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 Date Night on the Patio

Grab a date, and spend a starlit evening on our outdoor patio while you prepare an Italian-inspired feast in this hands-on class.

Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad with Grilled Croutons and Parmesan
Garlic and Rosemary Marinated and Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Warm Farro Salad with Grilled Corn, Oven-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
Charred Seasonal Fruit with Whipped Mascarpone and Lady Fingers

Hands-On Fiesta on the Grill

As if Mexican food isn't already muy caliente, come see what happens when we fire up the grill in this hands-on, outdoor class!

Smoky Chipotle Guacamole with Grilled Avocados
Wood-Fired Flank Steak Fajitas with Charred Peppers and Onions
Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato, Lime and Queso Fresco
Grilled Pineapple with Ice Cream and Citrus Caramel Sauce

Hands-On Korean BBQ on the Grill

Enjoy a new experience on the grill this summer as we dive into the bold and savory flavors of Korea.

Gochujang BBQ-Glazed Beef Burgers with Kimchi Slaw and Sesame-Scallion Mayo
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) with Grilled Shrimp, Peppers and Onions
Bulgogi (Marinated Ribeye) Lettuce Wraps with Sweet and Sour Cucumbers and Steamed Jasmine Rice

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 Vegetarian Tex Mex on the Grill

Join us for a fun and zesty south-of-the-border inspired feast in this hands-on class. Vegetarian or not, you’ll love the deep, bright and complex flavors of this veggie-packed seasonal menu. Gluten-free menu!

Grilled Avocado and Charred Jalapeño Guacamole
Grilled Zucchini, Red Onion and Corn Salad with Pico de Gallo Vinaigrette and Tortilla Chip Croutons
Black Bean, Cheese and Quinoa-Stuffed Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Smoked Salsa Verde
Chili-Spiced Grilled Bananas with Ice Cream and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Hands-On All-American Grill on the Patio

Come join us as we shake up the classic American grilling experience with some twists to your favorite recipes this summer. We’ll show you how to expertly create the ultimate backyard BBQ feast with some new and fresh ideas in this hands-on class.

Grilled Cheese-Stuffed BLT Burgers
Beer Braised and Grilled Chicago Brats with Grilled Onions
Red Potato Salad with Dill and Mustard
Grilled Watermelon, Tomato and Basil Salad
BBQ Baked Blueberry-Peach Cobbler

Hands-On Beyond the Burger on the Grill

Get creative in this hands-on class, and expand your burger horizons this grilling season!

Cheese-Stuffed Sirloin Burgers with Bacon and BBQ Sauce on a Pretzel Roll
Salmon Sliders with Arugula, Oven-Dried Tomatoes and Lemon Aioli on Hawaiian Rolls
Greek Lamb Burgers with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Feta Cheese in a Pita

Hands-On Al Fresco Appetizers on the Patio

Join us on our outdoor patio as we grill up an assortment of Italian appetizers in this hands-on class. From grilled vegetables to shrimp to flatbread, we’ll teach you the skills necessary to prepare recipes that taste and look amazing.

Grilled Flatbread with Fennel, Artichokes and Goat Cheese
Grilled Caponata (Eggplant, Onion and Roasted Pepper) Bruschetta
Shrimp Scampi Skewers with Arugula-Tomato Salad
Grilled Melon-Wrapped Prosciutto with Balsamic Drizzle

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 Shellfish on the Grill

The ultimate summer grilling experience! Grilling shellfish on gas and charcoal grills is not only possible, it's approachable and delicious! We'll take all of the anxiety out of the equation by teaching you how and where to purchase shellfish, and how to masterfully cook it up to perfection over an open fire in this hands-on class. Gluten-free menu!

Grilled Shrimp, Scallop and Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Grilled Mussels with Grilled Italian Sausage and Warm Tomato-Basil Sauce
Grilled Lobster Tails with Cilantro-Chili Butter and Elotes (Grilled Corn with Parmesan Cheese and Lime)

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

Grilling Classes

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