Let’s face it, we’ve all received an invite to a corporate outing and opened it with dread. Team building is such a buzz word in the corporate world. People plan team building events in the hopes of keeping people engaged and excited to work together, but I’ve seen it fail miserably so many times. Trust me, the usual conference room with games like Zip Zap Zop or office trivia is the last thing your employees want to do – it can feel forced and ingenuine.
Your employees want to connect with each other and enjoy each other’s company in a fun and relaxed way. With so many people still working a fully remote, or hybrid schedule, team building events are a great way to bring people together, and since it doesn’t happen often, it should absolutely be meaningful. Even if your employees see each other on a daily basis, I’m betting that most of their interactions and conversations are work related, and they aren’t actually getting to know each other.
Finding commonality among employees can be difficult – but guess what, nearly everyone I know enjoys eating and drinking delicious food and beverage! Sitting down for an ordinary dinner can be awkward and boring, but what if you planned a private cooking event for your next outing and got your guests involved in the cooking?
Maybe it’s for team building, maybe it’s for your annual holiday party, or maybe it’s an after-conference activity. Maybe you’re thinking about a birthday or bachelor/bachelorette party and you’re looking to up your social event planning game. Look no further, The Chopping Block’s private cooking events are the answer! I support planning our corporate and social private events so I thought I’d answer the most frequently asked questions so that you can start planning your own cooking event at The Chopping Block!
What’s the Environment Like?
I love the environment we create during our events. Some people are really into participating with the cooking, and some people are more into socializing and both are totally okay with us! We host hands-on cooking events for up to 50 guests. We have two fabulous indoor kitchens, and a beautiful outdoor patio when the weather is nice. Each guest gets their own set up with a cutting board, knife, and apron, and we split guests into groups to work on the recipes together. We keep things relaxed and festive and always have music to keep the vibes fun. Your guests will enjoy appetizers and a beverage while they chat with each other and learn to cook a fabulous meal from our incredible chefs.
How Far in Advance Should I Plan My Event?
Our kitchens do book up quickly, especially around the holidays. We typically need about 2-3 weeks notice to plan an event. I always recommend inquiring about a date with as much notice as possible, but we’re also always willing to try to make a more last-minute event happen, if possible.
How Many People Can I Invite?
The larger indoor kitchen on our second floor hosts up to 30 guests. The smaller indoor kitchen on our first floor hosts up to 20 guests, and our patio hosts up to 16 guests. You can rent both indoor kitchens and host up to 50 guests in a hands-on event, or up to 65 guest in a mix and mingle style, partially hands on event. The food and beverage minimum depends on the kitchen(s) you need, but are as low as $1700, before taxes and fees.
How Long is the Event?
Cooking events are 2 to 2.5 hours with 90 minutes of cooking and 30-60 minutes to enjoy the meal. Want a longer event? No problem! We can host dedicated cocktail time, or a wine tasting or cocktail event beforehand, or provide additional time to eat or debrief.
What Will Everyone Learn to Make?
Choosing the menu is the hardest decision you’ll have to make! We have a wide variety of options from Mediterranean to Thai to Paella to Homemade Pasta. We also have Chicago specific menus that are great for people visiting from out of town – they can learn to make Deep Dish Pizza, or take a trip through Chicago with our Chicago Neighborhoods menu that makes all the Chicago staples. At the holidays we offer some more upscale and festive menus such as Fireside Feast with Forty Clove Garlic Braised Chicken, and French Steakhouse with Steak Au Poivre. We also offer custom menus!
My Group is Competitive. What’s the Best Option?
I think our Mystery Recipe Competition is the way to go for competitive groups. You choose a protein: salmon, chicken or pork, and a dessert (we make those in advance): cheesecake, fruit crisp, or chocolate pot de crème, and we surprise you with the rest of the menu. You can also upgrade to beef tenderloin, duck breast, scallops, or lobster tail for +$30/person, or enjoy surf and turf with beef tenderloin and salmon for +$55/person. Your group will be split into teams and will be led by our chef to make an entrée, vegetable, and starch. Everyone makes the same meal, but adds their own twists with seasonings, plating etc. At the end of the meal, the chef offers feedback and provides a winner (in a friendly way, of course!). The Blackhawks have come two years in a row to do a Mystery Competition with their new recruits. I know your team would love it too!
Can You Accommodate Allergies and Dietary Restrictions?
Of course! We have a few gluten-free menus, and can accommodate most allergies and restrictions such as nuts, shellfish, vegetarian, and vegan.
What Are My Beverage Options?
We offer a beer and wine package for $44/person or a full bar for $74/person. Both packages include a bar stocked with one red wine, one white wine, and a rose or sparkling wine, along with a selection of beers, and non-alcoholics. Otherwise, non-alcoholics are $6/person. Coffee and tea are available for $8/person. We also offer batched cocktails for $15/person if margaritas, old fashioneds, or sangria, etc. are more your thing!
Will My Guests Have Anything To Eat Before The Meal?
We offer a great selection of appetizers, made in advance by our team, starting at $22/person, so your guests can enjoy a bite before the meal is ready. This is especially good for groups joining us right after work where guests may be hungry before mealtime! We offer appetizers such as Shrimp Cocktail, Spicy Tuna on Cucumber, Caprese skewers, Parmesan Gougeres, and my personal favorite, Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Will My Guests Leave with Anything?
Your guests will leave full, with more cooking knowledge than they arrived with, and likely with some leftovers! We also offer add-ons if you’d like to send your guests home with a gift such as an apron, a bench scraper, or even a knife!
How Do I Get Started?
The best way to get started is to fill out our event inquiry form, and you’ll receive a response quickly with our availability, the food and beverage menu, and our menus.
I hope this quick guide has you in the mood to plan an amazing event. We can’t wait to host your next corporate or social outing. It’s sure to be remembered for years to come!
