People who sign up for cooking classes these days are hoping for impressive results on an express schedule, local teachers say: Savvy approaches to entertaining and presentation often have more appeal than nuts-and-bolts technique sessions. Students may not have a lot of time to prepare a photogenic meal, but they still want to make fresh, elegant food for friends or family.
“There has been an increase in the number of classes I give on entertaining, ranging from romantic parties for couples to corporate team-building,” said Janine MacLachlan, owner of Rustic Kitchen.
The end result: a memorable and enriching experience. Not only do students learn to cook in a group setting, but the bonding that takes place also reinforces what they learned. Bridget Weis, the chef and owner of Cook from Scratch, finds that students enjoy re-creating foods they have had in restaurants.
“When people are entertaining, they tend to chose elaborate and complex recipes that may call for scarce ingredients and difficult techniques,” Weis said. They are often pressed for time and really want to make an impression. What they need is a fool-proof recipe. Weis teaches her students techniques and gives them tips. She also gives them tips on how to use particular utensils, such as mini springform pans for serving pie. Weis adds that even teenagers and young adults want to entertain their friends with dazzling food.
At Chicago-area professional schools, the goal is similar if more serious.
Jim Simpson, president of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, said that 70 percent of the students at CHIC are taking classes to make a career change. They have a passion for cooking, but without the proper presentation skills their efforts will not be successful.
“If it does not look good it will not taste good; that is one reason why it is called culinary arts,” said Simpson.
CHIC’s classes on presentation, which encompass subjects such as vegetable carving, plate design and how to arrange foods for a buffet, are extremely popular.
MacLachlan, Weis, Simpson and others in the industry believe the trends toward presentation and entertaining reflect a revitalization of cooking for a generation that did not learn such skills at home.
This year’s roundup of Chicago area cooking classes include many possible avenues for learning those skills.
Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Chicago Tribune.
Ethnic
Asian
Ranjana Bhargava, South Side. A 4-class series teaches students to cook an authentic Indian vegetarian meal, as well as shortcuts. Courses focus on spices, techniques. Classes offered 3 times a year beginning in September. $240 per series. For dates and location, 773-363-3684; fax 773-955-1234.
Ruth Law, Hinsdale. Classes in low-fat, healthful cuisines of India, China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Some participation is involved. $30 for 1 class; $75 for 3. 630-986-1595; fax 630-655-0912.
Oriental Market and Cooking School, 2801 W. Howard St. Pansy and Chu-Yen Luke teach 6-week course on Chinese cooking, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Also, single-session Saturday classes on Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Thai food. Six-week course begins Sept. 6, $85. Saturday classes begin Sept. 9; noon-2:30 p.m., $21. 773-274-2826.
Kurt Youngmann. Private lessons in students’ homes. Mandarin, Szechwan, Hunan and Cantonese styles are covered, and each series is tailored to students’ taste and expertise. $25 per hour, minimum 6 lessons, 2 hours each. 847-509-9161 or e-mail tgobbi@fsi.net.
French
Carlos’, 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park. Demon-stration classes by chef Ramiro Velasquez. 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. third Wednesday of each month. $50 includes class, lunch, wine, tax, tip and recipes. 847-432-0770.
French Culinary Experience, 281 Messner Drive, Wheeling. Michel Coatrieux and Patrick Chabert combine culinary art and food science in series and single-session courses. Demonstration and hands-on classes are on-going. $50-$450. 847-215-1931 or www.frenchcookingschool.com.
Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights, offers daytime classes. Topics include soups, fish and vegetarian. Classes begin mid-September. $55 per class. 847-506-0222.
Italian
Ovens of Evanston at Campagnola, 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Chef Michael Altenberg focuses on regional Italian cuisine on selected Sunday evenings. For prices and schedule call 847-475-6100.
Variety
Multiple locations
Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave., and Old Orchard Center, Skokie. Area chefs give classes and demonstrations in housewares department beginning mid-September. Fees vary. For schedule in Chicago, call Nancy Page, 312-440-4857; at Old Orchard, Arleene Schria, 847-675-5200, ext. 2380.
Cooking with the Best Chefs offers ongoing classes, with samples and recipes, in many cooking styles each week at Carol Stream, Lombard, Rosemont, Schaumburg, Warrenville and Wheeling. Restaurant tours, wine dinners, mushroom foraging and cooking trips are offered. Ongoing. $20 per person per class; registration is required. 630-930-6001 or www.bestchefs.com.
Marshall Field’s Marketplace conducts free classes in the fall and winter. A variety of topics are covered, including appetizers, Turkey 101 and holiday cookies and bars. Times and locations vary. Reservations required. 800-265-2665.
Prairie Kitchens Cooking School, Box 372, Morton Grove. Hands-on classes are offered in Chicago area beginning in September. Topics include vegetarian entrees, fish and seafood, dessert buffet, party appetizers. Latin menu for entertaining, Thanksgiving feast. $45-$50 per 3-hour session. A 5-week class on the basics of cooking in October costs $325. For locations, call 847-966-7574.
Whole Foods offers classes for kids and adults at 7 locations. Lakeview, 773-244-4200; Lincoln Park, 312-587-0648; Deerfield, 847-444-1900; Evanston, 847-733-1600; Palatine, 847-776-8080; River Forest, 708-366-1045; Wheaton, 630-588-1500.
Williams-Sonoma stores offer classes in the following locations:
– 271 Market Square in Lake Forest store offers classes twice a month at 6:30-8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 11 (stews and one-dish meals) and Sept. 24 (fish). $30. 847-295-7045.
– Naperville store offers classes 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and demonstrations on Wednesday and Saturdays; $20-$30 for classes; demos free. 630-369-4167.
– Oakbrook Center store offers classes at various times. Fees vary; call 630-571-2702 for schedule.
Chicago
A Tavola, 2148 W. Chicago Ave. Fall classes include how to prepare an Italian menu, guest chef series and programs for novice cooks. 773-276-7567, fax 773-276-2519 or e-mail atavola@aol.com.
Amateur Cooks Club at Printer’s Row, 550 S. Dearborn St. Chef Michael Foley offers mini demonstration courses, wine tastings and guidance on pairing wine and food, beginning 6 p.m. Sept. 13. Prices start at $15. 312-461-0780 or printers-row.com.
Big Red Oven. Eden Rosenbush specializes in baking and pastry and seasonal cooking for private and group classes year round. Topics include Cakes 101, menus for afternoon tea, baking basics, hors d’oeuvre parties, seasonal soups, and quick and easy dinner. For rates and schedule, 773-288-7562.
Carmella’s Catering Inc., 5736 N. Elston Ave. Classes 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Subjects include summer pizzas, pasta from scratch and savory salads. 773-631-7040.
Chefs on Call, 1710 N. Orchard St. Classes conducted in your home focus on methods or menus, such as basic technique, pastries, ethnic cuisine and party menus. $45-$75. 312-787-9451; e-mail chefsoncall@aol.com or visit www.chefsoncall. com.
Chef Out of Water. Francis Leroux, Kendall College instructor, teaches classes in your home. For groups of 6 or more. Specialties include bistro cooking, fish, chicken, soups, desserts. Three-hour class is $45 per person and includes a meal. 773-779-7126 or e-mail at frogchef@ameritech.net.
The Chopping Block, 1324 W. Webster Ave., offers classes for all levels of experience. Topics include Latin flavors, cooking with herbs, seafood secrets, flavor dynamics and cool Asian soups and salads. $40-$80 per class; 773-472-6700 or www.thechoppingblock.net.
Cook from Scratch Inc., in the West Loop. Bridget A. Weis conducts private parties and private classes on demand; other classes include menus for entertaining, “Simple Gourmet” and knife skills. Lunch-hour demonstrations also available. $25-$95. Series offered at discount. 312-559-0052.
Eli’s Cheesecake World Dessert Cafe, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, offers Kids Cooking Academy for children ages 4-14 in which students will use fresh fruit and vegetables from the farmers market. Children’s cake-decorating classes also offered. Classes for adults include Thanksgiving desserts and cheesecake for the holidays. Next class is Aug. 23. $15-$20. 773-205-3800.
Epicurean Experience, 848 W. Lakeside Pl. Robert Nuey and Thaddaeus Smith stage demonstrations and classes in students’ homes. Topics range from sushi to classic French cuisine. Classes are ongoing. Prices start at $30. 773-561-0349
Marilyn Geary Creative Cooking, 525 W. Surf St. Classes for groups and individuals include such topics as afternoon tea, Indian food, French comfort food, cuisine from New Orleans and Tuscany. For schedule and rates, 773-929-0735.
Gourmet Touch of Chicago. Rick Hicaro Jr. teaches hands-on classes in your home, covering everything from appetizers to main courses and desserts. 773-395-0744 or visit www.gourmettouchchicago.com.
Heat and Spice Cooking School, 925 W. Cullom Ave. Joe Sochor offers introductory classes on tropical herbs, chilies and spices from Morocco to Thailand. Grilling and stir-frying also are covered. $45-$55. 773-404-2229.
Fredy Hernandez offers classes in your home from beginners to professional. Options could include classical and modern French, Latin, Mediterranean, ethnic, seafood and fish, appetizers and family meals. 312-942-1492 or e-mail ChefFredy@aol.com.
Inspiration Cafe, 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207, offers classes taught by professional chefs. Topics include Tex Mex, Italian specialties, contemporary American hors d’oeuvre and sushi. Next series starts in October, 7-9 p.m. $35 per class, $100 for 3. 773-878-0981, ext. 203 or go to www.inspirationcafe.org.
Karen’s Kitchen, 2331 N. Cleveland Ave. Join Karen Horning for classes and workshops on fresh herbs, French and Spanish cooking, pastries, yeast breads, healthful tips and time-savers. $45-$135. 773-348-1341.
Live and Learn Program of the Latin School, 59 W. North Blvd. Single-session classes include Asian, Cajun and Italian cuisine, pies, entertaining. Also available: demonstration classes at restaurants and homes. Classes begin late September. Fees start at $40. Call for locations. 312-573-4698.
The Patrician School of Cooking and Culinary Landscapes offer customized in-home classes for individuals and groups. Courses include basic and advanced techniques, entertaining on a budget, seafood, dinner parties, cooking without recipes. Programs are ongoing. Prices depend on group size and subject matter. 312-648-9248 or www.culinarylandscapes.com.
The Rustic Kitchen, Lakeview. Janine MacLachlan focuses on stylish, casual entertaining. 773-935-4239 or e-mail janine@rustickitchen.com or go to www.rustickitchen.com.
The Windy City Home Chef, Robert Jamrose teaches a variety of classes in the homes of his students, including group lessons on the basics, how to cook fast, or kids cooking. Private seminars start at $200; lessons, $75-$150. 773-832-0566.
World Kitchen, 66 E. Randolph St., offers classes that focus on basic culinary techniques. Classes are available in September, starting at $20. 312-742-8497 or www.worldkitchenchicago.org.
North
Apple-a-Day Baskets, 907 W. George St., Arlington Heights. Nutritionist Audrey Beauvais offers fall classes: Fresh herbs, soy, fast food at home, and healthful German cuisine. Starts 7 p.m. Sept. 10. $45. 847-392-8851.
Beautiful Food, 2111 Beechwood Ave., Wilmette. Join Charie MacDonald for participation classes in basic cooking, savory breads, pastry, soups and more. $50. 847-256-3979.
Bev’s World, 335 S. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan. Bev Brinkley and staff teach evening classes in cake decorating, appetizers, finger sweets, fancy desserts, ethnic cuisine and candymaking. Classes begin in September. Demonstrations are free; classes are $40. 847-623-3478.
Julie Chernoff, 1837 Asbury Ave., Evanston. Classes explore “Art of the Dinner Party” in 2-hour demonstrations (some hands-on) followed by lunch with wine. Themes may include farmers markets, Southwestern flavors, holiday side dishes or a Moroccan dinner. Fees: $40 per class; $75 for 2; $110 for 3; and $140 for 4. 847-864-5536.
Coachouse Gourmet, 735 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Julie Kearney offers participation classes 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 12. Topics include 30-minute gourmet, vegetable and side dishes, hors d’oeuvre, fall dinner, soup, chicken, old-fashioned Thanksgiving and Christmas brunch. Prices start at $38. 847-724-1521 or www.coachousegourmet.com.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, offers evening classes that range from single-session evening classes to 4-week series. Courses include gourmet desserts, Chinese cooking, cooking with pasta, fresh tastes of Italy, cooking for one or two, appealing appetizers, continental cooking, holiday cookies. Fees are $29-$59, plus materials. 847-543-2041.
Cooking Classes for the Serious Amateur, 18858 W. Wooddale Trail, Lake Villa. Carol Mackey holds demonstration classes in a relaxed setting. Samples and recipes included. Classes start at $28. 847-265-4626 or e-mail CmtheCooker@aol.com.
Cooking with Chicago’s Great Chefs. International-style classes taught by chefs in Chicago, with classes every other week focusing on specific cuisine. $50. Classes start Sept 6. Classes are at Glenview Park Center, Glenview. 847-525-6636
Corner Cooks, 507 Chestnut St., Winnetka. Evening classes on various topics. Executive chef Larry Smith and guest chefs explore all cuisines. Classes are ongoing. Fees start at $50. 847-441-0134 or e-mail cornercook@aol.com.
Harry Crane, chef/instructor at Kendall College, teaches demonstration and hands-on classes in your home. Specialties include healthful cooking and the Mediterranean. Fees start at $80. 847-432-2173 or e-mail harrycrane@home.com
Kendall College, 2408 Orrington Ave., Evanston. School of Culinary Arts offers “Spice Up Your Life” classes for home cooks on weeknights or Saturdays. Classes are ongoing and start at $45. 847-866-1325.
Kitchen Korner, 810 Exner Ct., Palatine. Join Kathy Amatulli for classes on fish and Italian food. Other topics include entertaining, Thanksgiving and Christmas specialties. Classes start mid-September. Fees start at $40. 847-934-0250 or e-mail Kat21@mediaone.net.
La Fleur de Cuisine Cooking School, 10057 Lamon St., Skokie. Barbara Hollander teaches ethnic cuisines, breadmaking, soups and stocks, pastrymaking. Classes begin mid-October. $30. 847-676-2678.
New Trier Extension at New Trier West Center,
7 Happ Rd., Northfield. Classes include “The Chinese Way to Cook Tofu,” Cajun cooking and make-ahead brunches. Classes begin Sept. 10. $44-$61. 847-446-6600.
Peggy Ryan conducts classes for busy cooks who like to entertain. Classes take place at Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. All classes include demonstrations, tastings, recipes and wine. 6:30-9 p.m. $50. 847-475-3842.
Dawn R. Schuman Institute, Northbrook. Traditional Jewish cooking will be taught 7-9 p.m. Oct. 23 and Nov. 6; quick kosher cooking will be taught 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, by Barbara Freedman in her Skokie home. $25 per session. Call 847-509-8282 (this iteme as published has been corrected in this text).
Someone’s in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Store offers demonstration and hands-on Wednesday classes such as quick dinners, pizza party and risotto as well Friday Lunch & Learn sessions. $22-$38. 847-816-9511.
Township High School District 214, Community Education. Topics include sushi, Thanksgiving feast, holiday appetizers, seafood, pastas and gingerbread houses. Classes begin Sept. 10 at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Rd., Mt. Prospect. Register at District 214 office, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Heights. $44-$49. 847-718-7700.
La Venture, Skokie. Sandra Bisceglie offers series of day or evening classes in classic French and Italian cooking, baking and cake decorating. Classes begin in January. $289 for series of 6. 847-679-8845.
South
The Checkerberry Inn, 62644 County Rd. 37, Goshen, Ind. Classes offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays in March. Topics include sauces, soups and desserts. Fees include lunch. Call or fax 219-642-4445.
The Cookery, 810 Lincolnway, LaPorte, Ind., offers classes and series on American and ethnic cuisines. Heart-healthy, holiday appetizers, focaccia, kids, pizza. Classes start Sept. 8. $40-$45. 219-325-FOOD or fax 219-325-8899.
Food Groups, 15035 Hale Drive, Orland Park, offers classes on 30-minute meals taught by Amanda Carlson. Also, private, customized lessons and cooking parties for individuals and groups. $20-$75 per person. 708-261-5380.
West
Shirley Adams, 444 Old Surrey Rd., Hinsdale. Private lessons for individuals and groups in ethnic cuisines. Focus is on technique, special diet planning, menu planning and nutrition. 630-887-0304.
Chez Madelaine Cooking School, 425 Woodside Ave., Hinsdale. Fall classes begin Sept. 20 and focus on seasonal produce, French techniques and eating healthfully. Classes include herbs, vegetarian menu, bread baking and winter squash workshop. Fees start at $85. 630-655-0355 or www.chezm. com.
The College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd.., Glen Ellyn, offers Culinary Corner, featuring local cookbook authors and chefs, including Pina Andreiw, Vivian Macht, Camille Stagg and Ruth Law. Single-session classes and 4- to 6-week programs in basic skills and holiday specials. Classes start in September. For prices, call 630-942-2208.
Country Garden Cuisine, 3N369 La Fox Rd., St. Charles. Instructor Penny Newkirk offers day and evening classes in subjects including herbal cookery, savory pies, game cookery, edible flowers, soups and stews. Hands-on and demo classes offered. Fees vary. 630-587-8985.
Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Non-credit classes led by guest chefs begin Oct. 2. Fees vary. Call Judy Beto, 708-524-6906, or www.dom.edu.
Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Non-credit classes begin Sept. 7. Topics include pasta, Asian appetizers, quick and easy meat and poultry. Classes are 6-8 p.m. in Business Conference Center. $39-$49. 847-622-3036.
Famous Liquors & Market, 105 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard. Ethnic cuisine classes every Wednesday starting Sept. 5 with Italian by chef Pasquale Iannino. $15. 630-629-3330.
Geneva Cookery, 0N745 Bartelt Rd., Geneva, offers classes for cooks in their homes, plus dinner party classes for 3 or 4 couples. Specialty classes, such as “Cooking for Couples,” also available for $85-$90. $55 for regular classes. 630-845-8108.
Let’s Cook. Patti Conway teaches in her home or yours. She covers any topic from the basics to gourmet including kitchen organization, shopping skills, pantry stocking, shortcuts and party planning. $35 per hour for individual classes and starting at $50 per hour for small groups. 708-482-9382.
Las Bellas Artes, 112 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Chef Gloria Duarte’s classes include Fiesta Celebration, true Mexican, fall soups and homemade breads, Thanksgiving south-of-the-border style, holiday appetizers and Champagne. Monthly classes begin Sept. 8. $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 call 708-345-6817.
Pina’s Culinary Experience, 632 E. Irving Park Rd., Roselle. Janet Lisinski and her partner Pina Andreiw teach classes in European cuisine including appetizers, vegetarian cooking, poultry and breads. Classes are ongoing 7-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday. $42-$160. 630-529-1877.
Pinch of Thyme Personal Chefs specializes in customized classes for small groups in clients’ homes. Class can be demonstration or hands-on. Classes include everything from hors d’oeuvre to desserts to multicourse dinner parties. Fees start at $40. Call 630-795-0100 or go to http://members.home.net/pinchofthyme.
Prairie Gourmet, 113 W. Main St. (Illinois Highway 64), St. Charles, offers classes in basic techniques and ethnic menus. $40-$50 per class, beginning in September. 630-443-9904; fax 630-443-9905.
Recipes by Ruth. Ruth Johaningsmeir customizes classes for your group function. Possible topics include diet dinners, speed scratch, gourmet meals, holiday cooking and after-school treats. 708-609-7884; e-mail ruth@inhomecooking.com, or go to www.inhomecooking.com.
True Cuisine Ltd., 2031 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Chef Mark Aker and owner Jean True offer hands-on classes on such subjects as hors d’oeuvre and desserts for the holidays, French and Italian basics and seasonal topics on the first Tuesday of every month starting 6-9 p.m. Oct. 2. $50-$75. 630-469-7930.
Professional
Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation offers culinary training for the homeless, those on the welfare-to-work track, the underemployed and unemployed. Next series of classes begins Oct. 2. Oliver’s Kitchen, 4345 W. Division St., 773-252-3663.
Chinese American Service League, 310 W. 24th Pl. Free 16-week chef training program, starting in the fall, is offered to poor Chicago residents 22 and older. Call Lois Chen, 312-791-0418.
College of DuPage, 425 22nd St., Glen Ellyn, offers a 2-year associate’s degree and 1-year specialized certificates. Courses include quantity food preparation and international cuisine. A baking/pastry program is available. $37 per quarter credit hour. Classes begin Sept. 20. 630-942-3663.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Associate of applied science degree in food service and culinary arts certificate are offered. Classes include introduction to professional food service, culinary arts, principles of food preparation. Day and evening classes begin Aug. 21. For fees and to register, 847-223-1111. Information, call Cliff Wener, 847-543-2823.
Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, 361 W. Chestnut St. Classes lead to an associate in applied science degree in the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts. Baking and pastry certificate also offered. Fall classes are available. 877-828-7772 or visit www.chicnet.org.
Dawson Technical Institute, City Colleges of Chicago, 3901 S. State St. Program prepares students for technical training in culinary arts. Course lasts 48 weeks. For prices, dates, call 773-451-2000.
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 Sept. 7. For prices call Judy Beto, 708-524-6906.
Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Programs lead to associate’s degrees in hospitality management in culinary arts or restaurant management. Classes include nutrition, purchasing, menus and merchandising. Fall classes begin Aug. 20; $52 per credit hour plus lab fee. Call Michael Zema, 847-214-7461, or dean’s office, 847-214-7900.
French Pastry School at City Colleges of Chicago, 226 W. Jackson Blvd. A 24-week certificate program focuses on classic methods, contemporary aesthetics and cost-effective techniques. Next program starts in January. $13,156 (includes tools, uniforms, registration fees). 2-day guest chef seminars range from $700-$820. 312-726-2419; fax, 312-726-2446; e-mail Jpfeif0927@aol.com, or visit www.frenchpastryschool.com.
Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, offers 1-year certificate in culinary arts and baking and 2-year hospitality management program that leads to an associate in applied science degree. Fall semester begins Aug. 27. Fees: $58 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.
The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago, 180 N. Wabash Ave., offers culinary arts program with six 11-week sessions for an associate of applied science degree. Program courses include sanitation and safety, baking and pastry, wine and beverage, garde manger. Students manage the school’s new restaurant. Classes are ongoing. $294 per credit hour. 312-280-3500 or 800-351-3450 or www.ilia.aii.edu.
Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Ave., offers 1-year certificates in food preparation and hotel/restaurant and food service management and 2-year associate’s degree in applied science in culinary arts or hotel/restaurant and food service management. Classes include principles of quantity food preparation, advanced food and pastry, ice carving, nutrition and menu planning. Classes begin Aug. 20. $49 per credit hour. 815-280-2639.
Kendall College, 2408 Orrington Ave., Evanston. Programs include a 1-year part-time certificate program in baking and pastry arts or professional cookery; 2-year associate’s degree in culinary arts or hotel/restaurant management; 4-year bachelor’s degree in culinary/hotel restaurant management. Fall classes begin Sept. 26. Certificate programs, $395 per credit hour; culinary classes, $5,140 per term; management classes, $4,280 per term. 847-866-1304, or visit www.kendall.edu.
Lexington College, 310 S. Peoria St. Program for women leads to an associate’s degree in hospitality management. Classes include culinary management, event planning and sanitation. $9,100 for two semesters. Classes begin Sept. 5. 312-226-6294.
Moraine Valley Community College, 10900 S. 88th Ave., Palos Hills, offers programs in restaurant/hotel management. Courses include garde manger, baking/pastry, catering, banquet services, beverage management, menu writing and marketing. Fall classes begin Aug. 20. $54 in-district per credit hour. 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, food and beverage management. Fall semester begins Sept. 5. Undergraduate, $459 per semester hour; graduate, $540 per semester hour. 312-281-3181.
St. Augustine College, 1333-45 W. Argyle St., offers 39-week bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate program for professional cooks. Program includes fundamentals of continental/international cuisine, appetizers, preparation for city and state food sanitation license exams. Classes begin Aug. 27. 773-878-8756, ext. 300.
The Technology Center of DuPage, 301 S. Swift Rd., Addison. Culinary and pastry arts program for junior and senior high school students. Students operate a dining room, catering service and delicatessen. For DuPage County students who apply through their high school guidance department. Part-time classes begin Aug. 22. 630-620-8770.
Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, offers associate in applied science degrees, as well as certificates in culinary or hotel/motel, and restaurant management. Subjects included are food safety and sanitation, quantity food preparation, baking and pastry, nutrition, menu writing, food and beverage purchasing. Classes begin Aug. 27. $48 per credit hour in-district. 708-456-0300 ext. 3624 or www.triton.cc.il.us.
Washburne Culinary Institute, Kennedy-King College, 6800 S. Wentworth Ave., offers a full-time 19-month day chef training program as well as pastry and sanitation certificates. Chef program, $7,030; certificate programs, $1,372-$2,093. Fall classes begin Sept. 4. 773-602-5487.
Single subjects
Baking, cake decorating
Lyons Township High School, 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange. Diane Courte teaches baking for the beginner or enthusiast. Upcoming classes are 7-9 p.m. Oct. 17 and 24. $24. 708-354-5473.
Naperville Park District baking classes at include cake decorating, which starts Sept. 11. Prices start at $22 for residents. For locations, call 630-848-5000.
Waubonsee Community College, Illinois Highway 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove. Basic, Decorating 2 and Decorating 3. Also offered are 4-week sessions on Wilton method of cake decorating. Classes begin Sept. 5. $59. 630-466-7900, ext. 2360.
Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, 2240 W. 75th St., Woodridge. More than 50 courses include continental and American cake decorating, fondant, pulled sugar, confections and chocolate and cake assembly. New classes include starting a business, and old world candymaking. $40-$775. 630-810-2211 or www.wilton.com.
Children’s classes
Pamela Durkin, 175 E. Delaware Pl., Suite 4625. Durkin teaches children 5 to 12 to cook, with an emphasis on hygiene, nutrition and presentation. Next class 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 16. $40. 312-337-6904.
Elmhurst Park District Recreation Department at Eldridge Park offers 7-week session on breakfast for kids beginning Sept. 12. $53 residents, $63 non-residents. An 11-week lunch series starts Nov. 7. Call or visit Abbey Registration Office, 407 W. St. Charles Rd., 630-993-8989.
Global Feast, 2955 W. Eastwood Ave., offers classes for students ages 10-14. Students will learn about the customs, holidays, stories and foods of foreign cultures. Saturdays 1-4 p.m. $25; 3 classes for $65. Call Sophia Iuanow, 773-463-4164, or Leslie Ladd, 708-771-8485.
Kids Cook! Julie Chernoff, 1837 Asbury Ave., Evanston. Classes and children’s cooking parties. $25 per child 8 and older or $40 per child/parent team. 847-864-5536.
Kinder Cooks. Lynn Preis offers classes in your home featuring healthful dishes, specializing in holiday foods. For fees, call 773-327-2469.
Schaumburg Park District, Bock Center, 1223 W. Sharon Ln. Classes offered for ages 4 to 12 include mini-munchies, Halloween treats and “Hey Sports Fans.” Prices vary; classes start Sept. 11. 847-490-7020.
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 7-9 p.m. Mondays Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1. $120 for 4 classes. 708-957-0897.
New Page Productions, 1919 S. Highland Ave., 325A, Lombard. Deborah Page Johnson provides private classes for people with sensitivities to wheat, corn, gluten, yeast, eggs, dairy, soy, sugar and nightshades (a family of vegetables). For fees, call 630-355-7746.
Science of Spirituality Center, 4 S. 175 Naperville Rd., Naperville. Vegetarian cooking classes from 2-4 p.m. second Saturday of every month are taught by instructors from various ethnic backgrounds. Free. 630-955-1200.
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. 847-509-1540 or www.netRD.com.
Seafood
Burhop’s, 609 W. North Ave. and 1515 Sheridan Rd. in Wilmette, offer free demonstrations on topics such as oven-fried scrod, fish boils and stuffed crab noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. Call 312-642-8600 or 847-256-6400.
The Fish Guy Market, 4423 N. Elston Ave., conducts classes the last Wednesday of each month. Each class is hosted by a top Chicago chef and includes wine and food. Private cooking groups are also available. Next class Aug. 29. $75. Call 773-283-8400 or visit www.fishguy.com.
Wine and spirits
Cabernet and Co., 434 N. Main St., and Cab’s Wine Bar Bistro, 430 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, offer ongoing classes, tastings and wine dinners. Fall classes include “How to Tackle a Restaurant Wine List,” and “The ABC’s of Wine, or Anything but Chardonnay.” 630-469-2644 or e-mail Cabcompany@msn.com.
Chicago Wine School, 2001 S. Halsted St., offers single-session and five-week courses on the basics, varietals, and international wines. Summer session under way; fall session begins week of Sept. 10; $160-$350. 312-266-9463 or www.wineschool.com.
Famous Liquors, 105 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, offers food and wine classes. Classes begin mid-September. $15. 630-629-3330.
North Shore Wine Education. Tom Hyland teaches wine classes; hosts wine dinners at restaurants; arranges private wine tastings for businesses and homes. 773-728-0327.
Sam’s Wines & Spirits, 1720 N. Marcey St., offers weekly wine classes that focus on a region or grape of interest. Cheese seminars and tastings also available. Next class is 6:15 p.m. Aug. 23; $20. Next tasting is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 19; $25 advance/$40 door. 312-664-4394.
What Goes With What? Jim Matthews and Woody Mosgers offer 4 weekly sessions, each matching 5 wines to recipes and cheeses. Begins mid-October. $175 for the series. For location, call 708-386-2535.
Wine College of America, 680 N. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 114, offers classes to individuals and businesses on wine knowledge and appreciation, and matching wines with cuisines. Prices depend on group size and wines selected. 312-867-7430.
Wine Tutors. Tamara Leigh Murphy offers wine classes in your home or business. Fees vary. 312-644-4858.
— Compiled by Harold L. Whack
