8 ounces semi or bittersweet chocolate
Place the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or bowl set over barely simmering water, and allow to melt, stirring until smooth. Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, and then add the coffee.
Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the sugar. Continue whipping until the whites form shiny soft peaks.
Gently fold the whites into the chocolate mixture. Fold in the whipped cream. Pipe into either wine or martini glasses and allow to chill for 2 hours.
Courtesy: Shelly Young of the Chopping Block
The Chopping Block Class Calendar
Special March Additions
Whether you're hoping for a big win in this year's bracket pool, celebrating Spring or enjoying a beautiful Easter Brunch, The Chopping Block has scheduled new classes just for March culinary celebrations.
Easter Brunch Sit back and relax as we prepare the perfect Easter brunch for you. Bloody Marys; Asparagus and Mushroom Salad with Hollandaise Sauce; Ham, Gouda and Potato Quiche; Strawberry Trifle at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Sunday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $50.
Get Psyched for Spring With spring right around the corner, get familiar with how to use the season's green bounty. Asparagus Soup; Eggplant, Zucchini and Pesto Lasagna; Roasted Salmon with Spring Pea Sauce; Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Monday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $40.
Healthy in a Hurry Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner: Seasonal Springtime Recipes Learn Heart-Smart Cooking techniques and tips at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $40.
March Madness! Keep your guests satisfied during game day with these winning appetizers. Mexican Casserole; Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates; Sloppy Joe Roll Ups; Crispy Won Ton Wrapped Shrimp at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Thursday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40.
Hangover Helper Prep ahead recipes for the morning after the party. Mexican Casserole; Drunken Thai Noodles; Sloppy Joe Roll Ups; Biscuits and Sausage Gravy at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Sunday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $40.
Chilies.....From Hot To Not! Sweet, spicy, fresh and dried... we'll teach you how to make the most of the world of chilies. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus; Pozole Rojo; Shrimp and Coconut Thai Curry; Tuna Piperade at Merchandise Mart on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75.
Seafood Secrets We will teach you the tricks of the trade when purchasing seafood and how to handle it once you get it home. Bouillabaisse; Crispy Sauteed Bass, Fennel and Orange Salad, Caper Lemon Vinaigrette; Bacon Wrapped Salmon Mignon at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; at Merchandise Mart on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
New England Clam Bake Roll up your pant legs and dig in for a day at the beach. Clam Chowder; Stovetop Clam and Lobster Bake; Boston Cream Pie at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $50.
ONLY AT THE CHOPPING BLOCK
With a long history at Chicago's finest cooking school, The Chopping Block is known for crafting unqiue classes to make every culinary dreams come true.
Bread Baking Workshop Learn the basics of working with yeast doughs and the art of properly shaping them. Seeded Baguettes; Grape and Gorgonzola Foccacia; Soft Pretzels at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Cook of the Month Club: Sauces and Emulsions Come join the culinary fun each month as we teach you the ins and outs of creating delicious recipes and pairing flavors at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $75.
A Special Evening with Bill Begale From Paulina Meat Market Join master butcher Bill Begale, owner of Paulina Meat Market as he demonstrates the fabrication of large cuts of meat into portions for the home cook at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
ETHNIC CLASSES
The Chopping Block's specialty is unlocking the culinary secrets of exotic culinary cultures, teaching students how to make authentic dishes from the cuisines of the world.
Bento Box Basics
Believe it or not, Japanese food is not all about raw fish. Learn the art of preparing these all time favorite comfort foods. Okonomyaki; Tempura; Miso Soup; Tenzaru Soba; Tonkatsu at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Sunday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40.
Totally Hands On Sushi
Learn hands on how to prepare maki rolls, California rolls, nigiri and spicy tuna hand rolls. You will learn the secrets to making perfect sushi rice and finding the freshest fish at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $85.
The Food and Wine of Argentina Join us as we sample the meaty cuisine and juicy wines of Argentina. Ensalada Completa; Grilled Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce; Humita (Fresh Corn Pudding); Flan con Dulce de Leche at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $60.
Taste of Thailand Enjoy an evening full of delicious and exotic food. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken and Coconut Milk Soup); Tofu Pad Thai; Shrimp and Scallop Coconut Curry; Thai Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 8 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
Simple French Food Preparing French food does not need to be complicated! Join us as we teach you how to make beautiful and elegant food keeping less is more in mind. Frissee, Hazelnut and Goat Cheese Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette; Sea Bass en Papillote with Leeks and Herbed Compound Butter; Endive and Fennel Gratin; Fig and Basil Bread Pudding at Merchandise Mart on Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; at Merchandise Mart on Thursday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $75.
Culinary Adventure: Trip to Brazil Come prepare the eclectic and diverse cuisine of the largest country in South America. Moqueca (Fish, Scallop and Onion Soup with Tomatoes and Coconut Milk); Feijoada (Brazilian Pork and Bean Stew); Brazilian Rice and Fried Plantains at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Thursday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75.
Tapas! Have fun while cooking an assortment of authentic Spanish snacks. Tortilla Espanola with Olive Aioli; Authentic Albondigas; Gambas Con Ajillo (Shrimp with Garlic); Pollo Verde at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75.
For the Love of Crepes Bonjour! Enjoy the delicate flavors of the French pancake. Asparagus with Sauce Gribiche; Ham and Cheese Crepes; Nutella and Banana Chocolate Stuffed Crepes at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Sunday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
Irish Pub Paint the town green with these delicious Irish classics. Smoked Salmon Salad; Shepards Pie; Irish Soda Bread; Sticky Toffee Pudding at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Slow Food: Cuisine of Valencia The slow food movement is an organization to counteract fast food and the fast life. Savor the joys of preparing these timeless recipes. Calamares Rellenos (Smoked Ham and Potato Stuffed Squid); Paella Marinera (Fish and Shellfish Paella); Flan de Naranja (Orange Flan) at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Neapolitan Pizzeria! Master the art of tossing your dough and creating authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Insalata Mista with Grilled Calamari; Margherita Pizza; Quattro Formaggi White Pizza; Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza. At Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 228 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Under The Tuscan Moon Dinner Party Enjoy a night out celebrating the cuisine of Tuscany! Bruschetta with Cannellini Bean Puree; Chickpea and Roasted Garlic Soup with Braised Kale; Linguine al Vongole; Beef Tenderloin with Tuscan Olive Oil and Arugula at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Thursday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
Luck of the Irish Celebrate this Saint Patricks Day by sampling the best of Irish cuisine. Smoked Salmon Salad; Corned Beef and Cabbage; Boxty (Potato Griddle Cakes); Country Rhubarb Cake at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Bringing the family together, teaching kids and teens to cook, and making healthy homemade food for the little ones is a monthly ritual at The Chopping Block.
Family Night: Pizza Party (per adult) Everyone cooks and eats together, and one kid is free with each adult ($20 per additonal child.) Ensalata Tricolore; Homemade Pizza; Chocolate Tiramisu at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Cooking for Your Baby Save money and ensure your baby's health. Learn the simple tricks of making baby food at home with the season's best vegetables. Bring your baby at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Thursday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $40.
Cooking for your Toddler: Ethnic Foods Save money and cook healthy meals that your toddler will love to eat. Shrimp and Pineapple Fried Rice; Okonomyaki (Japanese Vegetable Fritters); Chicken Curry Noodles; Mexican Rice and Beans at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $40.
Tater Tots Kids 3-7 get to help cook snacks, learn about ingredients, and have fun in the kitchen. Parents and guardians, please stay with your tot throughout the session to help them complete the recipes at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, Sunday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, Sunday, March 30 at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $20.
Teen Building Blocks Drop-off cooking class for teens ages 11-15. Parents and guardians, please check-in your teens promptly for class and return to pick them up after the session at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue. $25. Thursday, March 6 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - - Sushi Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - - Soft Pretzels Thursday, March 20 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - - Ricotta Gnocchi Thursday, March 27 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - - Brownies and Lemon Bars
Kids' Building Blocks Drop-off cooking class for kids ages 6-11. Parents and guardians, please check-in your kids promptly for class and return to pick them up after the session at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue. $20. Pancake Breakfast - - Friday, March 7 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger - - Friday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Gone Crackers - - Friday, March 21 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mexican Fiesta - - Friday, March 28 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
BASICS CLASSES
So you know how to heat water for ramen. Now it is time to learn that there is more to cooking that can be prepared in a microwave! The Chopping Block has the classes that teach beginners the basics of the kitchen.
Knife Skills Our most popular class! A hands-on chopping session where you learn to chop, mince and slice vegetables and herbs. Knife care, sharpening and honing, and selection and manufacturing are also covered at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Monday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ; Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Monday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $40.
Flavor Dynamics Taste olive oils, vinegars, herbs, salts, spices and more as we explore how to combine flavors, make substitutions and cook without recipes at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $40.
Chicken 101: New Spring Menu Tasty techniques for cooking chicken properly. Chicken Fricassee with White Wine, Cream and Tarragon; Greek Style Roasted Chicken; Mushroom, Spinach and Leek Stuffed Chicken Roulade at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Meat 101: New Spring Menu Learn hands on how to smoke, roast and sear meat successfully. Brined and Smoked Pork Tenderloin; Seared New York Strip with Herb Butter; Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; at Merchandise Mart on Monday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $85.
Seafood 101: New Spring Menu Take the fear out of cooking fish. Belgium Ale Steamed Mussels; Seared Tuna Steaks with Pesto Aioli; Trout Almondine with Green Beans at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $85.
Building Blocks Hot and Cold Antipasto; Shrimp Scampi with Capellini; Profiteroles with Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce Hands-On: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75. Demo: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40. Hands-On: at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Hummus with Pita Chips; Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce; Tabouli Salad; Baklava Hands-On: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75. Demo: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40. Hands-On: at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Grandma Rose's Potato Pancakes; Oven Poached Salmon with Dill Hollandaise; Asparagus; Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Hands-On: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75. Demo: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40. Hands-On: at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Won Ton Soup; Kung Pao Chicken; Chinese Vegetables with Crispy Noodle Pancake; Szechwan Eggplant Hands-On: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75. Demo: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40. Hands-On: at Merchandise Mart on Tuesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Caesar Salad with Croutons; Fettucine Alfredo with Broccoli; Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops; Panna Cotta with Berries Hands-On: at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $75.
INTENSIVE CLASSES
Got a day? We'll give you the skills it takes to learn a culinary topic from start to finish. Got a week? We'll teach you to cook like the pros!
Focus on Knife Skills and Butchering (all-day intensive) We will mince, dice, julienne, clean beef tenderloin, cut up a whole chicken and fillet fish. Lunch will be prepared during the class at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $175.
Focus on Fish and Shellfish (all-day intensive) Spend a day in our kitchen exploring the techniques behind cooking seafood. Fish in Papillotte; Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Mushroom Duxelle; Oysters Rockefeller; Lobster Thermidor; Sole Stuffed with Shrimp Mousse with Caviar Beurre Blanc; Bouillabaisse; Asian Style Ahi Tuna; Seared Scallops with Corn Fricassee at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $175.
Baking Boot Camp Roll up your sleeves and spend a three day, dough-filled weekend in the pastry kitchen. Day One, Part One: Youll Knead It.... Yeast Dough, Pie Dough, Tart Dough, Cookie Dough and Pate a Choux. Part Two: Batter Up.... Pound Cake, Leavened Cakes and Genoise. Day Two, Part One: Filler Up.... Pastry Cream, Mousses, Ganache and Buttercreams. Part Two: Creamy, Dreamy, Yummy.... Creme Brulee, Flan, Panna Cotta and Pot de Creme Day Three, Part One: Blended Not Stirred.... Coulis and Caramel Sauce Part Two: Express Yourself.... Fruit Tart, Dessert Plating, Dessert Buffet, Bake off Cookies, Decorate a Cake and Tastings at Merchandise Mart from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $525.
Culinary Boot Camp Starts Today Spend a week in our kitchens learning like the pros at Merchandise Mart from Monday, March 17 at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $1750.
FREE CLASS: Boot Camp Come sample out Boot Camp program at Merchandise Mart Sunday, March 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WINE CLASSES
The Chopping Block's informative, approachable teaching style extends to the world of wine under the knowing guidance of Wine Goddess Diana Hamman.
Wine Goddess Presents: New World Wonders: The Wines of Australia, New Zealand and South America Join The Chopping Block's Wine Instructor Diana Hamann, aka The Wine Goddess to learn about New World wines from countries such as Australia and Argentina are making some old world countries shake in their wine-stained boots as the price-to-value ratio on these new world gems is off the charts! In this class we will take a viticultural tour of the great wines of the Southern Hemisphere at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Friday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. $60.
Wine Goddess Presents: War of the Wine Worlds: Old Vs. New Join The Chopping Block's Wine Instructor Diana Hamann, aka The Wine Goddess to pit old world winemaking countries (France, Italy, Spain, Germany) against their new world counterparts (America, Australia/New Zealand, South America). Come taste two interpretations of the same grape varietal, and see onto which side of the fence you fall at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Friday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. $60.
Wine Goddess Presents: So You Think You Dont Like White Wine Join The Chopping Block's Wine Instructor Diana Hamann, aka The Wine Goddess to learn why the public's preference for red is giving short shrift to a whole world of delicious wine. A great class for the card-carrying red wine drinker, we will taste through and learn to think outside the Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc paradigm universe at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Friday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. $60.
Wine Goddess Presents: Conquering The Restaurant Wine List Join The Chopping Block's Wine Instructor Diana Hamann, aka The Wine Goddess to learn to develop tools to put to test the next time you are staring down a restaurant wine list. We will cover basic wine etiquette, plus how to make heads or tails of the list, how to order, how to read a wine label, and when it is worth it to bring your own wine and suffer the corkage fee. Tricks of the trade will be revealed! at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Friday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. $60.
FOR DATES AND SINGLES
Cooking is a social activity you can share every day! Come learn how to cook wtih friends or that special someone at The Chopping Block.
Date Night: Nuevo Latino Come experience the sultry and sexy interpretations of classic Latino cuisine. Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Dates; Rum Glazed Shrimp with Avocado Salad; Cuban Skirt Steak, Chimichurri Sauce; Kahlua Flan at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 8 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
Girl's Night: Spring Break Healthy indulgences! Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp; Shaved Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Blood Oranges; Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts; Angel Food Cake with Blueberries at Merchandise Mart on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40.
Couples Cooking: Greek Taverna (per person) Not even the Spartan army could resist the food of the Gods you will prepare in this class. Greek Villagers Salad; Shrimp Santorini; Moussaka; Baklava Roulade at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 1 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $75.
So.... You Are Dating a Vegetarian No need to jump ship just yet. Let us help you find your way to loving vegetarian cuisine. Coconut Curry Tempeh with Brown Jasmine Rice; Black Bean Cakes with Tomato Sauce and Poached Eggs; Wild Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Poblano Peppers at Merchandise Mart on Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and at Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, on Monday, March 10 at 70:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $40.
Located at 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue (773.472.6700) and The Merchandise Mart., Suite 107 (312.644.6360), at the corner of Kinzie and Wells, The Chopping Block is a cooking school and culinary store for the home cook. The Chopping Block's specialty retail store is open Monday through Friday, from at 10:00 a.m. to at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, from at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cooking classes are held daily. Class schedules are available at the store, posted on the Web site (www.thechoppingblock.net) or can be obtained by calling 773.472.6700. As class size is limited, advanced reservations are required. All classes include open discussions on the featured foods and utensils; recipes; and post-class sampling. Cooking students of The Chopping Block receive special discounts for most retail items.
