Classes & Events

Roll up your sleeves and dive into a deliciously hands-on culinary adventure! In this class, you'll craft a rustic Panzanella Salad bursting with fresh veggies and toasted bread, followed by learning the art of making homemade fresh fettuccine from scratch. Pair your pasta with a velvety white wine shrimp sauce or a vibrant sunflower seed […]

Join us for an exciting start to our Local Chef Series of Cooking and Baking experiences at The Joyful Gourmet! Experience the art of authentic Italian cannoli-making with Tony from Tony Cannoli in Mundelein! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to craft the perfect cannoli shell and fill it with your choice of delicious fillings. […]

Brush Up On Your Skills: A Fun, Hands-On Appetizer-Making Class!Get ready to mix, roll, dip, and taste your way through a flavorful adventure! In this interactive class, you'll learn how to create crowd-pleasing appetizers that look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for food lovers, party hosts, or anyone who wants to up […]

Pull up a chair and pass the potatoes — we're bringing back the timeless charm of the traditional supper club. Where the ingredients are fresh, the charm is local, and conversation that lingers long after dessert. Join us for a gathering that’s part dinner, part tradition, and all heart. We’re serving up thoughtfully prepared dishes […]

Our Spanish Tapas cooking class is a fun-filled culinary experience that allows participants to learn the art of cooking traditional and popular Spanish dishes. In this hands-on class, you will learn to prepare various tapas dishes with the help of Chef Laura. The class is suitable for beginners and advanced cooks alike and promises to […]

Stromboli: Customizable and DELICIOUS!!! A stromboli is an Italian-American dish that originated in the United States, specifically in the Philadelphia area, during the mid-20th century. It is a type of baked turnover made by rolling pizza or bread dough around various fillings, then baking it until golden brown. The fillings typically include Italian cheeses like […]

We are so excited to welcome Sommelier Tim Freehan, 20+ year veteran in the Industry, as he takes us on a tour of summer wine and food pairings. Come have a blast learning about some wonderful varietals and small bites that pair nicely with these wines. Wine and food pairing is an intricate art that […]

Join us for a fun Sandy Beach theme cookie decorating class! A great activity to do with your friends, family or even by yourself! Beautiful cookie creations are not as hard as you think! You will practice piping skills and filling techniques and will walk away with 6 beautifully decorated cookies. Whether you want to impress […]

Experience an intimate Chef’s Table cooking demonstration with Chef Lee, where local ingredients take center stage in a celebration of seasonal flavors. This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to observe and learn from a culinary expert as they craft exquisite dishes using the freshest produce sourced from nearby farms. Chef Lee’s approach emphasizes sustainability […]

Gale Gand is an American pastry chef, cookbook author, and television personality.  She has been an executive pastry chef at several high-end restaurants in the United States and has won several James Beard Foundation Awards for her work.  We are so grateful that she continues to share her passion for pastries through teaching at The […]

Join us for an immersive hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to create a delightful Italian-inspired menu featuring Cannellini Bean Crostini topped with Crispy Sage, tender Tuscan Chicken, a creamy Risotto of Farro, vibrant Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and a luscious Panna Cotta adorned with fresh berries. Chef Drew will guide you through each step, ensuring […]

Join us for a hands-on gnocchi-making cooking class where food, fun, and friends come together! Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this experience is all about connecting over the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Chef Drew will provide tips and techniques making it easy for you to recreate this meal […]

Join us for an immersive, hands-on baking class designed for bread lovers and aspiring bakers! This interactive session is perfect whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned home baker looking to refine your skills. You’ll leave with new techniques, freshly baked bread, and a belly full of delicious Italian flavors. 🔹 Part 1: Brioche […]

Join us for a hands-on culinary experience celebrating the bold, savory flavors of Japanese-inspired cuisine. In this class, you'll explore the art of shabu shabu—a fun and interactive cooking method where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are gently swished in a simmering broth at the table. We'll guide you through preparing both Ribeye Shabu Shabu […]

Join us for a fun Camping Life theme cookie decorating class! A great activity to do with your friends, family or even by yourself! Beautiful cookie creations are not as hard as you think! You will practice piping skills and filling techniques and will walk away with 6 beautifully decorated cookies. Whether you want to impress […]

Celebrate the flavors of the season in this hands-on class that puts a gourmet twist on classic comfort food. We’ll guide you through creating a perfectly seared pork chop topped with a homemade cherry miso compote—a bright, savory-sweet sauce made with fresh cherries, a touch of sugar, and just a splash of lemon juice. You’ll […]

Summer Cooking in the Basque CountryA Taste of Tradition: Classic Dishes from Northern Spain Join us for an engaging demonstration cooking class where you’ll watch traditional Basque dishes come to life in a relaxed and intimate setting. Channeling the heart of the Basque Country, this experience is perfect for food lovers who want to savor […]

Summer Sweets and TreatsLet's get ready for summer and treat yourself to a fun, hands-on baking class where summer flavors take center stage! Together, we'll make three refreshing favorites: a tropical Mango Icebox Cake, classic Strawberry Shortcake, and zesty Lemon Poppyseed Bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this class is all […]

Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean in this demonstration cooking class featuring bold flavors, fresh herbs, and vibrant seasonal ingredients. You’ll start by learning how to make Greek Beef Souvlaki Skewers—juicy, marinated beef kabobs grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. Alongside these sizzling skewers, you'll learn how to prepare […]