Culinary Breakdown

Everything was absolutely amazing!
For my boyfriends birthday, his family and I surprised him with a private cooking lesson. I worked with Douglass and Debra to create the menu, providing them with guidelines — my other half was interested in learning how to filet a fish and grill seafood, all of which we requested to be gluten free. Debra and Douglass collected all of these requests and sent over an enticing menu.
On his birthday, they arrived and got set up while we distracted the birthday boy. Once the surprise was revealed and we put our aprons on (provided by the chef) we moved onto our lesson. Douglass taught us how to prepare scallops ceviche, make a fresh corn purée, what do do with different spices and where to get them from, how to cut and slow roast salmon, and how to filet a fish and then grill it. Once the main menu items were prepped, he had us sit down while he finished preparing dinner. We were served four phenomenal courses! Each dish better than the last and plate-​licking good!
Through out the whole process, Douglass shared his tricks of the trade, travels stories, and wealth of culinary knowledge with our family. He and Debra work so well together and really make you feel like home in your own home. If you are looking for a personal culinary experience, I recommend Culinary Breakdown 110%! From the food to the service, everything was top notch! Would most

This was without exaggeration the most remarkable meal of my life — so remarkable, in fact, that I signed up for Unilocal just to give this review. And if you suspect that I exaggerate, notice: EVERY SINGLE REVIEWER BEFORE ME ALSO GAVE CHEF DOUGLASS WILLIAMS AN OVER-​THE-​TOP FIVE-​STAR RATING! That attests to the power and persuasiveness of his culinary talent, which is nothing short of singular and life-​changing.
This meal far exceeded my expectations — and I entered it with very high ones. So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the asking fee, let me assure you that it is indeed worth that and much, much more. The fee is actually quite modest, given that my palate will never be the same again after experiencing the combinations of flavor and texture that Douglass conjured. One cannot put a price on that.
I could extend this review indefinitely — from detailing the surprise amuse-​bouche course of a delectable sea-​foam and cilantro-​berry gazpacho the likes of which I had never before encountered, to relaying the particulars of a tutorial on preparing the most satisfying scallops and salmon I have ever savored, to describing the thrill of sinking my teeth into a molten mint-​peach chocolate cake that raised the ceiling of succulence I THOUGHT dessert could reach — but I must stop here in the interest of concision. Let me just summarize by saying that Douglass is extraordinarily personable, generous, passionate, imaginative, and gifted, and that this was a meal I will remember for a long, long time. I have enjoyed some fine cuisine over the years, but nothing, not even my imagination, could have prepared me for this experience. Thank you for the meal of my life, Douglass!

Douglass and Debra exceeded our already high expectations. Douglass was extremely accommodating of the groups dietary requirements. Every dish was exceptional. I can’t believe we didn’t discover Culinary Breakdown earlier. Good luck in NY Douglass. .. Boston already misses you.

We had a blast at our Culinary Breakdown class! Douglass is a really good teacher and makes it all very entertaining — it was the perfect combination of having fun and also learning some new techniques. Our meal was absolutely delicious and we have all the recipes so I’ll definitely make it again. The best part was the Douglass brought EVERYTHING; I was worried that we wouldn’t have the right knives or supplies but as soon as he arrived, he immediately set up four stations, each with cutting board, knife, apron, towel, and everything else we needed. He also left the kitchen spotless when he left. His sous chef was also lovely and friendly and very helpful. I’d highly recommend this as a gift (as it was for me) or for a special occasion for a small group, like a 40^th bday party or as a non-​traditional bachelorette party. I hope to do it again some day!

Absolutely amazing. Our party ranged from novice (me) to very skilled participants and everyone was included, everyone learned, and everyone had fun. Everything was so delicious including 3 courses, wine, and even snacks while we cooked. They were warm, organized (!), and great teachers. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a way to gain more experience (whatever your level) or even just a fun thing to do as a party or gift. Amazing.

We had a celebratory dinner back in Sep with 6 of us… it was honestly one of the best and most memorable meals I’ve had. Douglass made everything as easy as possible for us, from set-​up to clean-​up, including helping to surprise my wife! The food, and particularly the insights on where to shop for the best ingredients around Boston, were AMAZING. Not to mention he brought 6 bottles of great wine, perfectly paired with each of his amazing courses!
The cost wasn’t much more than you’d pay at a nice restaurant. We’re definitely going to do this again!

I was lucky enough to get a Culinary Breakdown cooking lesson (and dinner party for 7) for Christmas, and it was fantastic.
It really is a «collective culinary experience,» not just a simple cooking lesson. Our group put together a four course meal, over the course of about five hours (!) and several bottles of wine. We learned some great techniques, had a ton of laughs, and ate like royalty.
Everything about this was fantastic — the menu was completely customizable, Douglass brought all the supplies (including a killer set of professional knives that he allowed us to use), and everyone participated in the meal prep.
It made for a very memorable evening with friends — check out the photos on my blog if you’d like to see more!