Everyone loves to eat. Problem is that many people don’t like to cook — or, rather, shy away from attempting what’s often an extremely involved process. Remembering ingredients, maintaining temperatures, keeping measurements and properly presenting a dish require commitment and focus. Yet, while it can amount to a bigger hassle than it’s worth, food preparation can prove rewarding.
The Chopping Block — the area’s largest recreational cooking school, with locations in Lincoln Square and the Merchandise Mart — makes cooking fun, communal and educational. In intimate hands-on sessions, participants work in small groups and come from all skill levels. To accommodate busy schedules, most classes start and finish within three-hour periods; and everyone shares in the fruits of their labors at the end. Whether you’re seeking to learn about enhancing flavors, using specialty knives or selecting seafood, the 14-year-old institution can assist. On-site gourmet retail stores offer supplies and ideas.
The upcoming two-day outdoor Grilling Boot Camp (10 a.m. Thursday and Friday) covers marinating, brining, smoking and slow-cooking.
Twitter @ChiTribEnt
4 more September classes
at the Lincoln Square location:
New England Lobster Party: 7 p.m. Thursday
A Sauce Odyssey: 7 p.m. Sept. 19, 10 a.m. Sept. 29
A Night in Barcelona: 7 p.m. Sept. 22
Couples Cooking: Nuevo Latino Fiesta: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and 24
What: The Chopping Block
Where: 4747 N. Lincoln Ave.
Contact: 773-472-6700; or thechoppingblock.net
Cost: Varies, depending on class and length
