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 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 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.

Menu:

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 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.

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 Smash Burgers on the Grill

Learn how to get that crispy, caramelized crust and flavorful, juicy patty that synonymous with the smash burger in this hands-on class.

Menu:

Smash Burgers with Cheddar Cheese and Grilled Onions
Grilled Red Cabbage and Fennel Slaw with Apple Cider Dressing
Grilled Potato Wedges with Chipotle-Lime Dipping Sauce
Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

Hands-On The Magic of Mushrooms: Grilling Edition

Join us for an outdoor, hands-on class featuring fantastic fungi! Did you know mushrooms are high in protein and contain all 9 amino acids contained in meat, making them a perfect meat-free alternative? Come learn how to grill mushrooms to perfection in a variety of delicious, vegetarian recipes.

Menu:

Grilled King Trumpet Mushrooms with Salsa Verde
Smoked Maitake Mushroom Pizza with Goat Cheese, Roasted Garlic and Arugula
Grilled Oyster Mushroom and Artichoke Antipasto Salad with Grilled Shallot-Lemon Vinaigrette
Grilled Portobello and Zucchini Parmesan with Mozzarella, Marinara and Basil

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.

Menu:

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 Fiesta on the Grilling

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

Menu:

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 Girls Who Grill with Babs

Girls Who Grill is the ultimate beginner-friendly grilling class designed to help you master the gas grill with confidence! Join Babs, entertainer and grilling enthusiast, for a fun and interactive grilling class where she will share all her best tips and tricks for successful grilling. You will learn how to grill an entire meal - appetizer to dessert - so you can fire up the grill with ease and impress your family and friends. No experience? No problem! By the end of the class, you’ll be flipping, searing and serving like a pro. Because great barbecue isn’t just for the guys…it’s for everyone!

Menu:

Grilled Tomatoes and Peppers with Burrata, Olive Oil and Balsamic
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Hot Pepper Peach-Bourbon Sauce
Dry Rubbed and Grilled Chicken Breasts and Skirt Steak with Grilled New Potatoes
Cast Iron Skillet Brownies on the Grill with Vanilla Ice Cream

Hands-On Brazilian Steakhouse on the Grill

Join us on our outdoor patio as we celebrate the culinary traditions of Brazil, a melting pot of culinary influences and traditions. You’ll prepare an assortment of recipes that reflect the country’s diverse background in this hands-on class. Gluten-free menu!

Menu:

Grilled Picanha Steak with Chimichurri
Churrasco Style Calabresa Brazilian Sausage
Cumin-Spiced Grilled Potato Wedges
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Charred Onions and Tomato Vinaigrette

Hands-On Gourmet Grilling Made Easy

Unleash your inner grill master and elevate your grilling skills in this hands-on class! With a few simple grilling techniques and creative flavor combinations, you’ll learn how to create a gourmet meal that will impress friends and family.

Menu:

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 Chicken Butchery and Cookery on the Grill

Gain the confidence to butcher a whole chicken and then grill it to perfection in this outdoor, hands-on class! Our Chefs will help you conquer your fears with butchery techniques and professional cooking tips while preparing grilling recipes designed for each cut of chicken. Each student will work individually to butcher their own whole chicken and then work together in a team to prepare the recipes.

Menu:

Smoked Chicken Thighs with Alabama White BBQ Sauce and Slaw
Jerk Grilled Chicken Legs and Wings with Pineapple Salsa
Garlic and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad

Grilling Classes

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