Summer part-time cooking class suggestions?

Hi friends!

Summer's here and I'm looking to expand my cooking horizons. I'm hoping to take a cooking class that focuses either on techniques or pastries part-time. Preferably, classes should be held downtown and in the evenings after work hours. Any ideas?

I've called up some local culinary institutes and they only offer for-credit classes toward a degree. Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions!

This may help:

Chicago Tribune cooking school guide

Try contacting Kendall College and ask about their Summer Camps.

Cutabuv wrote:Try contacting Kendall College and ask about their Summer Camps.

I could be wrong but I got the impression (when inquiring about them a few months ago) that these are not intended for adults.

I thought I had one for you. I called the school to confirm. You are correct.

The Calphalon Culinary Center offers classes, too. I've never tried them, but they had a booth at the Printers Row festival:

http://www.calphalonculinarycenter.com/ ... tid=168437

Did you try the Chopping Block? I think they have classes to.

Cutabuv wrote:Did you try the Chopping Block? I think they have classes to.

While I enjoy the staff and shopping at the Chopping Block, the times I've been in when a cooking class is in session it seemed more of a -sit at the "bar" and watch the cook- class than hands-on. I believe a recent poster elsewhere actually took one and feels much the same.

Christopher Gordon wrote:

Cutabuv wrote:Did you try the Chopping Block? I think they have classes to.

While I enjoy the staff and shopping at the Chopping Block, the times I've been in when a cooking class is in session it seemed more of a -sit at the "bar" and watch the cook- class than hands-on. I believe a recent poster elsewhere actually took one and feels much the same.

I've taken a class at the Chopping Block in Lincoln Square. The classes held downstairs at the bar are their demo classes.

They have a kitchen upstairs big enough for 4-5 groups to participate in their hands-on classes. I have not been to their new location at the Merchandise Mart, but it's supposed to be even bigger and better.

I've been meaning to check the new location out. I really do prefer The Chopping Block to SLuT and Williams-Sonoma; friendly people, unusual products(they carry the Balinese salts and long peppercorns(which you'd have to mailorder, otherwise).

Hello,

I was the one who posted about my experience at the Chopping Block in Lincoln Square. My feelings are exactly summarized by

While I enjoy the staff and shopping at the Chopping Block, the times I've been in when a cooking class is in session it seemed more of a -sit at the "bar" and watch the cook- class than hands-on. I believe a recent poster elsewhere actually took one and feels much the same.

Perhaps I attended the "demo," not the "class," but it was billed as a cooking class. In any case, it was a second date and seemed like a fun thing to do. (and it was fun, but we didn't learn anything about cooking.)

Anyways, maybe people in this thread can help me: my father has suggested a few times that he'd like to take an Italian cooking class. He has in mind a one-time class, or perhaps a few sessions. Nothing formal, and nothing designed for pros. I received a response to my previous post that I should check out A Tavola. Anyone been there, either for the class or just to eat? Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

One note of experience about the Chopping Block. Some years ago I took a "Knife Skills" class at the old Webster location. It was very hands-on and very helpful.

Best,
Michael