Marcel's Culinary Experience — Local services in Glen Ellyn

Marcel's is a true treasure. We have been shopping and attending culinary classes at Marcel's for about 15 months now, and it just keeps getting better all the time. As regards the retail goods side, Marcel's offers an extensive inventory of serving wares (linens, tableware, bowls, glassware, and the like)--my wife likes this side of Marcel's the best (she's a hostess type, not a cook). Marcel's also offers a range of consumable ingredients (oils, salts, mixes, etc.). Jill (the owner) and her staff have composed a wide range of high-quality, effective utensils and tools--from measuring cups to unique whisks to a ricer that outperforms any other that I have ever owned. Finally, they also offer a wide range of high-quality, name-brand cookware—All-Clad, Swiss Diamond, Emile Henry, USA Pans, and more. The prices are competitive at Marcel's. Yes, you might be able to buy a particular item for a couple of dollars less on line, but Marcel's has rejuvenated my appreciation for the brick and mortar experience. For example, I would have never looked at Swiss Diamond cookware if the staff at Marcel's was not—from personal experience—so enthusiastic about it. Now, it's the only brand I purchase for non-stick applications. The staff is experienced (many spent years at Williams Sonoma), unfailingly polite, and very customer-service oriented. And then there's the culinary education side of Marcel's—my favorite. We have attended many classes, and I can hardly wait for the next one (we're already signed up for seven upcoming courses in the remainder of the first quarter). The chefs are true professionals. They really take ownership of what they're delivering in the classes. They are without exception dedicated to making sure that you both learn and enjoy the class experience. Their objective seems to be demonstrating both skills and knowledge within a context of personally chosen recipes focused on a particular theme (check out the on-line calendar). I have learned so much from my attendance at these classes—both hands on and demonstration only. The classes have all been most enjoyable experiences. The chefs are tolerant of all levels of skills that you might bring to the class, from absolute beginner to advanced home cook, and they take any and all questions. To underscore just how good the classes are, my wife once took a class at a well-known, nationwide retail cookwares store. The instructor at that class opened with, “Well, these recipes all came from corporate, and I confess that I've never actually cooked them....” Understand that that could never, would never happen in a culinary class at Marcel's.I could go on and on, but I think by now you understand how highly I regard this...

My friend and I just completed the Springtime French Baking class with Chef Amy for Cinco De Mayo.

What we loved: Chef Amy was wonderful! Very technical and educational, helpful in answering all questions and really just loved the craft of baking. We loved how precise she was with everything including the bake times, guiding us through the hands on experience and making us feel welcome.

Our groups made this beautiful Key Lime Tart that was so vibrant and citrusy, really well-rounded and perfect for the season. The assistants they had on staff were all super accommodating and didn't feel over-crowding for the smaller space. The shop itself at Marcel's is a Springtime dream in itself - lots of inspiration to get you in the mood to host, bake, cook, and find your inner "chef".

What was a little disappointing: The class, unfortunately, didn't start or end on time. It also was cutting into lunch and mid-day so hunger queues were evident.

The Macarons we made was considered fairly advanced or expert level, and while Chef Amy really dove into what challenges you can experience while making macarons, I wish we would have made a dessert that was more in line with the Key Lime Tart and Madeleines. Possibly the Macaron making can be even a separate class in the future?

Finally, we tasted the Key Lime Tart, madeleines and macaron filling as an entire "group" rather than what we made per table. (So for example, the Key Lime Tart we tasted could have been made by the other group that we weren't involved in making).

Overall: Highly recommended! This is such a cherished experience for the professional or baker at heart. I appreciated the space and knowledge I gained from...

I surprised my husband last night (for his birthday) by signing both of us up to take the Soups and Stews class with Chef Kelly Sears. We had a blast!!! We had so much fun with the other 6 people at our work area and the food was DELICIOUS!!! We made 2 soups and 3 stews and we learned a lot of little cooking tips. Kelly made it so much fun...even when we accidentally combined the wrong ingredients (they shouldn't serve wine and let you talk...lol!!) with the wrong recipe! She just rolled with the flow and never made us feel like we did anything wrong. As she pointed out, that's the beauty of cooking and making it your own dish, even if it was unintentional :) There were 3 other ladies who cleaned up our work area, served the food, refilled your wine or water glass and tended to anything you might need. We were offered 10% off any purchases we made in the store that night and, as per another review, were not made to feel bad that we didn't make a purchase over $100. I cannot rave enough about the fun we had, the quality of the food and ingredients or the people who worked there. We can't wait to take another class!! ...