Aug. 14--Cooking schools and classes are listed in alphabetical order by category; general classes are listed by geographic area. Fees are listed when given. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Tribune.
BAKING/CONFECTIONS
Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy. Offering three to four day courses designed for cooks at beginner, intermediate and expert levels. Guest chefs from around the world teach pastry and confection courses to professional chefs. $800-$900. 600 W. Chicago Ave., suite 860; 312-496-7427; www.chocolate-academy.com
Chocolate Inspirations. Chocolate confections. Starting at $85. 630-894-0898; www.chocolateinspirations.com
Eli's Cheesecake World. Fall and winter baking classes and DIY cheesecake decorating, to coincide with the publication of "The Eli's Cheesecake Cookbook" which debuts Nov. 1. $5-$50 per person. $5-$50. 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive; 773-308-7000; www.elicheesecake.com/classes
The French Pastry School. Cakes and tarts, French classics, chocolate, candies, cookies. French pastry experience is $50 a person; hands-on classes from $525 to $1,150 depending on skill level. 226 W. Jackson Blvd.; 312-726-2419; www.frenchpastryschool.com
Give Me Some Sugar. Chef Alekka Sweeney teaches topics such as basic and advanced cake decorating, cupcakes, cake balls, cookies and candies. Also available for private events. 2205 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-281-3154; www.givesugar.com
Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art. Cake decorating curriculum, plus more than 100 classes for professional or aspiring bakers and decorators, and classes for kids. $35-$1,200. 7511 Lemont Road, Darien; 630-985-6077; www.school.wilton.com
ETHNIC
Alliance Francaise de Chicago. French cuisine; wine tastings; $85, members; $95, nonmembers. Family classes, $35-$50. 810 N. Dearborn St.; 312-337-1070; www.af-chicago.org
La Scuola di Eataly. The cooking school for Eataly Chicago, hosts demonstration and hands-on workshops promoting simple and classic Italian cuisine. Classes include traditional cooking of Tuscany and Sicily, fresh gnocchi, Neapolitan pizza and seasonal classes. Wine and craft beer tasting classes. $40-$110. 43 E. Ohio St.; 312-521-8696 or www.eataly.com/chicago-school
Naveen's Cuisine. Hands-on Indian and Thai cooking classes and cooking demonstrations. Private corporate team events and classes for special occasions. $75. 2325 W. North Ave.; 773-661-2696; naveenscuisine.com
Thai Cooking by Jeannie Lee. Two-hour Thai cooking class by appointment. $250. 4130 N. Harding Ave.; 773-259-6775; www.jeannielee.vpweb.com
HEALTHY/VEGETARIAN
Laura Bruzas. Healthy meals in minutes focused on local and organic ingredients. One-on-one and small group classes. City and suburbs. 312-666-9979; www.healthydining.org
Mary's Wholesome Living. Hands-on cooking classes and canning, pickling, fermentation, preserving and bread-making. $25-$40. Various locations; www.maryswholesomeliving.com
Science of Spirituality Meditation Center. Vegetarian. 1 p.m., second Saturdays monthly. Free. 4S175 Naperville Road, Naperville; 630-955-1200
KIDS
Creative Kids Corner. Classes for children age 4-15, teaching technique, food history and healthy meal preparation; Winnetka Covenant Church, Wilmette; 1200 Hibbard Road, Wilmette; programs also offered in other locations. 847-933-0672; www.creativekidscorner.org
Pamela Durkin. Presentation, nutrition and hygiene classes for children and adults. $20 per hour. Instruction in her Hyde Park home kitchen or your home. 312-498-1398; pamsd1@sbcglobal.net
The Kids' Table. Classes, summer camps and birthday parties, plus classes for teens and parents. From $25. 2337 W. North Ave. and 2864 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-235-2665; www.kids-table.com
Libertyville Cooperative Nursery School. Children ages 4-5 learn cooking techniques while they learn the alphabet. 1190 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville; 847-367-0926; www.libertyvilleco-op.com
St. Charles Park District. Kids age 5 and over. $37.50. 630-513-4331; www.stcparks.org
WINE/SPIRITS
Binny's Beverage Depot. Wine, beer and spirits seminars. Multiple locations; www.binnys.com
Chicago Wine School. Patrick Fegan leads private wine courses. 773-966-4768; pwfegan@aol.com
North American Sommelier Association, Chicago Chapter. Offering classes and certifications through Association of Italian Sommelier and the World Sommelier Association throughout the year. Coming soon, Spanish Wine Specialist Certification. www.nasommelier.com
Northwestern University Norris Center Mini courses; Mark Gruber. Five-week wine appreciation classes studying six different wines per class, varietals, and wine and food matching. Prices vary; must be 21 years or older. Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston; 847-467-7112. www.northwestern.edu (search for mini courses)
Vintages -- A Fine Wine Merchant. Twice-monthly wine classes. $5-$30. 32 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights; 847-590-8655; www.vintagesfinewine.com
RESTAURANTS
David's Bistro. Chef David Maish; how to prepare a three-course meal; monthly classes. $45, includes dinner and wine pairing. 883 Main St., Antioch; 847-603-1196; www.davidsbistro.com
Carrie Nahabedian and Brindille. Offering four different private cooking classes in the fall on specific Saturdays for up to 10 people. A wine luncheon follows. $200 per person; 500 N. Clark St., Chicago; 312-321-6242; www.naha-chicago.com
Epic. Michael Cristiani teaches interactive cocktail class, covering tequila, vodka and seasonal drinks. 6 p.m., final Thursday of each month. $25 includes three cocktails, demo and appetizers. 112 W. Hubbard St.; 312-222-4940, epicrestaurantchicago.com
Mercadito Chicago. Chef Patricio Sandoval; interactive classes and five-course demonstrations with Spanish history, culture and tips for celebrations. $60. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22; Oct. 20; Nov. 17; Dec. 15; 108 W. Kinzie St.; 312-329-9555; www.mercaditochicago.com
Weber Grill Restaurant. Monthly demonstration and hands-on classes on grilling. $60-$85. 1010 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg; 847-413-0800; www.webergrillrestaurant.com
VARIETY OF TOPICS
Chicago
Amazing Edibles Catering. Hands-on classes covering tapas, Italian, gluten-free, Thanksgiving appetizers. From $75. 2419 W. 14th St.; 312-563-1600; www.amazingediblescatering.com
Ambrosia Cooking School. The Maine school is offering small classes in the Chicago area this winter, including lobster, chowders and popovers. Also, international classes, entertaining and historical Chicago cooking. 207-288-4523; www.ambrosiacookingschool.com
Bespoke Cuisine. Cooking class and dinner party. Students choose skills and menus. Prices vary. 1358 W. Randolph St.; 312-455-8400; www.bespokecuisine.com
Elizabeth Bradbury. In-home cooking sessions for beginners tailored to individual culinary interests. Fees vary. 708-488-6375; www.lilysmamas.blogspot.com
Bloomingdale's Knife Skills Class. Proper knife technique, how to keep the blade sharp and other essentials. Each class is limited to six guests; $40. 600 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago. For more information, call Gerardo Valadez at 312-324-7678; gerardo.valadez@bloomingdales.com
The Chopping Block. Demonstration and hands-on cooking and wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team-building events, including basics, intensive boot camps, seasonal, date nights, healthy eating and kids classes. $40-$85. Merchandise Mart, 312-644-6360; and Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6700; www.thechoppingblock.com
Conscious Crumbs Kitchenworks: Bobbi Marstellar; custom classes in your place or hers; bread-making, preserving and time-saving suppers. $70 private lessons; starting at $60 per person for parties and corporate team-building events. 3828 N. Tripp St.; 312-731-8066; consciouscrumbs.com
Kendall College. Home chef cooking classes offered at three skill levels. Classes include Iron Chef challenge, photography and recipe writing, wine steward, bread making. Starting at $45. 900 N. North Branch St.; 312-752-2322; www.taste.kendall.edu
Read It Eat. Classes each week taught by a number of different instructors. Topics range from handmade pasta to a four-class series for teens. Prices vary; teen class series ranges from $45-$80. 2142 N. Halsted St., Chicago; 773-661-6158;. www.readitandeatstore.com
The Wooden Spoon. Variety of topics for the beginner to the experienced cook. Prices start at $75 and vary depending on class. 5047 N. Clark St.; 773-293-3190; www.woodenspoonchicago.com
North/Northwest
Anita Brown Culinary Coach. Offers tailored, hands-on individual, family or group cooking sessions in your kitchen. Emphasis on skills development, tool usage, menu planning, and pantry stocking. Fees vary based on services. 847-341-4623; www.anitaculinarycoach.com
Backyard Barbecue Store. Grilling on gas or charcoal; beer and wine dinners. $40-$75. 1147 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette; 847-251-2272; www.backyardbbqstore.com
Confetti Gourmet Academy. Topics include baking, grilling, ethnic and seasonal cuisines plus children's classes. $70-$85. 8505 Redtail Drive, Unit F, Lakewood (near Crystal Lake); 847-340-6549; confettigourmetacademy.com
Children's/Adult Cooking Creations, Cathy Demetrio. Create gingerbread houses for Halloween/Christmas/Easter. Participation parties for all ages. Instructor will come to your home with all the ingredients. Children's cooking birthday parties also available. 847-710-5134
Cook, Cork Fork. Hands-on and demonstration cooking and wine classes, private cooking parties and team-building events. 34 W. Palatine Road; 847-348-3356; www.cookcorkandfork.com
Cookin' 4 U PCS. Chef Donna Ondriska conducts demonstration and hands-on classes and interactive dinner parties in your home or business, covering basic skills to ethnic cooking. $35-$75 adults; $15-$25 per person for children's birthday parties. 708-846-8826
Cooking Skills Academy. 1201 Norwood Ave., Itasca; 888-664-8865; www.cookingskillsacademy.com
Kitchen's Open. Cooking lesson-stations for kids in Park Ridge. Hands-on cooking "show-me" stations for parents and adults. Kids will enjoy meeting new friends and learning how to prepare their own breakfast, lunch and dinner. 312-559-0052; www.cookfromscratch.com
Taste on Chestnut. Demonstration and hands-on classes, including cooking parties and corporate events. Starting at $45. 507 Chestnut St., Winnetka; 847-441-0134; www.tasteonchestnut.com
Dave's Specialty Foods. Knife skills, healthy foods, grilling, fish, sauces and pastries. 6 p.m. Tuesdays. $45-$55. 105 W. Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect; 847-259-9510; www.davesspecialtyfoods.com
Elawa Farm. Chef Gale Gand teaches master classes on fall harvest desserts, pies and tarts, Thanksgiving sides to holiday food gifts. Other classes range from fermenting to kids cooking classes. Starting Aug. 27. 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest; 847-234-1966, www.elawafarm.org
Escoffier Online International Culinary Academy. Online culinary and pastry school. New classes include Baking and Pastry fundamentals and others. $129 individual programs to $4,045 for certificate programs. 855-696-6602 or www.escoffieronline.com
Food Is Fun. Pastry chef Rose Deneen offers Halloween and gingerbread houses, cupcake decorating, snacks and kitchen safety and science. On-site programs for libraries, park districts, museums and special events; ages 6-14, plus adult classes. 847-942-5690; food-is-fun@sbcglobal.net
My Kitchen Clatter. Andrea Pracht; teaching how to fit healthy cooking into busy lives. Hands-on classes include bread-baking, whole grain flour milling, pressure-cooking, canning and preserving. Classes start at $20. Crystal Lake. 815-529-6954; www.mykitchenclatter.com
New Trier Extension. Hands-on classes cover basic knife skills, taste and flavor, fall salads, fall soups, quick breads and cake-decorating. $66-$80, some classes have senior discounts. 7 Happ Road, Northfield; 847-446-6600; www.newtrierextension.org
NWC Food Incubator. Private cooking classes covering fall cuisines for groups of 10 or more. Custom and standard menus. $70-$90. 1601 Payne St., Unit C, Evanston; 847-570-4140; www.nwcookin.com
My Chef Station: Hands-on cooking classes, team building, adult and kids private birthday parties. Featured cuisine: French, Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, vegetarian and more. From $50. 632 E. Irving Park Road, Roselle. 630-529-3070; www.mychefstation.com
Rebecca Spivack. In-home classes include beer pairings, brunch, baking, everyday lunches and dinners. Demonstration classes, $80; hands-on classes $100; wine classes $80. 847-502-5923; www.rebeccaspivack.wordpress.com
The Social Table from Rebecca Goldfarb. Interactive dinner parties. Guests learn how to plan the perfect dinner-party setting, wine and how to cook a four-course meal. $75 per person; 819 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago; 773-697-4109; www.thesocialtable.com
South/West
Burr Ridge Park District. Demonstration and hands-on classes with chef Mary Gail Bennett covering soups, Italian and seasonal themes. Begins Sept. 22. From $30. Burr Ridge Community Center, 15 W. 400 Harvester Drive; 630-920-1969; www.brparks.org
Carol's Proper Protocol and Dining Etiquette. International dining and protocol for job candidates and corporate professionals in various restaurants. From $95, depending on restaurant. 630-740-2439; www.carolsproperprotocol.com
Cookin' 4 U. Chef Donna Ondriska; demonstration and hands-on classes and interactive dinner parties in your home or business; basic skills to ethnic cooking. $35-$75 adults; $15-$25 for children's birthday parties. 708-846-8826
Downers Grove Park District Culinary Arts. 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove; 630-963-1300; www.dgparks.org
Let's Cook Right. Mobile classrooms come to you to teach budgeting, menu planning, couponing, plus healthy menus for large and small groups. 630-663-1152; www.letscookright.com
Marcel's Culinary Experience. Demonstration and hands-on cooking classes; wide range of topics. Wide range of topics and skill levels, for adults, teens, and kids. Private events for up to 60. Themes, times, and prices vary. 490 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn; 630-790-8500; www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com
Marlene's Home Kitchen. Adult and children's cooking classes include ethnic menus, full meal preparation and beverages. $45-$60. 4211 Clearwater Lane, Naperville; 630-841-5297; www.marleneshomekitchen.com
Naperville Park District. Culinary programs for adults and kids. 630-848-5000; www.napervilleparks.org
Now You're Cooking. Classes in Orland Park range from weekly dinner preparation to specialty classes such as appetizers, holiday meals and seasonal recipes. $60-$75; 708-557-9340; www.nowurcooking.net
Scratch Cooking School. Custom cooking classes for children focused on healthy cooking and snacks. Healthy eating workshops also available for corporations/small businesses. Classes will start in the fall. 250 E. Fifth St., St. Charles; classes are offered at different sites. www.fromscratchwellness.com
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Cooking With the Best Chefs. Hands-on cooking and baking classes for adults, kids, teens, singles and couples. Group and private events, wine dinners, dining club, restaurant tours, and day trips. Topics include seasonal, ethnic, healthy and other cuisine. Located in Chicagoland and Rockford areas; couples classes offered as well. Prices vary. 224-353-3300; www.bestchefs.com or chef@bestchefs.com
Sur La Table. Variety of classes for all levels in Chicago, Naperville, Northbrook and Skokie. www.surlatable.com
Thyme in the Kitchen. Hands-on classes, kids camps and customized private events. Emphasis on tastes and techniques. Offered in Sunset Foods stores in Lake Forest, Long Grove and Northbrook locations. $20-$70. 847-810-0484 or thyme@sunsetfoods.com; www.sunsetfoods.com
Williams-Sonoma. Techniques and cuisines. Classes in Lincoln Park, Skokie and Oak Brook. www.williams-sonoma.com
