iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 against the other companies in this category (Satisfaction and Reliability also count absolute quality: 65% absolute, 35% relative), then weighted:Satisfaction 45%86+38.4Reliability 20%86+17.2Craft & service 24%72+16.9Value 12%67+7.9Experts Score= 80Not enough data for momentum, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#18 of 48 cooking classesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 64%
5.0★★★★★62 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers report that the hands-on culinary classes and private chef services provide comprehensive instruction on techniques like knife skills and seasoning, often covering foundational concepts in a short time. Reviewers note that the instructor arrives punctually with all necessary ingredients and equipment, adapts to varying skill levels, and manages cleanup. Participants describe the pricing as reasonable for the value received, citing increased confidence and practical knowledge gained from the intimate, well-organized sessions.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 62 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 62 Google reviews (59 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: May 1, 2025.
Service: Cooking Class serving Durham, North Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other cooking classes
Percentile per factor (100 = best)iPercentile vs other companies in the category: 70 means better than 70% of them.. Strongest: satisfaction and reliability; weakest: value.
Season to TasteCooking Classes median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 38% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; 65% absolute (3.5★ = 0, 5★ = 100), 35% vs the category.Season to Taste is better than 86% of cooking classes. Category median: 77.A
86
ReliabilityiReliability · 17% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months, or the 20 newest if fewer (fewer = better); 65% absolute (0% = 100, 15%+ = 0), 35% vs the category.Season to Taste is better than 86% of cooking classes. Category median: 77.A
86
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · 20% of the scoreGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review with highlights; 65% absolute (0% = 100, 10%+ = 0), 35% vs the category.Season to Taste is better than 72% of cooking classes. Category median: 76.B
72
ValueiValue · 10% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), 35% vs the category.Season to Taste is better than 67% of cooking classes. Category median: 83.B
67
MomentumiMomentum · 10% of the scorePenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 5% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), 35% vs the category.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 39.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
62 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars62100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 59 written reviews
100%praise
Praise71100%
Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend2941%
Staff & attitude2028%
Quality & results811%
Speed & response710%
Price & value46%
Honesty & trust23%
Communication11%
What customers talk about
We read 59 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Highly recommend the class to anyone who wants to up their cooking game.”
“John was knowledgeable, engaging and made cooking feel approachable for all skill levels.”
“I recently attend Season To Taste culinary class and it was a fantastic experience!”
“I've told everyone I can who will listen: Book immediately!”
“His pricing was also very reasonable for the time, effort, ingredients and hospitality and training provided.”
“I was on the fence due to the cost but I honestly feel it’s worth far more than he is charging (plus I’ve learned how much money I can save by doing…”
“John was super communicative, brought high quality food, engaged with my party the entire evening, brought everything he needed, and cleaned up.”
People customers mention
John36 reviews
Series7 reviews
Essentials4 reviews
Eisensmith3 reviews
Class3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Stephen2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Amazing wealth of information. My wife and I attended together and we had a great time. Highly recommend the class to anyone who wants to up their cooking game.
HarryLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
I recently attend Season To Taste culinary class and it was a fantastic experience! John was knowledgeable, engaging and made cooking feel approachable for all skill levels. The hands-on experience and clear instructions made a huge difference. I left feeling more confident in my cooking skills and excited to try…
Molly3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Took the basics course and there was so much information! He presents the information well and very encouraging of trying, tasting, and making mistakes in order to learn. If you want to learn from scratch or brush up on skills, highly recommend this class!
Amy1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
I have just finished John’s Essential Series, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve made:) I learned so much in such a short time, and was able to put that knowledge to use straight away. This course is perfect for the aspiring home chef! I would recommend everybody take Season To Taste’s courses, life changing , seriously!!
Anne5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough of the Essentials Series and of John as a teacher! I had gotten to the point where I felt confident with "the what" of cooking, but wanted to understand "the why". This is the only class I could find that addressed the foundational pieces that I knew I was missing to become a more…
mariaLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
Wanna highly recommend this class to everyone the instructor is extremely knowledgeable. Teaches you everything from how to shop for groceries to how to chop it to how to season it to how to cook it and not just using recipes using flavors to create meals. Incredible class very entertaining. Nice small group, look into this class. It’s a really good.
Amazing wealth of information. My wife and I attended together and we had a great time. Highly recommend the class to anyone who wants to up their cooking game.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks so much, Steve! It was so great having you two in class and I'm happy that I hopefully added to your collective joy, fun, and curiosity in the kitchen! You two make such a great team and I have no doubt that you'll have many fun times ahead in the kitchen! Thanks for a great review and I am so happy that you got so much out of the class! Happy Cooking! :D
Harry CLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Harry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I recently attend Season To Taste culinary class and it was a fantastic experience! John was knowledgeable, engaging and made cooking feel approachable for all skill levels. The hands-on experience and clear instructions made a huge difference. I left feeling more confident in my cooking skills and excited to try new recipes and cooking techniques at home. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their culinary techniques!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks so much, Harry! You brought a great energy to the kitchen and I am so glad I was able to add to your knowledge base! Helping to increase your confidence and want to try new things in the kitchen is so much more powerful than even the techniques and knowledge! Continual learning, playing, experimenting, and improving along the way is the point! Thanks again for everything in the kitchen and for such a great review! Happy Cooking! :D
Molly ODwyer3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Molly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Took the basics course and there was so much information! He presents the information well and very encouraging of trying, tasting, and making mistakes in order to learn. If you want to learn from scratch or brush up on skills, highly recommend this class!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks so much Molly! Had a great time teaching you and so glad you are encouraged to get in there again! It's just food, the love that it brings is the point, but the food helps make it sweeter! ❤️Thanks for the great review and can't wait to cook with you again sometime soon! Cheers! 🤗
Sophia Matteson4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sophia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have just finished John’s Essential Series, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve made:) I learned so much in such a short time, and was able to put that knowledge to use straight away. This course is perfect for the aspiring home chef! I would recommend everybody take Season To Taste’s courses, life changing , seriously!!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Awe, shucks... This is exactly why I do what I do and I couldn't be more ecstatic that it landed so well! You were a wonderful student in class and I really appreciate all the kind words! Happy Cooking and thanks for the great review!!❤️
Anne Fell5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Anne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot speak highly enough of the Essentials Series and of John as a teacher! I had gotten to the point where I felt confident with "the what" of cooking, but wanted to understand "the why". This is the only class I could find that addressed the foundational pieces that I knew I was missing to become a more competent cook. John did a great job of giving enough background information to provide context for what we were doing, but kept the class moving at a pace that ensured we were able to cover all of the material in the time we had. I definitely recommend this course for anyone who wants to optimize their time in the kitchen, AND enjoys the art of creating a delicious meal!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks so much, Anne! I really love diving into the why's of cooking so folks really feel comfortable with what they are cooking and I am so glad it hit! You were great in class and it was great cooking with you! The why's of cooking are what help people feel comfortable in the kitchen and not chained to a recipe. That's why I do what I do and what I feel is so special about the Essential Series! So glad you appreciate all my "geeking out" in the kitchen! Thanks for the great review! Happy Cooking! ❤️
maria nibotLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews maria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wanna highly recommend this class to everyone the instructor is extremely knowledgeable. Teaches you everything from how to shop for groceries to how to chop it to how to season it to how to cook it and not just using recipes using flavors to create meals. Incredible class very entertaining. Nice small group, look into this class. It’s a really good.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks so much, Maria! I really appreciated showing you all the things to get comfortable cooking simple (or complex) meals easily... When you get the fundamentals, it's just take what you have, decide how you want to cook/eat, then what direction do you want to send it and you can have what you want! Thanks so much for the great review and kind words! Can't wait to see what you cook! Cheers! ❤️
Frank ALocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Chef John Eisensmith's culinary essentials classes are an excellent hands-on experience for any person looking to learn the basics. His classes are in an intimate setting, setting you up for success! I love his passion for teaching as he truly cares about transmitting his extensive expertise and knowledge. In just 3 intensive classes, he is able to cover one whole year of culinary school, truly AMAZING!!! I highly recommend his classes if you are looking to elevate your culinary game!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks sir! You rock and your passion for cooking and life comes through so easily! I'm happy that I could help you learn so much to help connecting the dots in the kitchen that you were needing! It is such a great class but YOU are the judge of that and from this awesome review, I think I hit the mark! I hope you are enjoying even more in the kitchen now! Happy cooking sir! Cheers! :D And thanks for the great review! Love always spreads! ❤️
Cindy Baudoin8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cindy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a great time in the Essential Experience with John! He is a gifted, patient teacher whose passion for sharing his knowledge and skills is inspirational. I learned so much and particularly enjoyed the practical cooking exercises, which really helped with my confidence in the kitchen. I thoroughly recommend this unique experience to anyone who wants to dig a little deeper into their cooking – John is a wonderful guide!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks so much! I had a great time teaching you and hope you are still building your skills with what you learned in the kitchen! Happy cooking and thanks for the great review! :D
