Curious About Our Classes? Start Here!
We want you to feel confident before you cook - here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. The Chopping Block offers both e-gift cards and physical gift cards.
-
E-gift cards can be purchased anytime online and delivered instantly by email:
https://squareup.com/gift/ML5N13W11K1W8/order -
Physical gift cards are available for purchase in our Lincoln Square store.
Please note: For security reasons, we do not mail physical gift cards. If you prefer a physical card, you can pick one up during business hours, or choose an e-gift card for immediate digital delivery.
Are your classes for beginners?
We offer cooking classes for all levels of students. Some of our classes are more basic than others (Knife Skills, foundations classes, etc.) and are designed to provide a solid foundation of cooking techniques. Other classes such as Boot Camps delve deeper into the subject matter and offer an intensive cooking experience. However, all of our classes are suitable for both beginners as well as experienced home cooks.
What’s the difference between demonstration and hands-on classes?
In a demonstration class, you observe our chef prepare the meal and get a generous tasting portion of each dish made. This type of class is best for those who like to watch before they do, as you’ll take notes and ask questions throughout the class. In a hands-on class, each student works in groups of 3 to 5 people to make the meal from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a full meal at the end of class with the other students.
How do I register for a class?
Register online for your class on our calendar from any device.
When do I pay for my class?
You pay for your class at the time of registration via credit card or gift card. Please note that all classes also have a 15% administrative fee that is non-transferable and non-refundable. Also note that all classes have a three-day cancellation policy, and that Culinary Boot Camps have a two-week cancellation policy.
How many people are in the class?
We accommodate between 8 to 20 people depending on the type of class. If a class is full, join the waitlist, and we will notify you if space opens up.
Where are the classes located?
We are located at 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.
Is there parking available?
Free and metered street parking and garage parking is available in the neighborhood. We have a partnership with SpotHero to bring our guests discounted parking in the area.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and non-skid comfortable shoes, especially if you are taking a hands-on cooking class. We provide aprons to protect your clothing.
Are beverages served during class?
Still water is served during every class. Wine, beer and soda are available for purchase. We can legally package any leftover wine so you can take the bottle home. We do not permit beverages to be brought in for consumption.
Will I be fed in class?
During our demonstration classes, you will taste a healthy sampling of everything made in class. In our hands-on classes, you will be fed the equivalent of a full meal. If there are leftovers, you’ll even get to take them home!
I have a food allergy. Can I still take a cooking class?
Absolutely! We will do our best to accommodate food allergies, but we cannot change class menus or guarantee that those with diet restrictions will be able to eat everything made during class. We ask that you indicate any allergies at the time of registration and present the information to the chef at the beginning of your class. If you have questions as to whether a particular class is right for you, please call our store to discuss with our staff. Please note our kitchens are not a gluten or nut-free environment.
How is the food prepared in classes?
Food items are cooked to order, and the food you are consuming in some classes may contain raw or undercooked meats. Consumption of raw or undercooked foods of animal origin, such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry or shellfish, may result in an increased risk of foodborne illness.
Items may include:
- Sushi
- Caesar salad dressing
- Steak
- Hamburger
What is your cancellation policy?
All classes have a three-day cancellation policy, except Culinary Boot Camps 1 and 2 which have a two-week cancellation policy. You must email lincoln@thechoppingblock.com to cancel an existing reservation. If you cancel more than 3 days (or 2 weeks for Culinary Boot Camp 1/2) in advance and have paid with a credit card, you will receive a refund to your card, minus the 15% non-refundable and non-transferrable service fee. If you cancel more than 3 days (or 2 weeks for Culinary Boot Camp 1/2) in advance and have paid with a gift card, you will receive an account credit valid toward classes, minus the service fee. If you cancel within three days (or 2 weeks for Culinary Boot Camp 1/2), you are responsible for paying for the class. If you are sick and unable to attend your class, you are welcome to send a guest in your place. Our credit card refund policy for retail purchases is 90 days. If your purchase was made prior to that, you will receive an account credit, not a refund to your credit card.
Do you ever have to cancel a class?
Unfortunately we do if we have low enrollment, but we do our absolute best to avoid this. All of our classes may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling. If this happens, we’ll let you know, refund your class as well as your 15% administrative fee, and get you into another class ASAP.
I purchased a class through CourseHorse and need to cancel. What do I do?
If you purchased your cooking class on CourseHorse, then our Refund & Cancellation policy applies to your purchase. If you are entitled to a refund, or have any questions, please contact CourseHorse’s customer service team.
Can gift cards be returned?
No, gift cards cannot be returned, nor are they redeemable for cash. If you have a gift card you no longer can use, please feel free to gift it to someone else!
I have a gift card to pay for my class. How do I redeem it?
If you have a gift card or account credit, enter the code in the class registration form. If you have trouble with your gift card, please email lincoln@thechoppingblock.com. Please include your gift card number, phone number and zip code, and our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can I use a gift card to purchase another gift card?
No. Gift cards can be used to purchase classes or retail products. If you have a gift card you can no longer use, please feel free to gift it to someone else.
I’d like to buy a class for a friend. How does that work?
You can register and pay for as many as five people for any of our cooking classes. Groups larger than that would work with an Event Coordinator to book a private event. You can also purchase a gift card for your friend to choose his or her own class.
Can I schedule a private cooking class?
Yes, we offer private cooking parties for groups from 6 to 50 people.
I have a suggestion for a class. Can I share it with you?
We love to hear suggestions from our students! Email info@thechoppingblock.com to share your ideas.
Is there a student discount for items in the store?
Students receive a 10% discount on all regularly priced merchandise on the day of their class.
What is your retail return policy?
If you’re looking to return or exchange your retail item, we're here to help! We offer free returns within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt. You can return your product for store credit, a different product, or a refund to the original payment method. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns or exchanges without an original receipt.
Please note the following stipulations to our return/refund policy:
- Returned items must be returned in original product packaging.
- Returned items must have no visible signs of wear or use.
- Items purchased at a discounted price will be eligible for return at this same discounted price.
- Alcohol of any kind is not returnable.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
How old do you have to be to take a class?
We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to participate in any of our cooking classes. Students younger than 18 can participate in our kids/teen classes/camps and Family Night classes. You must be 21 years old or older to attend any class in which alcohol is being served. You will be asked to present a valid ID at the time of check-in. If there is an age requirement for a class, it will be listed in the class description.
