class seating was poor, you couldn't see the instructor from many of the seats. I had high hopes for this. I was very disappointed. The owner of the store is the same; perhaps even more of a "sour puss" and the merchandise is the same old tired stuff she had 5-10 years ago, with only a few new items.