The Chicago area hosts a growing variety of cooking schools and classes. These culinary experiences range from children’s classes to courses for professionals, from simple basics such as knife skills to the intricacies of cake decorating.
A few things to consider when choosing a class: Is there a reasonable class size? What experience level is it tailored to? Will the class be a demonstration or hands-on? Are supplies provided or do you need to bring your own? Do students receive printed recipes of dishes prepared? Is parking available?
ETHNIC
ASIAN
Ranjana Bhargava, South Side. Four-class series on vegetarian Indian cooking. Classes offered 3 times a year beginning in September. Lineup includes quick and easy Indian cuisine. Many classes offer meals. $200 per series. For dates and location, call 773-363-3684; fax 773-955-1234.
Ruth Law, Hinsdale. Classes in healthful cuisines of China, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, more. $25 per class. Call 630-986-1595, fax 630-655-0912, or e-mail at lawcooks@juno.com.
Dapeng Ren, western suburbs. Chinese cooking classes in your home. Emphasis on vegetarian cooking. 630-241-2148 or fax 630-850-9644.
Kurt Youngmann. Chinese cooking classes in your home. $25 per hour, minimum 6 lessons, 2 hours each. 847-509-9161 or e-mail tgobbi@fsi.net.
Oriental Market and Cooking School, 2801 W. Howard St. Pansy and Chu-Yen Luke teach 6-week classes on regional Chinese cooking, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays from Sept. 15. Single-session classes on Japanese, Korean, Asian, Thai cooking are noon-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Fees: $21 per session, $85 for 6-week classes. Reserve a week in advance. 773-274-2826.
FRENCH
Carlos’, 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park. Group demonstration classes 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. third Wednesday of each month by chef Ramiro Vela-zquez. $50, includes class, lunch, wine, tax, gratuity, recipes. Reservations required. 847-432-0770.
Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights. Chef/owner Pierre Pollin and chef de cuisine Michael Maddox offer classes in fall. Topics include fish, dinner party menu, introduction to wine tasting. Each session includes lunch or dinner with wine. $55-$68. 847-506-0222.
ITALIAN
Mia Cucina, 56 W. Wilson St., Palatine. Chef Francesco Cesarini hosts cooking class/luncheons at 11 a.m. Saturdays. For fall dates, 847-358-4900.
Va Pensiero chef Peggy Ryan teaches Italian cuisine with demonstrations, food and wine tastings, discussion, recipes. Classes begin in September at Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. $50. 847-475-7779.
Convito Italiano, 1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette. “What’s The Use?” cooking classes this fall present uses for gourmet grocery items. 847-251-3654.
MEXICAN
Chef Geno Bahena presents hands-on classes in his restaurant, A Taste of Ixcapuzalco, 2919 N. Milwaukee Ave., that explore Mexican regional cuisine. 3-hour classes. Class limit of 16. Fees vary. 773-486-7340.
VARIETY
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave., and Old Orchard Center, Skokie. Area chefs give demonstration classes in housewares department beginning mid-September. Fees: vary. For schedule, in Chicago, call Paula Harvey, 312-440-4857; Old Orchard, 847-675-5200, ext. 2380.
Cooking with the Best Chefs. Demonstration classes with guest chefs; restaurant tours; trips to Europe, U.S.; regional weekend cooking trips; more. Tischler Finer Foods in Western Springs, Plass Appliances in Elmhurst and Highland Park. Two more locations to open in fall. Classes held most weeknights. $14 per class, $39 for restaurant tours. 630-953-7400.
Marshall Field’s conducts free holiday classes: celebration desserts, Oct. 7-10; fabulous fondues, Oct. 7-10; Turkey 101, Nov. 19-21; holiday baking, Dec. 2-5. Classes noon-1:30 p.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. at various Marketplace departments. Call for schedule. 312-781-4483.
Ovens of Evanston at Fuel Cafe, 1723 Benson St., Evanston, and at Whole Foods Market in Lakeview. Laura Levy Shatkin teaches demonstration and hands-on classes with a healthful and global focus. “Cooking for Rookies” is a series that rotates between stores. Individual classes include millennium madness and the great caper. Private cooking classes offered for groups. $25 for individual classes. Call for information. 847-328-3287.
Prairie Kitchens Cooking School, Box 372, Morton Grove, IL 60053. Carolynn Friedman and Kristin James teach hands-on cooking in north and west suburbs. Topics include basics of good cooking, holiday entertaining, pasta presto. $45-$55 per 3-hour session. Write for times and locations, or call 773-761-7524 or 847-966-7574.
Treasure Island Cooking Schools, 2121 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, and 201 Waukegan Rd., Lake Bluff. Demonstrations and hands-on classes by area chefs. Most classes run 7-9 p.m. Mondays at Lake Bluff, and 7-9 p.m. Thursdays in Chicago. $8-$25. 773-327-4265.
Williams-Sonoma stores offer classes: 271 Market Square in Lake Forest classes begin 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 14 with Jay Lovell presenting autumn specialities. $30; 847-295-7045. Oakbrook Center location offers classes 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Fees vary; call for schedule, 630-571-2702. Woodfield Mall store offers classes 6-8 p.m. Mondays; fees start at $25; 847-619-0940. Naperville location offers classes 6-8 p.m. and demos during day; $20-$30 for classes, demos free; call 630-369-4167.
CHICAGO
B&B Culinary Inc. Classes taught by Bridget Weis in your home or soon at new Chicago location. Emphasis on cooking from scratch and hands-on experience; topics include shower planning, knife skills, 20-minute gourmet. Fees vary. 773-327-7005 or 773-400-9934.
Carmella’s Catering, Inc., 5736 N. Elston Ave. Classes 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Subjects include summertime pizzas (Aug. 19) and savory salads (Aug. 24). Call for reservations. 773-631-7040.
Chefs on Call, 1710 N. Orchard St. Method-oriented classes, conducted in your home, include basic techniques or baking. Theme-oriented include dinner parties, holidays, children’s parties. $30-$60. 312-787-9451.
Chef Out of Water. Chef Francis Leroux, Kendall College instructor, teaches classes in your home. Specialties include bistro cooking, fish, chicken, soups, desserts. Three-hour class is $35 per person and includes a meal. Party planning also available. Reservations, 773-779-7126.
Chefs with Class, 712 N. Clark St. Chef Steven Chiappetti offers series of courses in new school above his restaurant, Mango. Classes 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. $45. Call for lineup, 312-274-1925, or fax, 312-337-5516.
Chicago’s Green City Market, Benton Place passageway between State and Randolph Streets. Cooking demonstrations by chefs, including Alice Waters (10 a.m. Sept. 10) and Michael Kornick (10 a.m. Oct. 8). 10 a.m. and noon Fridays through Oct. 15. Information, call Abby, 847-835-2240.
The Chopping Block, 1324 W. Webster Ave. Classes offered at various times on 35 subjects, including knife skills, sushi, fish on the grill. $40; $65 hands-on classes. 773-472-6700 or www.thechoppingblock.net.
Cooking Academy of Chicago, 2500 W. Bradley Pl. Hands-on evening mini-classes on topics such as healthful cooking and breads. Classes are 6-9 p.m. Call for brochure and fees. 773-478-9840.
Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, 361 W. Chestnut St. Single and multi-session courses for non-professional program include knife skills, cake decorating, baking. Call for schedule and fees. 312-944-2725.
Heat and Spice Cooking School, 925 W. Cullom Ave. Classes include tropical herbs and ethnic cuisines, taught by Joseph Sochor and guest chefs. Customized and business cooking classes available. $35-$40. 773-404-2331.
Chef Fredy Hernandez offers cooking classes in your home for individuals and groups. Classes can be customized; options could include classical French, appetizers, Mediterranean, nuevo Latino, more. 312-255-9742.
Home Chef, 2141 N. Lakewood Ave., No. 3NF. Bob Jamrose conducts hands-on classes at North Side restaurants beginning noon-2 p.m. Sept. 26. A sampling of food prepared is included. $35. 312-494-2603.
Inspiration Cafe, 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207. Cooking with Inspiration, a series of cooking classes by chefs, includes basic knife skills, soups and stocks, pies. Classes 7-9 p.m. $25 per class, $100 for five. Proceeds used to feed the homeless. 773-878-0981.
Karen’s Kitchen, 2331 N. Cleveland Ave. Karen Horning offers classes and workshops beginning Sept. 11 on fresh herbs, Spanish cooking, 3-session pastry course, more. $45 plus cost of groceries. 773-348-1341.
Live and Learn Program of the Latin School, 59 W. North Ave. Single-session classes include Italian and Southwestern cuisines, pies, entertaining. Also available: demonstration classes at restaurants. Cooking classes begin late September. Fees start at $35. Call for locations. 312-573-4698.
Francis W. Parker evening courses, Clark Street and Webster Avenue. Classes, beginning Oct. 4, benefit school scholarship fund. Topics include taste of Tuscany, Asian appetizers, Australian wines. Lectures in restaurant kitchens with samples include 312 Chicago, Blackbird, Hudson Club, and Spago. Registration begins Sept. 8. $25-$60. 773-549-5904.
The Rustic Kitchen in Lakeview. Janine MacLachlan offers classes using her recipes. Classes include easy dinners, autumn desserts, savory pies. 7-9:30 p.m. $40. 773-935-4239 or e-mail janinemac@yahoo.com.
Simply Succulent Food Creations. Ruth Hytry teaches hands-on classes. Topics include Italian, regional Chinese, Vietnamese, holiday appetizers. Near north Chicago location. $25-$35. 312-266-6466.
NORTH
Apple-a-Day Baskets, Arlington Heights. Audrey Beauvais teaches classes including “Eating Wisely and Well When There’s No Time to Cook,” Sept. 1, and growing, cooking and garnishing with herbs, Sept. 8. $40. 847-392-8851.
Beautiful Food, Wilmette. Charie MacDonald offers participation classes in her home beginning Oct. 2. Topics include basic cooking, breads, hors d’oeuvres and harvest dinners. $50. 847-256-3979.
Bev’s World, 335 S. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan. Bev Brinkley and staff teach evening classes on cake decorating, appetizers, gingerbread houses, ethnic cuisine. Classes begin in September. Fees: free-$35. 847-623-3478.
Julie Chernoff, 1837 Asbury Ave., Evanston. Classes explore “Art of the Dinner Party,” in 2-hour demonstration (some hands-on) followed by lunch with wine. Topics include exotic Indian and Parisian bistro. Season begins with “Updated Jewish Holidays” Sept. 8. Fees: $40 for one class; $75, two; $110, 3; $140 for four. 847-864-5536.
Coachhouse Gourmet, 735 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Julie Kearney offers participation classes 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 15. Topics include 30-minute gourmet, fall flavors, Thanksgiving dinner. $36-$42. 847-724-1521.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, offers evening classes. Courses include Cajun cooking, fresh tastes of Italy, and holiday desserts. Fees: $25-$49, plus materials. 847-223-1111.
Corner Cooks, 507 Chestnut, Winnetka. Demonstration and hands-on cooking school starts mid-September. Topics include basic Italian cooking, Asian cooking, basic skills. Private classes, parties, kids classes offered. 847-441-0134, or e-mail: cornercook@aol.com.
Culinary Experience, near Wolf Road between Palatine and Hintz Roads, Wheeling. Patrick Chabert and Michel Coatrieux’s new cooking school opens mid-September. Topics include basic knife handling, stocks, sauces, pastries. 847-452-5780.
Monique Jamet Hooker teaches cooking classes at Women’s Club of Wilmette, 930 Greenleaf St.. Topics include one-meal dishes, holiday classes, chocolate and wine series. Visiting instructors also teach; trips to Chicago ethnic districts offered. Fees: from $45. Call 847-251-5064 or write: The Seasonal Kitchen, PMB No. 332, 1187 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091.
Kendall College, 2408 Orrington Ave., Evanston. School of Culinary Arts at Kendall offers “Spice Up Your Life” classes for home cooks, weeknights or Saturdays. From $45. 847-866-1300, ext. 1304.
La Fleur de Cuisine Cooking School, 10057 Lamon St., Skokie. Barbara Hollander teaches ethnic cuisines, breadmaking, soups/stocks, pastrymaking, more. Classes begin mid-October. $30. 847-676-2678.
Lake Forest Health and Fitness Institute, 1200 N. Westmoreland Rd. Kathy Hawkins, the institute’s Point Cafe director, and dietitian Marcia Leary teach “Quick Family Meals” and “Holiday Cooking.” $5 non-members. 847-735-1200.
Laurie G’s Cooking Lessons, Glencoe. Laurie Gross gives private hands-on 2-hour lessons in your home. Includes trip to store to stock your kitchen with essential ingredients and utensils, cooking creatively and learning to make substitutions. Other topics: roasting, marinades, more. $75 per class, $275 for 4. Call for brochure. 847-835-2217.
Kathy Harrison, Barrington Hills. Three-session demonstration classes with complete menu in Harrison’s home. $60. 847-381-4828.
New Trier Extension at New Trier West Center, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield. Classes include “Everything but the Turkey,” gifts from the kitchen, Vietnamese and Jewish cooking. Macrobiotic cooking classes focus on natural ingredients for a low-fat and low-salt diet. Classes at West Center or New Trier High School begin Sept. 7. Fees vary. 847-446-6600.
Alison Reich, Libertyville. Classes start in September, offered at Libertyville Recreation Department at various locations. Topics include entertaining, French Provencal, children’s classes. Fees vary. 847-573-1120.
Dawn R. Schuman Institute in Northbrook. Kosher cooking classes taught by Barbara Freedman begin 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center, 5050 W. Church St., Skokie. $25. 847-509-8282.
Township High School District 214, Community Education. Topics include seafood, easy tapas, gingerbread houses. Classes begin Sept. 24 at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Rd., Mt. Prospect. Register at District 214 office, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Hts. $39. 847-718-7700.
La Venture, Skokie. Sandra Bisceglie offers series of day or evening classes in her home in classic French and Italian cooking, baking and cake decorating. Classes begin Nov. 12. $289 for series of 6. 847-679-8845.
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Fall lineup includes wine classes with Tom Hyland, hands-on cooking and gingerbread house class for kids from Prairie Kitchens Cooking School. For fees and schedule, call 847-446-0537.
SOUTH
The Checkerberry Inn, 62644 County Rd. 37, Goshen, Ind. Classes offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in February and March. Topics include sauces and soups. $50 per class includes lunch. 219-642-4445.
WEST
Shirley Adams, 444 Old Surrey Rd., Hinsdale. Private cooking lessons for individuals and groups in 10 ethnic cuisines. Focus is on technique, menu planning and nutrition. 630-887-0304.
At Home Gourmet, Joliet. Terence and Paula Braxton offer classes in your home; subject chosen by host. Fee: Host pays nothing; guests pay fee determined by menu. Classes also offered at Fox Valley and Plainfield Park Districts. Topics include tapas, brunches. Fees vary. 815-744-8611.
Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid St., Oak Park. Professional chefs teach demonstration and hands-on classes 7-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Classes include Thanksgiving grilling, cocktail parties, three-session basics class. Fees: $30 resident, $35 non-resident. 708-383-2612.
Chez Madelaine, 425 Woodside Ave., Hinsdale. Classes begin mid-September, with emphasis on French techniques and new ingredients. Hands-on classes include pasta and risotto, squash dishes, holiday pies and tarts. Fees start at $75. 630-655-0355 or visit www.chezm.com.
The College of DuPage, 425 22nd St., Glen Ellyn, offers Culinary Corner, featuring local authors, hands-on courses. Culinary Corner lineup includes authors Monique J. Hooker and Ruth Law. Single-session classes include holiday party; multi-session classes include cooking for singles, fresh fish and seafood. Call 630-942-2208 or fax 630-942-3785.
Country Garden Cuisine, 3N369 La Fox Rd., St. Charles. Penny Newkirk and guest instructors lead hands-on classes and demonstrations for clubs, organizations or individuals in west suburbs. Specialties include herbal cookery, Midwest cuisine, afternoon tea. 630-377-0329.
Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Non-credit Tuesday evening classes led by guest chefs begin Sept. 14. Fees vary. Call Judy Beto, 708-524-6906.
Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Non-credit classes begin Sept. 23. Topics include Thai cooking, fresh pasta and sauces, vegetarian, holiday desserts. $29. 847-622-3036.
Bridie Hickman’s Cooking Classes. Hands-on classes in Oak Park offered in informal setting and tailored to experience level of participants. Classes, limited to 6, explore grains and rices, soup, pasta, roasting. 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 5 for $280 for 14 sessions; 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Oct. 6 for $240, 8 sessions. 708-660-8000.
Las Bellas Artes, 112 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Chef Gloria Duarte’s classes include autumn pies, one-dish meals, Thanksgiving dinner. Classes begin Sept. 11; usually 10 a.m.-1 p.m. first Saturday of month. $40. 630-530-7725.
La Buona Cucina. Doris Rochetti offers 4-week courses covering menus from appetizers to desserts. Classes begin in October. $120. For location and times, call 708-345-6817.
Jackie Paine of Riverside offers classes in grilling and basic cooking. $50. 708-442-6135.
Waubonsee Community College, Illinois Highway 47 at Harter Road, Sugar Grove. Classes include savory stir-fry, party pastries, and 2 four-session classes: Wilton’s three levels of cake decorating, and wine appreciation. New program, Culinary Studio, offers visits to restaurants and includes chef demos and dinner. $29-$85. 630-466-7900, ext. 2620.
WINE AND SPIRITS
Avondale Armanetti Beverage Mart, 8935 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Tastings and food pairings, wine and cooking topics, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some Saturday classes. $5 advance, $10 door. 847-966-2300.
Chicago Wine School, 2001 S. Halsted St. Classes on basics, varietals and regional wines, including single-session seminars and five-week series. Fall schedule includes series on wines of France. Single classes include basics, super Tuscans, good-value reds. Seminars cost $45-$60; series, $150-$300. 312-266-9463.
Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest. Wine classes for beginner. Also: “Executive Summary of Fine Wines” and “The Sybaritic Champagne Tasting of the Millennium.” $75-$110. 847-234-6060.
The Happy Table Cooking School at Famous Liquors, 105 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard. Ken Kilinski pairs food and wine in classes in fall. From $25. Reservations recommended. 630-629-3330.
Dominican Conference Center, 7200 W. Division St., River Forest. Jim Matthews and Woody Mosgers on “Matching Wine with Food,” 4 weekly sessions, each matching five wines to recipes and cheeses. Begins Oct. 4. $150 for series. (10 percent discount for couples). 708-386-2535.
Norris University Center, Northwestern University, Evanston. Six-week wine-appreciation course by Mark Gruber begins in October. Winter and spring sessions will offer home bartending class. $70. 847-491-2350.
North Shore Wine Education. Tom Hyland teaches wine classes; hosts wine dinners at restaurants; arranges private wine tastings. 773-728-0327.
Tamara Leigh Ross offers wine classes in your home or business. 312-644-4858.
Sam’s Wines & Spirits, 1720 N. Marcey St. Weekly wine-tasting seminars start Aug. 25 with the Languedoc. From $15. 312-664-4394.
SINGLE SUBJECTS
BAKING, CONFECTIONARY, CAKE DECORATING
French Pastry School, 1153 W. Grand Ave. Jacquy Pfeiffer and Sebastian Canonne teach sugar decorating, chocolate decorating, candymaking and more for professionals or home cooks. $780/5 days. 312-243-3808.
Victoria Jama teaches classes at Naperville Park District and private lessons for groups. Fall classes at Naperville start Oct. 4 with “French Pastries, a Holiday Buffet.” Classic desserts series also offered. Call 630-357-9000 for park district classes or 630-778-1663 for private lessons.
The Sugar Artistry School, at Midwest Imports Ltd., 1121 S. Clinton St. Alain Roby teaches a 3-class series in blown and pulled sugar 8 a.m.-noon Sundays starting mid-October. $400. 630-372-5698.
Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionary Arts, 2240 W. 75th St., Woodridge. Single-session and weeklong classes in cake decorating using pulled sugar, fondant, flowers and more. Baking classes and mini-workshops for adults and children include gingerbread, appetizers and parties. Fees: $25-$725. Call 630-810-2211 for schedules or visit www.wilton.com. Or learn the Wilton method at craft and specialty stores; for locations, call 800-942-8881.
CHILDREN’S CLASSES
At Home Gourmet, Joliet. Terence Braxton teaches children of preschool age through elementary school. Also offered: children’s birthday parties, where chef provides cooking activities and cake decorating with the kids. Fees vary. 815-744-8611.
Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid St., Oak Park. Kids Cook!, for ages 8-12, offers hands-on and demonstration classes, such as Pick & Cook, where students go into the garden, then cook with what they’ve picked. Other topics: Thanksgiving sides, holiday baking. 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays starting Sept. 11. $30 Oak Park resident; $35 non-resident. 708-383-2612.
Julie Chernoff, 1837 Asbury Ave., Evanston. Kids Cook! class focuses on Italian family supper, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 2. $20 for children 8 and older; $34 for team of parent and child under 8. Children’s cooking parties also available. 847-864-5536.
Elmhurst Park District Recreation Department. Hands-on classes at Eldridge Park Recreation Building, 363 Commonwealth Ln., or Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, beginning with pumpkin carving class. In December, Kathy Ahlenius teaches holiday cookie creations and gingerbread house classes. $18 resident; $27 non-resident. Call or visit Abbey Registration Office, 407 W. St. Charles Rd., 630-993-8989.
Global Feast, 2955 W. Eastwood Ave., offers students ages 10-14 hands-on classes on food, culture and history of different countries. 1-4 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 2 to Nov. 13. $25; 3 classes for $65. Call Sophia Iuanow, 773-463-4164, or Leslie Ladd, 708-771-8485.
Kinder Cooks offers classes in your home featuring healthful dishes and specializing in Jewish holiday foods. Call Lynn Preis at 773-327-2469 after Sept. 1.
Schaumburg Park District, Bock Center, 1223 W. Sharon Ln. Courses for ages 6-12 and their parents include holiday goodies workshop. Classes start in September. $12-$30. 847-490-7015.
NUTRITION AND VEGETARIAN
Dr. Jaya Adiga of Flossmoor demonstrates quick Indian vegetarian dishes, based on therapeutic principles of ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India. Classes are Tuesdays Sept. 14-Oct. 19. Fee: $150 for 6 weeks. 708-957-0897.
C.H.E.F. Clinic’s John La Puma teaches how to control weight, high blood pressure and cholesterol; courses on fitness, dining out and mind-body control. $495-$645. 847-956-6433 or visit www.chefclinic.com.
Harry Crane, Highland Park focuses on healthful cooking and preparing a dinner for 6 to 8 people in your home. $600-$800 depending on number of people and ingredients. 847-432-2173.
Herbal Garden Educational Center, 27373 W. Illinois Highway 176, Wauconda. Cooking with herbs, sugar-free desserts, coping with allergies. Group classes available. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. $100 for 4 weeks. 847-526-1839.
Indian Boundary YMCA, 711 59th St., Downers Grove. Classes on healthful cooking taught by dietitians Jean Healy and Carol Fazioli. 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 14 (“Super Foods”), Oct. 12 (low-fat crockpot cookery) and Nov. 5 (holiday survival). $30 members, $60 non-members. 630-968-8400.
New Page Productions, 1919 S. Highland Ave, 325A, Lombard. Deborah Page Johnson, author of “The Feel Good Food Guide,” provides private classes to people with sensitivities to wheat, corn, gluten, yeast, eggs, dairy, soy, sugar and nightshades (a family of vegetables). 630-355-7746.
Science of Spirituality Center, 4 S. 175 Naperville Rd., Naperville. Vegetarian cooking classes, 2-4 p.m. the second Saturday of every month, taught by instructors from various ethnic backgrounds. Free. Call 630-955-1200.
Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Vegetarian Lifestyle Cooking School, 7008 S. Michigan Ave. Ongoing vegetarian cooking/nutrition classes. Each session includes demonstration and participation. 773-224-7700.
Mary Summers of Lake Bluff offers vegetarian classes with an emphasis on fresh seasonal vegetables in her home. Classes start Sept. 10 and meet 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays. $20 per class. 847-295-7419.
Transitions Nutrition Consulting, 707 Skokie Blvd., Suite 190, Northbrook. Dietitian Marla Heller provides customized classes in your home on quick and healthful meals, low-cholesterol menus, food allergies, diabetic menu planning. $85 an hour. For brochure or newsletter, call 847-509-1540, or visit www.netRD.com.
SEAFOOD
Burhop’s Seafood. Executive chef Sam Dean will teach basic fish and seafood cooking classes this fall at Burhop’s Wilmette location. Call for dates and fees at 609 W. North Ave., 312-642-8600; or at Plaza del Lago, 1515 N. Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, 847-256-6400.
PROFESSIONAL
Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation offers free courses to the homeless, welfare recipients, and unemployed to teach skills for jobs in restaurant industry. 12-week course offered 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; next series begins Oct. 2. Oliver’s Kitchen, 4345 W. Division St. 773-252-3663.
Chinese American Service League, 310 W. 24th Pl. A free 16-week chef training program starting in November is offered to economically disadvantaged Chicago residents 22 and older. Call Lois Chen, 312-791-0418.
College of DuPage, 425 22nd St., Glen Ellyn. A 2-year associate of applied science degree and 1-year certificates offered. Courses include quantity food preparation, international cuisine and baking. Fall quarter begins Sept. 16. For fees, 847-543-2041 and schedule, call 630-942-3663.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. An associate of applied science degree in food service is offered, as well as certificate options in food service management and culinary arts. Day and evening classes begin Aug. 23. For fees and to register, call 847-223-1111. For information, call Cliff Wener, 847-543-2823.
Cooking Academy of Chicago, 2500 W. Bradley Pl., offers culinary and baking and pastry career certification programs, including sanitation certification. For brochure and fees, call 773-478-9840.
Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, 361 W. Chestnut St. An associate of applied science degree in culinary arts is offered. Certificate programs are available in professional cooking, baking and pastry, and restaurant management. For fees, call 312-944-2725.
The Technology Center of DuPage, 301 S. Swift Rd., Addison. Culinary and pastry arts program teaches junior and senior high school students and adults all aspects of food service. Students operate a dining room, catering service and delicatessen. Students have the opportunity to earn a sanitation license. A ProStart program sponsored by the National Restaurant Association will also be offered. Classes offered part- or full-time September through June. For fees, call 630-620-8770.
Dawson Technical Institute, Chicago City-Wide Colleges, 3901 S. State St. Program prepares students for supervisory or technical positions in the industry. For schedule and fees, call 773-451-2000 ext 2052.
Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Programs lead to bachelor’s degrees in food science, food-service management, nutrition and dietetics, culinary arts and management. Credit classes include fundamentals of food, beginning Aug. 30. Call Judy Beto, 708-524-6906.
Elgin Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Programs lead to associate of applied science degree in hospitality management/culinary arts or hospitality management/ restaurant management, or vocational specialist certificate in catering services, cook’s helper or baking. Classes begin Aug. 23. $43.50 per credit hour plus lab fee. Call Michael Zema, 847-697-1000, ext. 7461.
Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake St. Hospitality programs lead to associate’s degree in hotel-motel management. 312-553-5800. (less than)B(greater than)Also: College hosts classes with a focus on food safety at various locations and in different languages throughout Chicago area. 312-553-5807.
Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, offers 1-year certificates and a 2-year hospitality management program that leads to an associate in applied science degree. Fall semester begins Aug. 23. Fees: $54 per credit hour. 847-925-6874. For current professionals, Harper offers classes in food service sanitation certification, food standards and sanitation in Spanish, and food safety for kitchen staff. 847-925-6000.
Healthy Concepts offers “From Kitchen Ideas to Retail Food Products” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 9 at The Latin School of Chicago, 59 W. North Ave. $110. 312-573-4698. Also: Wilbert Jones teaches how to start a restaurant or catering business in a weekly course 6-9 p.m. Oct. 6-Nov. 10 at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine. $71. 847-397-3377.
The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago, 180 N. Wabash Ave., offers culinary arts program with six 11-week quarters for an associate of applied science degree beginning in January. $248 per credit hour. 312-280-3500.
Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Ave., offers a 1-year certificate and 2-year associate’s degree in culinary arts. Classes include principles of quantity food preparation, advanced food and pastry, nutrition and menu planning, culinary arts management, baking and pastry. Classes begin Aug. 23. 815-729-9020, ext. 2255.
Kendall College, 2408 Orrington Ave., Evanston. The School of Culinary Arts offers programs leading to a bachelor of science degree in culinary management, an associate in applied science degree in culinary arts, or a certificate in culinary arts. Students pursuing a bachelor’s in culinary management can concentrate in hotel food and beverage management, international hospitality management, hospitality marketing, and elder care management. Classes begin Sept. 22. 847-866-1304.
Lexington College, 10840 S. Western Ave., offers programs for women that lead to an associate’s degree in hospitality management, including culinary and restaurant/food management. Fall semester begins Aug. 31. 773-779-3800.
Moraine Valley Community College, 10900 S. 88th Ave., Palos Hills, offers a restaurant/hotel management program. Students can earn associate in applied science degrees or certificates in culinary arts management and restaurant/hotel management, and certificates in baking/pastry arts or beverage management. Fall classes begin Aug. 23. $44 in district per credit hour plus activity and lab fees and books. For information, 708-974-5320; to register, 708-974-2110.
Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave. Graduate and undergraduate degrees offered in hospitality management, including restaurant and culinary management. Fall semester begins Aug. 26. Undergraduate, $402 per semester hour; graduate, $473. 312-341-4321.
St. Augustine College, 1333-45 W. Argyle St. A 39-week bilingual (English-Spanish) certificate program offered for professional cooks. Program includes fundamentals of continental/international cuisine, baking and pastry, appetizers, entrees, preparation for food sanitation license. Classes begin Aug. 23. $3,500. Call Lilo Zambrano, 773-878-8756, ext. 300.
Triton College, 2000 5th Ave., River Grove. Hospitality industry administration programs include culinary, restaurant and hotel management. A full-service bakery and dining room are operated by students. Classes begin Aug. 30. $43 per semester hour for in-district; $141.45 out-of-district, plus registration fees. 708-456-0300, ext. 3387 or 3130.
Washburne Culinary Institute, 3233 W. 31st St. Fall session begins Sept. 7. GED or high school diploma required. $4,165, which includes uniforms, books, and equipment. 773-579-6100.
