Gardening, Grilling and Summer Arrive at The Chopping Block

New Summer Menus

The seasonal switch from spring to summer is happening in July. Goodbye strawberries and rhubarb; hello corn and tomatoes! Join us for all new menus featuring the most of summer's bounty for the following classes:

Meat 101

Seafood 101

Chicken 101

Pasta Workshop

Wine & Dine

Got Gnocchi

Cupcake Boot Camp

All of these classes are offered at both of our locations throughout July, so please visit our website to peruse our class calendar for specific days and times.

Grilling

Get Grilling

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Grilling Season Kick Off Party last month. Haven't experienced our Lincoln Square grilling patio in person? Get grilling this summer! We offer hands-on and demonstration grilling classes featuring both gas and charcoal grills.

Garden Fresh

Our little plot in the Lincoln Square Community Garden is once again in bloom. We've planted green beans, cucumbers, garlic and zucchini. If this season is anything like the first year, we'll have an abundance of tomatoes, peppers and fresh herbs for our volunteers to harvest. Want to start a garden of your own, but not sure where to start? This resource by Mother Earth News gives a guide of what to plant now in the Midwest.

We are excited to use extra herbs from our garden in a new class, Cooking with Fresh Herbs featuring Grilled Flank Steak with Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto and Lemon Thyme Shortcakes with Macerated Peaches.

Learn simple preparations of beautiful vegetables like Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Napoleon with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil in The Italian Garden.

Focus on Midwestern ingredients in What Grows Together, Goes Together and make Grilled Bass with Summer Ratatouille and Pesto Vinaigrette.

Keep your summer bounty for months to come by getting tools and techniques in Summer Canning & Preserving.

View all of our just-released July classes on our website.

Tapas Time

Small plates, grand fun! Our popular Tapas classes are always a good time as students learn the techniques of Spanish cuisine while enjoying a tasty meal with friends.

Now, we're bringing Spain to our grilling patio! Our new Tapas on the Grill class features classic favorites like Grilled Bread Topped with Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese and new dishes such as Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Salad with Lemon, Roasted Red Peppers and Arugula.

We've partnered with the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago to bring you a chance to win a free trip to Spain, which includes a cooking class and market tour. Enter today!