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 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

Register for Friday, October 18 6pm

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

Register for Thursday, September 26 6pm

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  

Register for Friday, October 4 6pm

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 

Register for Saturday, October 12 6pm