The Chopping Block

Did you catch Chef/Owner Lisa Counts on WGN TV yesterday? She shared a fresh and flavorful Fried Zucchini Bruschetta that’s perfect for making the most of summer produce at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market.

This recipe is a great reminder that simple ingredients and a few smart techniques can turn farmers market finds into something special. If you missed the segment, watch it here and get inspired to cook along at home: https://hubs.la/Q04jHF_s0 Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

🍝 Ready to take your pasta game to the next level?

Join us on Saturday, June 6 at 10am for our Hands-On Pasta Boot Camp, an immersive culinary experience dedicated to one of Italy's greatest traditions. Spend the day mixing, kneading, rolling, filling, and shaping a variety of homemade pastas while exploring regional techniques and flavors from across Italy.

From goat cheese-filled cappelletti and hand-shaped chiusoni to parsley fettuccine with clams and a stunning rotolo with ricotta, spinach and prosciutto, you'll create an incredible menu entirely from scratch while building skills you can use for years to come.

By the end of the day, you'll never look at a box of pasta the same way again.

Hands-On Pasta Boot Camp Say ciao to boxed pasta forever! In this immersive Pasta Boot Camp, you’ll spend the day exploring Italy’s rich regional pasta traditions, crafting a variety of doughs - from classic egg to parsley-tinted and semolina - completely from scratch. Learn to roll, fill, and shape pastas by hand, then...

We're thrilled to introduce a brand-new class to our lineup: Hands-On The Turkish Kitchen on Thursday, June 4 at 6pm.

Join us for an evening exploring the rich culinary traditions of Turkey as you prepare a menu featuring Red Lentil and Aleppo Pepper Soup, Muhammara Dip with Pita, Doner Lamb Kebabs with traditional accompaniments, and Pistachio Baklava with Honey Syrup.

This hands-on experience is perfect for adventurous home cooks looking to expand their skills while discovering a cuisine known for its vibrant flavors, fresh herbs, warm spices, and welcoming hospitality.

Reserve your spot and be among the first to experience this exciting new class.

Hands-On The Turkish Kitchen Discover the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine in this hands-on class inspired by the country’s lively markets and street food culture. You’ll learn essential techniques while preparing a delicious menu of mezze, savory pastries, fresh salads, and a classic kebab feast to share and enjoy together....

This week in our private Facebook group, we discussed how to bake on your grill, how to become a grillmaster with Grilling Boot Camp, the best way to thaw ground beef, our new spice trade class, and the best fish for your health. Join the conversation at: https://hubs.ly/Q04jtNlG0

🌽 SUMMER Starts at the Market (and in Your Kitchen) https://hubs.la/Q04jtd1-0

We’re proud to support organizations that care for the whole person—and that includes the pets that are part of their families.

For many years, we’ve partnered with the Friendship Center, and we’re inspired by their continued commitment to meeting people where they are. Their new always-on pet food pantry is a powerful example of that work in action—recognizing that caring for someone often means caring for what matters most to them.

Take a moment to learn more about this important initiative and the impact it’s making in our community.

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO THE WHOLE PERSON WITH NEW ‘ALWAYS-ON’ PET FOOD PANTRY Beginning June 1, 2026, The Friendship Center will incorporate pet food and supplies into a regular pantry visit, eliminating the standalone once-a-month pet food distribution and increasing access for all.

Master the art of cooking with fire by understanding heat control. Learn about fuel dynamics, cooking stages, and techniques for perfecting your grilling skills.

Cooking with Fire: A Practical Guide to Heat Control Master the art of cooking with fire by understanding heat control. Learn about fuel dynamics, cooking stages, and techniques for your grilling skills.

Skip the reservation—learn how to create the steakhouse experience at home.

This Saturday at 6pm, join us for Hands-On Steakhouse DIY and master the techniques behind a classic steakhouse dinner. From selecting and grilling the perfect steak to building bold flavors with compound butter and sides, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to recreate again and again.

On the menu:
🥩 Grilled beef tenderloin steaks with parsley-lemon butter
🥔 Garlicky mashed potato gratin
🥗 Classic wedge salad with bacon + blue cheese
🍰 Vanilla cheesecake bars with raspberry sauce

Come hungry, leave confident.

Hands-On Steakhouse DIY Sizzling, thick and juicy, Chicago steak is famed the world over. Join us as we take the classic steakhouse formula and prepare an iconic dinner in this hands-on class. Menu: Wedge Salad with Bacon, Tomatoes and Blue Cheese DressingGrilled Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Parsley-Lemon Compound Butter Ga...

Explore creative ways to use fig and bacon jam in delicious recipes, including cookies, pastries, and crostini. Elevate your appetizer game effortlessly!

When Fig and Bacon Is Your Jam Explore creative ways to use fig and bacon jam in delicious recipes, including cookies, pastries, and crostini. Elevate your appetizer game effortlessly.

A sharp knife isn’t just about precision—it’s about safety, efficiency, and enjoying your time in the kitchen.

This Saturday at 2:30pm, our Hands-On Knife Sharpening 101 class will teach you how to properly care for your knives so they actually work the way they’re supposed to. You’ll learn blade angles, sharpening techniques, and how to maintain that edge at home—no more guessing or relying on dull blades.

Bring up to two of your own knives and practice with guidance from our chef instructor.

🔪 Only a few spots left—don’t wait on this one.

Hands-On Knife Sharpening 101 Unlock the full potential of your kitchen knives in this hands-on class! You’ll learn the fundamentals of knife care, from understanding blade angles and sharpening stones to proper honing techniques that keep edges razor-sharp between sharpenings. Guided step-by-step by our chef instructor, you.....