Statement from Chef David Martone

This is not a decision that I’ve come to lightly. Sadly, after 27 years, I can confirm that Classic Thyme Cooking School has closed, operations have ceased, and subsequently the building owner has sold the property.

On Friday November 13, 2020, I tested positive for COVID-19. Having no other symptoms except the loss of taste and smell, I was one of the lucky ones. I was told that my taste and smell should return within a few weeks’ time, as was common in most cases. More than two years later (including participation in a Columbia University Chemosensory study), my senses of taste and smell remain largely non-existent, which has been shown to occur in rare cases.

As the Chef and Head Instructor at Classic Thyme, it was difficult to continue instructing classes without my senses of taste and smell, which created a significant void. Previously, I taught the majority of classes myself. Coupled with other fallouts from COVID-19, it became clear that this was not sustainable in the long term. You can look at a pot of gravy and see that it looks good, but without smelling and tasting it, you can’t be sure. It was with those factors weighing heavily that I made the decision to close.

Thank you for your patronage and support over the last 27 years. It has been a pleasure teaching you, your families, and your colleagues that cooking can be serious fun.