When Shelley Young pulls an all-nighter this weekend, she’s going to get as many food-lovers as she can to join her.
To celebrate The Chopping Block’s fifth anniversary, chef-owner Young, her staff and several Chicago-area chefs will present 24 classes in 24 hours at the school, 1324 W. Webster Ave.
Asked what gave her this unusual idea, Young’s first response–“I’m crazy”–evolved into a more reasonable explanation: “I wanted to find a way to have a party and invite as many people as I wanted to invite in such a small location.”
Thus, a concept was born–and for a cause: Proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels Chicago.
The fun begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, with classes offered each hour until 8 a.m. Sunday. Participants can buy a four-hour block for $50; and caffeine-addicted participants can sign up for the entire event for $300.
In addition to the food prepared in the classes, participants will get free beer and pizza, donated by Three Floyds Brewing and Piece.
Young will teach all of the demonstration classes, with guest chefs in supporting roles. They include Jennifer Aranas of Rambutan (8 a.m.); Dominique Tougne of Bistro 110 (5 p.m.); Jason Paskewitz of Wave (1 a.m.) and Paul Kahan of Blackbird (4 a.m.)
She emphasized that the atmosphere will be casual and emphatically non-academic. “I’m not going to attest for the quality of my instruction at 4 a.m.,” Young said with a laugh. “It’s more about having fun, rooting us on, celebrating our anniversary and raising money for a great cause.”
Interest has been brisk for the midnight to 4 a.m. slot, but lagging behind are the 8 p.m. to midnight and (go figure!) the 4 to 8 a.m. blocks. To make reservations, call 773-472-6700.
