Grilling Classes

The Chopping Block is the only recreational cooking school in Chicago to offer a full slate of hands-on grilling classes, with an average of ten grilling classes each month. Held on our beautiful outdoor patio at our Lincoln Square location, students learn how to work with both charcoal and gas grills in every class. These interactive classes are both for beginner grillers and grilling warriors, as each class provides hands-on experience on grilling techniques. Whether your culinary interests lie in burgers, pizza, seafood, or steaks, we offer a class tailored to your tastes. Our classes don't just focus on one topic or one dish - you get a full menu in each class, even grilled desserts in most classes!

Our professional chefs detail the food preparation and grilling techniques, and offer valuable tips for your success at home throughout each hands-on grilling class. Discover the art of lighting and operating both gas and charcoal grills, and master the art of temperature control. Indulge in your favorite type of cuisine cooked over open flame as you are exposed to new flavors and ethnic ingredients.

Here are our current grilling class options. For a more intense and robust grilling experience, learn more about our Grilling Boot Camp. We also offering private, hands-on grilling events!

Hands-On Fire Up the Flavor: Grilling with Le Creuset

Learn how to create an impressive menu on the grill using Le Creuset’s new Alpine Outdoor cookware, specifically designed for cooking over an open flame for maximum flavor! During this special hands-on grilling class, we’ll utilize the enameled cast iron pizza pan and grill basket on our gas and charcoal grills to prepare a variety of creative recipes featuring seasonal produce, meat and seafood. You’ll have the opportunity to ask our Le Creuset expert questions about the product during class, and take advantage of special savings on the Alpine line with class registration.

We’ll also be raffling off an Alpine Pizza Pan during class! This is a great opportunity to learn about one of our favorite cookware lines and enhance your outdoor cooking game!

Grilled Pizza with Za’atar-Spiced Zucchini, Red Onions and Feta
BLT Salad with Grilled Baby Artichokes, Wood-Fired Tomato Vinaigrette, Arugula, Bacon and Parmesan
Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Pasta with Charred Scallion-Shallot Relish, Lemon and Olives
Grill-Roasted Cumin and Garlic Meatballs with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

Hands-On Rendezvous Under the Stars on the Patio

Enjoy a romantic evening outdoors and let the starlight guide your hands while preparing a sumptuous feast in this hands-on class.

Flatbread with Pesto, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Arugula-Fennel Salad and Balsamic Glaze
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Herb Butter and Grilled Corn-Green Bean Succotash
Grilled Seasonal Fruit Sundaes

Hands-On Regional Street Tacos on the Patio

Tacos, the unofficial national food of Mexico, are found on every street corner all over Mexico. In this hands-on grilling class, we’ll explore the regional flavors and ingredients that makes each taco unique to its birthplace, and prepare three very distinct and mouth-watering tacos from northern, central and coastal Mexico. Gluten-free menu!

Tacos de Carne Asada (Grilled Flank Steak) with Grilled Onions, Cilantro and Queso Fresco: North
Al Pastor (Pork)-Inspired Tacos with Charred Jalapeño-Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Central
Achiote Fish Tacos with Lime Crema, Red Cabbage and Grilled Avocados: Coast
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn with Mayo, Lime, Chili and Cheese)

Hands-On Global Grilling on the Patio

No passport needed! Travel the world of exotic ingredients and bold flavors in this hands-on class. Come enjoy this eclectic mix of international-inspired recipes that are sure to spice up your summer grilling adventures.

Spice Grilled Lamb Chops with Eggplant Relish and Grilled Garlicky Naan
Thai Grilled Shrimp and Rice Noodle Salad with Charred Scallions, Grilled Baby Bok Choy and Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
Brined and Smoked Jerk Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa and Mojo Verde Sauce

Hands-On Seafood on the Grill

Don't have the confidence to grill fish? Our Chefs will help you conquer your fears with important techniques and delicious recipes to set you up for a successful grilling season in this hands-on class.

Cedar Planked Salmon with Miso Butter and Grilled Sesame Broccoli
Grilled Scallops and Fennel with Roasted Red Peppers, Mint and Harissa Aioli
Snapper Grilled in Banana Leaves with Smoky Pineapple-Black Bean Salsa

Hands-On Mediterranean Grilling on the Patio

Travel to lands of bright and fresh flavors as we celebrate seasonal produce and fresh seafood in this hands-on class. We’ll show you how to keep less is more in mind, while making the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean pop and sing.

Bruschetta with Charred Tomatoes, Grilled Onions and Parsley-Caper Salsa Verde
Grilled Baby Octopus with Charred Lemons and Grilled Radicchio
Brined and Grilled Garlic-Rosemary Swordfish Skewers with Tabouleh Salad
Grilled Seasonal Fruit with Tahini-Honey Drizzle and Toasted Pistachios

Hands-On Autumn Apple Feast on the Patio

Join us for a delicious and seasonal hands-on cooking class celebrating apples and all things fall. Using gas and charcoal grills, we’ll show you how to take your grilling game to the next level.

Grilled Fennel, Apple and Mixed Green Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Smoky Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Onion Chutney
Warm Farro Salad with Grilled Brussels Sprouts, Baby Kale and Toasted Almonds
Wood-Fired Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

Hands-On Italian Surf and Turf on the Patio

Everyone’s favorite - Surf and Turf - and all’italiana this time! In this hands-on class, you’ll enjoy the delicious beef and seafood combinations in this grilled Italian version.

Grilled Baby Octopus with Charred Lemons and Radicchio
Bistecca (Grilled Ribeye Steaks) with Lemon, Roasted Garlic and Oregano Butter
Panzanella with Artichokes, Tomatoes, Chickpeas and Grilled Green Beans
Grilled Oranges with Whipped Mascarpone and Honey-Mint Syrup

Hands-On Fall Feast on the Patio

Enjoy the fall weather on our outdoor patio as you prepare a sumptuous feast in this hands-on class.

Kale Salad with Grill-Roasted Beets, Toasted Walnuts, Shaved Parmesan and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Bourbon-Glazed Cedar-Planked Salmon
Rosemary and Garlic Grill-Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Wood-Fired Pumpkin-Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Grilling Classes

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