The Local Epicurean

4.7
(377 reviews)
Last updated: May 23, 2025
Website
616-206-5175
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About The Business

The Local Epicurean is a cooking school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded by Michele and Jennifer, the establishment focuses on providing cooking experiences for individuals and groups. They offer a variety of public classes, private events, and special sessions like date nights and team building.

The classes offered cover a wide array of cuisines and techniques, including Italian pasta making, French pastry, various Asian dishes, baking bread, and mastering knife skills. The approach is predominantly hands-on, encouraging participants to actively engage in the cooking process under the guidance of instructors. They aim to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for different skill levels.

Beyond cooking classes, The Local Epicurean also produces fresh pasta, chocolates, and other gourmet food items available for purchase. The business is known for its commitment to sharing culinary knowledge and creating memorable food experiences within its community.

Location & Hours

The Local Epicurean

1440 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49506

616-206-5175

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Hours
Mon
Closed
Tue
10AM-9PM
Wed
10AM-7PM
Thu
10AM-7PM
Fri
10AM-7PM
Sat
10AM-7PM
Sun
10AM-7PM

Additional Information

Class types:

Date night, Couples, Corporate events, Team-building, Kids’ classes, Multi-session course

Age groups:

Kids, Adults

Skill level:

Beginner, All levels

Class themes:

Italian, French, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean, Baking, Pastry, Bread Making, Knife Skills, Seafood, Holiday Cooking

Class sizes:

7–15 people

Participation types:

Hands-on

Teacher credentials:

Professional Chef

Class types:

Cooking school

Class duration:

Single-sessions, Multi-week series

BYOB allowed?

Not allowed

The Local Epicurean Reviews

4.7 377 reviews
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Avoid Gather & Forge – My Experience with Their Private Chef Services

September 12, 2025

I don’t usually write negative reviews, but I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone else avoid the same mistake.

I hired Gather & Forge well in advance to provide a great private dining experience for guests I had flown in from across the country—two nights in a row. Both nights were a letdown.

The chef showed up 45 minutes to an hour late each night.

The food wasn’t hot. It came out lukewarm or even cool.

The quality of the meal didn’t justify the price. Honestly, I’d say the value was maybe 60% of what we paid.

I gave them plenty of chances to make it right, but they had no interest in doing so. As much as I think Brandon (the chef) worked hard, the overall service just didn’t live up to the cost or the expectations.

Bottom line: Gather & Forge is overpriced, underdelivers, and doesn’t seem to care about customer satisfaction. I really wanted this to be a great experience, but I would never use them again and highly discourage anyone from booking them for private chef services.

Clay

Fabulous venue for events & Italian cooking classes!

August 25, 2025

Our BYOB wine group had an amazing experience Saturday night at A Taste of Milan in the Southside with Chef Sidney and Katie! We learned how to make home made pasta and enjoyed her family recipes handed down from generations! Truly beyond 5 stars and it was a magical evening! Thank you Sidney and Katie

Kim Marie Angiulli