Sur La Table — Local services in Chicago

I have a serious issue on how my night turned out. In the midst of a pandemic this company and its staff are solely focused on capital and not people. November 20, 2021, I was taken on what was supposed to be a surprised date. Taking a culinary class was something I have been wanting to do for awhile. My date obviously heard me loud and clear and did a great job trying to make that come to fruition. I was definitely surprised, but not for the good. We arrived 20 minutes late due to the valet flirting with someone, given the the wrong directions multiple times by mall & security staff, and after calling the store’s number multiple times with no human m assistance. Upon finally arriving into the store, we weren’t given a quick layout of the room or what everyone was now doing. So, we took the initiative and common sense to find where to wash our hands first. Make sure before arriving that you are fluent in English, so you can maneuver around which sink to use, because there are 3 total and the instructor definitely does not have a sec to tell you. While at the hand washing sink please use common sense to also pour yourself a glass of cold water (inferred by the cold water housed in glass bottles with empty glasses next to them?) Standing awkwardly in the room, we were finally instructed to find our names and put on our aprons. No further directions, so again we just stood. Even more bizarre, we stood with aprons on helpless and confused (CLEARLY AWKWARD & EMBARRASSING) 10 mins. We kept raising our hand and making verbal utters to get the instructor’s attention. The instructor was so distracted by frantically running around the entire kitchen end to end to help others; he never noticed our constant efforts to get his brief attention. In fact, we decided to take photos of ourselves and unused working space. When we shouted EXCUSE ME WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING? The instructor nonchalantly said we were paired with another couple already working and worse made NO introduction in order to break the ice. So, we were expected to just “jump in and start doing what exactly?” Remember, he did hadn’t given us clear directions since we entered the room. Respectfully speaking in the middle of a pandemic, I did not know the couple who was already touching and handling my food with their bare hands. At the end, I am expected to put food in my mouth and eat…right? Since we did not know the couple it was also hard to communicate who was going to do what and when. Especially since they had already started prepping most of the meal. So it wasn’t much for us to contribute. The couple did allow us to place ONE EGG in the mixing bowl the entire time we were there. To this minute, I still couldn’t tell you what was being mixed and why. The instructor appeared flustered and overwhelmed. The evening was guaranteed to run more smoothly had an assistant been present to attend a packed room. Personally, customer service was notably lacking. On top of that, he kept telling everyone how the cooking equipment was malfunctioning. If this is known fact, then why has the company not made the conscious decision to simply replace it as this makes the company look bad. Are you waiting for a guest to hurt themselves PRIOR to swapping our necessary items. After awhile the evening stated to become annoying, so we decided it was more appropriate for us to leave. At this time, we just demanded the instructor’s attention after he once again failed to notice our subtle attempts. We pulled him to the side and told he we were just going to reschedule for another day and time…hopefully a slot where we can have access to our own ingredients, cooking utensils, and equipment. The instructor carelessly spent the time telling us about non-refundable policies which was the most personal time, direct attention and conversation that he had with us all evening. Don’t waste your time let alone money here, especially if you are need of solid quality time with your significant other. If you do, then hopefully this fully prepared you on...

My partner and I come here every once in a while. We always go in hoping that people are decent to us as we are two, young "looking" Black women. We went in on my birthday in hopes of finding these cutting boards she saw online (which she ended buying after being helped by the only person who acknowledged us). Though I was a bit upset that she bought them because of how bad the service was, even the lady at the register didn't acknowledge us.

My issue was with the woman who worked at the coffee station (older woman with dark eye glass frames). I recently bought a Breville express espresso machine and I was looking around for accessories (milk pitchers, thermometers, mugs). She looked at me and clearly ignored me. Again, I don't expect to be overly serviced; I work in customer service and get it but a simple hello would have sufficed. After watching her help other guests (who were not of color) and even offered to make them drinks (!!!) I went and asked her about the Breville knock-box I've been looking at online. I was under the impression that it was sold here and I was excited about it. I went up to her and said "Hello, do you sell these here? "she looked at me as if my question annoyed her and she replied "no." and walked away. I am not joking! My partner, who is so sweet actually chuckled because she couldn't believe how rude this woman actually was to us!

I'm not sure if this is a trend here as it always seem to be a hit or miss, and I usually choose to sit in the seating area outside of the store as I always feel that we are not welcomed here. The store on North Ave was a little better but has since closed. 900 north is a different vibe and definitely uncomfortable if you are Black/non White in my opinion. It's super unfortunate as we have been customers for so long and have really nice kitchen appliances and dishes that come from here. Gotta put my foot down and spread the word at this point because it...

Sur la table online is 1 star. This physical branch on the other hand? 10 stars, darling! Forget the mediocre service at William Sonomes. This is where it’s at! On my first visit, the associate helped me truly made it a wonderful experience. Darn I forgot her name, but she was wearing christmas earrings on Black Friday 2024. FAB. I felt no pressure, no hurry, she walked me through everything and was so eager to just be there for anything I needed. Lastly, let me end with Chuck, the manager. This guy is FAB-U-LOUS. When I came back for a pot I had my eyes on, he immediately recognized me and took care of everything so swiftly despite the big crowd.

I honestly want to forge a business relationship with this store just because of how good they’ve been to me. Hey, Chuck! If you read this, I’d love to get a text of photos of pots with deals on a weekly basis! He he 🥰😇

Just FYI this is inside the mag mile indoor mall, and there’s validated parking...