Classes & Events

I love Italian food, all the different regions of Italy have their own specialty dish, sauce, pasta shape, wine and its all mouth watering delicious.  Saltimbocca is from the Lazio region of Italy where the city of Rome is located.  The word Saltimbocca literally means 'Jump-in-the-mouth'....no doubt the umami flavor of Sage, the salt of […]

JAZZ WINE FOOD & FUN JOIN US 6pm to 9pm

I love going to those omelet stations where you get to choose your ingredients and the chef makes me 'my' omelet.  We wanted to bring this to you for a morning breakfast class. Chef Laura will have a variety of fresh vegetables, don't forget cheese (s), bacon and sausage to add to those Free Range […]

France is definitely on my bucket list for a visit. To stroll the streets with their flee markets and bakeries, windows filled with eye popping desserts and creamed goodies.  At night, the bright lights of the city guide you to your favorite restaurant for a glass of red wine and a Beef Bourginon to die […]

Casual Cuisine is a new class I'll be teaching twice a month on Tuesday nights.  The menu will focus on easy weeknight meals that are full of flavor yet not take two hours to prepare.  Each class you will learn some basic knife skills, cooking techniques, and tricks of trade to make cooking fun and […]

There is something very comforting about Shrimp and Pasta.  With the right sauce, and right combinations of herbs, I find a dish like this so satisfying. Chef Jack will teach you how to make your own fettuccini from scratch......rolling it out and using our hand crank pasta machine to produce perfect noodles every time.  Pasta […]

Growing up in Canada with English Grandparents, French pastries were the preferred dessert of choice.  A cup of tea and a pastry was an everyday occurance.  You will be surprised at how easy these three desserts are to make. The pastry dough is cooked while it's being made,  pipe the dough out of a pastry […]

K. Byers

It's cake decorating 101, Chef Liz is going to teach you the 'how' of making beautiful flowers, and educating you on the tools and techniques of creating your own special cake.  There are so many piping tips, size of bags, all sorts of tools for carving, smoothing, its endless frankly, but oh so fun. This […]

L. Jakubowski

The experience of someone cooking a homemade meal before your eyes, teaching you the tricks of the trade and telling stores is what Chef Dave does quite well.  He has chosen a Mexican experience for a Tuesday night, but to get you out of the house, he's added 2 flavored of Margaritas which he will […]

Ramon Restaurants seem to be popping up all over the place, its clearly what's popular these days. Is it the noodle or the chicken broth that makes this dish is such demand, but how has time to make the broth or the noodles? Chef Laura will teach you how to make the broth and what […]

L. Starbuck/ Baxter

Happy Asian New Year!  The traditional new year in Asia is huge festival - a series of days to celebrate with family and friend centered around the official new year marked by the second new moon after the December winter solstice.     Here in the midwest the arrival of spring seems a little premature but […]

Chef Andy is back and so is this delicious and well received class.  Come and see what the fuss is about. Chef Andy will be showing you how to breakdown a whole chicken and cook up a delicious family meal using the ENTIRE bird. Pan Sear, braising and making 'from scratch' stock will be a […]

Perhaps the most revered macaron of them all hails from Paris institution, La Dureé. Though it started as a small bakery in 1862 on 16 rue Royale, the high-end confectionary is now a chain with shops from New York City to Japan. Made with Almond Flour, Egg whites, sugar and vanilla, Chef Laura will teach […]

When we think of steak, we think of BBQing, summer time, and people gathered in the backyard to be served a juicy perfectly prepared steak.  It's now winter time in the Midwest and BBQing has become a bit tricker, navigating through the snow and cold temperatures.......In walks Chef Mario.   We offered this call last […]

I'd make a reference to Happy Days but I'm afraid I'd be dating myself....the drive-in hamburger joints where the gals 'rolls up' on skates with your tray of food to be placed on your windshield.  It's a great memory for those who experienced it. Chef Mario won't be on skates but I assure you the […]

Participation Class On this exciting evening, Chef Laura will be introducing you to some Korean favorites! Join our talented Chef as she guides you in preparing Kalbi and Daeji Bulgogi. The main dish will be served with traditional Banchans and rice. We will also be putting our creative skills to work and making a Soju […]

Light Participation Class It's Friday! Time for a delicious lunch as we head into the weekend. It's the best time to grab some friends, find a great place to relax, enjoy a good meal and a cocktail. We are 'that' place! Chef Liz imagined a delicious menu for this chilly wintertime lunch that will get […]

Who doesn't love pasta, stuffed or smothered in a red sauce - sweet and savory.   Most of us will buy stuffed pasta shells whether is be tortellini or ravioli.  In this class you will learn to make the right type of pasta for stuffing. You will also learn to make the lemony Ricotta filling […]

A new idea is hitting the party table - Butter boards.  Like the traditional Charcuterie board, me make flavored butters then top with savory ingredients to make your board unique. Everyone will make a flavored butter to spread on a charcuterie board. Make and bake homemade Focaccia bread, hot out of the oven to slather […]

It's not often we get to enjoy a Grouper unless you are on a tropical island. I'm thrilled Chef Dave is doing the class, I think everyone is in for a real treat. Chef Dave will show you how to prepare, season and cook the Grouper.   With this being a light participation Chef Dave […]

Full Participation Casual Cuisine is a new class Chef Judy will be teaching twice a month on Tuesday nights. The menu will focus on easy weeknight meals that are full of flavor but don't take hours to prepare. Each class you will learn basic knife skills, cooking techniques, and tricks of the trade to make […]

Light Participation (Not Required) Join us for an evening of traditional, delicious Mexican food! Chef Liz will be guiding participants through the making of Flautas & Street Corn. The cocktail of the night will be Ranch Water, similar to a margarita with a few fun differences. Learn all about these classic and tasty dishes from our […]

Join us for another First Friday on MainStreet from 6-9pm! No registration needed for this downtown tradition. Many businesses participate in First Friday with deals and specials all along Main Street. Be sure to stop in at The Joyful Gourmet! Wine Bar Free Appetizers Chris Calhoun, local Musician! 🎉Different deal every month!  

Participation Level: Full participation - they will be making everything! Chef: Chef Liz A sweet and savory lunch for kids ages 9-12! Chef Liz will assist the students in making...... Menu Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Chocolate Lava Cakes Kiddie Cocktails: Also known as a Shirley Temple, this non-alcoholic drink usually features grenadine, lemon lime soda […]

Enjoy this Italian-American dish with a Marsala wine reduction and fresh mushrooms served over a tender Free Range chicken cutlet and a choice of Gluten Free or Semolina Flour pasta. Chef Dave will accompany this meal with a Roasted Beet salad w/ goat cheese and mint, and a Chocolate Flan with berries and whipped cream. […]