Rentable kitchen space??

I've been using Kitchen Chicago as a venue for my cooking group's events... however the summer months are difficult to host events there because of the AC issues they have been having and continue to deal with.

Are there any other venues with a working kitchen I can utilize and rent out?? I'm in real need for something within the city (and nearby burbs would be considered too), at least through the summer months.

Thanks in advance...

I can't think of a specific place, but sometimes community rec centers have kitchens that they may rent out. I think it's usually done in conjunction with the renting of meeting space--which is what I think the host of a birthday party I attended did at the rec center in Morton Grove (???)--but some centers may make special arrangements.

HI,

How much are you paying for Kitchen Chicago? How many people can they accomodate? Are you all cooking simultaneously or its a demo with tasting afterwards?

Regards,

At Kitchen Chicago, I was paying $22/hr for professional kitchen use and $40/hr for cafe use.

At Kitchen Chicago, their Kitchen/Cafe combined could accomodate about 18-20 folks comfortably. I'm interested in a place that can accomodate similar or larger capacity.

A kitchen that allows for a few folks to cook simultaneously would be ideal but not necessary... as long as there is a working stovetop, oven and microwave, fridge/freezer (just the basic kitchen appliances) it will accomodate my group fine.

I've been looking at school rec centers but being the summer, responses have been slow. I've also considered church halls but I'm a little apprehensive since some may not welcome those not associated with the church/religion.

I know there are "party rooms" at a few downtown highrises, but I don't know specific folks that live in them to request rental space and parking downtown may pose as a challenge for my group.

Oy...any suggestions or contacts is very much appreciated!

Our Church rents its hall space which includes a full kitchen with two 6 burner Garland stoves, plenty of seating and counter workspace.

The area is residential, but walking distance to the Blue Line and the Kennedy.

http://www.parkviewlutheran.org/
3919 N Monticello
Chicago

A few weeks ago, we were walking through the Chicago Merchandise Mart and noticed a commercial kitchen on the first floor on the east side of the building. There was a sign that noted that the space could be rented. I have no clue as to the specifics of the situation.

jlawrence01 wrote:A few weeks ago, we were walking through the Chicago Merchandise Mart and noticed a commercial kitchen on the first floor on the east side of the building. There was a sign that noted that the space could be rented. I have no clue as to the specifics of the situation.

I wonder if that space is affiliated with The Chopping Block? It would make sense as they have a branch in the Merchandise Mart.

Daisy11 wrote:I wonder if that space is affiliated with The Chopping Block? It would make sense as they have a branch in the Merchandise Mart.

I think that you are right. The facility was large enough to hold 30-40 people prepping food. They had two or three separate people working there when I walked by.

it's a really nice space (from what i've seen peeking in), plus a retail store with nice gifts, kitchen items, etc.

the best time to see that kitchen space is around thanksgiving/holidays, they bake pies by the busload, and you can just see racks & racks of pies cooling in the space.

yum!
ellen

kafein wrote:Our Church rents its hall space which includes a full kitchen with two 6 burner Garland stoves, plenty of seating and counter workspace.

The area is residential, but walking distance to the Blue Line and the Kennedy.

http://www.parkviewlutheran.org/
3919 N Monticello
Chicago

Yikes!.... I just called to get some rate information. They quoted me the following for a party:

$300 cleaning deposit - which may or may not be returned
$600 rental - both kitchen and hall (kitchen cant be rented separately)

That definitely hurts the pocketbook, especially for just a 3 hour party, but thanks so much for the suggestion!

Dinner by Design stores and similar businesses may be willing to rent out their space at off-times. I don't know whether Spice Rack Gourmet Kitchen Suites is still in business; their web site is gone.

You might also consider some of the extended-stay hotels that rent suites with full kitchens, like Residence Inn.

Thanks everyone! Thanks to Liz, fellow LTHer Kafein, I was able to secure another large space that can accommodate my cooking events:

Parkview Lutheran
3919 N. Monticello
Chicago - Old Irving Park neighborhood
Cost $100 for the day, as a monthly renter.
http://www.parkviewlutheran.org/

For single events, pricing may be different, but do call to ask if you're interested!


I plan on checking out the other recs for future events to so I can host in other parts or the city.

Hi all,

I'm looking for a rentable, commercial/professional kitchen space with dining facility for about 50-70 people. This is for an all-day event in August 2008 at which a bunch of people will converge in Chicago and prep a group meal for each other. The budget is tight, as this is being held by a 501c3 non-profit organization.

I do already have a few promising leads but none of them are air-conditioned. Ideally, because this is taking place in August, I'd like to find a location that meets the food-related requirements and has a/c.

If you know of place that might work (churches, VFW and Meeting Halls seem to be good options), please post here and let me know the details.

Thanks!

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Hi all,

I'm looking for a rentable, commercial/professional kitchen space with dining facility for about 50-70 people. This is for an all-day event in August 2008 at which a bunch of people will converge in Chicago and prep a group meal for each other. The budget is tight, as this is being held by a 501c3 non-profit organization.

I do already have a few promising leads but none of them are air-conditioned. Ideally, because this is taking place in August, I'd like to find a location that meets the food-related requirements and has a/c.

If you know of place that might work (churches, VFW and Meeting Halls seem to be good options), please post here and let me know the details.

Thanks!

=R=

Ronnie, I know Honky Tonk BBQ rents out space (for instance, to ChEfrain), and they've got a full commercial kitchen with a Southern Pride into the deal. There's a small dining room in front with a much larger performance space off to the side, with tables. AC? Not sure.

Spice Rack is out of business, but there's a great facility in Evanston called Now We're Cookin'.

Now We're Cookin'
1601 Payne Street, Suite C
Evanston, IL 60201
847-570-4140
www.nwcookin.com

David Hammond wrote:Ronnie, I know Honky Tonk BBQ rents out space (for instance, to ChEfrain), and they've got a full commercial kitchen with a Southern Pride into the deal. There's a small dining room in front with a much larger performance space off to the side, with tables. AC? Not sure.

choppcs wrote:Spice Rack is out of business, but there's a great facility in Evanston called Now We're Cookin'.

Now We're Cookin'
1601 Payne Street, Suite C
Evanston, IL 60201
847 570-4140
www.nwcookin.com

Thanks, for the recommendations. I'll definitely investigate both options.

=R=

Ronnie, the ladies from Now We're Cookin come in the shop often. They are really nice, the director is Mary McMahon, she used to be the pastry chef at Trio. Their space is marvelous and has three separate cooking areas. You do have to bring your own pots and pans and there is not a dishwasher (except you!). There is also a nice front area for entertaining up to about 40. They are new and eager for business so I am sure they would work with you.

Cinnamon Girl wrote:Ronnie, the ladies from Now We're Cookin come in the shop often. They are really nice, the director is Mary McMahon, she used to be the pastry chef at Trio. Their space is marvelous and has three separate cooking areas. You do have to bring your own pots and pans and there is not a dishwasher (except you!). There is also a nice front area for entertaining up to about 40. They are new and eager for business so I am sure they would work with you.

Thanks, Patty. I appreciate the tip. I've been in contact with them and their place does seem very nice.

I still don't have anything booked/confirmed, so any additional suggestions are welcome.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm looking for a rentable, commercial/professional kitchen space with dining facility for about 50-70 people. This is for an all-day event in August 2008 at which a bunch of people will converge in Chicago and prep a group meal for each other. The budget is tight, as this is being held by a 501c3 non-profit organization.

This is for the eGullet Heartland gathering, I guess? No need to be shy.

Aaron Deacon wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm looking for a rentable, commercial/professional kitchen space with dining facility for about 50-70 people. This is for an all-day event in August 2008 at which a bunch of people will converge in Chicago and prep a group meal for each other. The budget is tight, as this is being held by a 501c3 non-profit organization.

This is for the eGullet Heartland gathering, I guess? No need to be shy.

LOL . . . yes. I wasn't intentionally being shy, just wasn't sure it really mattered

Even though I'm no longer involved with eG in any official capacity, I'm still a member there. This annual multi-day event, which rotates venues, has always been a very fun time. Last year it was held in Cleveland. In 2006 and 2005, it was held in Ann Arbor. At the end of last year's event, Chicago was chosen as this year's venue. Since I was 1 of only 2 people in attendance who was actually from the Chicago area, I was asked to help organize this year's event. The other eG member from Chicago who was present had too much other stuff going on and declined. So, that's how I ended up with the task of finding a venue for this year's event. I'm happy to do so because I've become friends with many of the people that I've met through eG and I want to show them a great time when they come visit Chicago this August.

I should also mention that this event will be open to LTHForum.com members, as long as they are also members of the eGullet Society. It promises to be a fun time, with several consecutive days of eating and other food-related activities. I know of at least a few LTHForum.com members who also post with some regularity over there. It would be great to have them and a bunch more LTH'ers on board to help show the eG visitors a great time here this summer. In fact, that is my primary goal . . . to show the visitors just how great a food town Chicago really is. As much as they think they already know that, they really have no idea . . . yet

As I posted above, I have a couple of good prospects for the venue for the main event of the Gathering but am still looking because nothing I've found yet is completely perfect. Compared to previous years' venues, Chicago is looking a bit more costly, so that's a factor as well. Last year in Cleveland, some great church kitchen space was essentially given to us. The 2 previous years in A2, one of the organizers lived in a co-housing development which had a large common house that we used for this event. This year, it's likely that it's going to cost at least a few hundred bucks. Still, with the number of folks who seem like they're going to attend, the price per person for the venue should be relatively low. I'm doing my best to keep it that way, so we have more $ for food.

=R=

Hi,

I have been assuming this kitchen rental is desired closer to Chicago than the northern suburbs. There are several churchs walking distance from the train station (Deerfield and Highland Park) with large kitchens and dining areas. If your scope extends this far, then I can give you some locations to check.

Regards,