Classes & Events

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 […]

Participation Level: Full Chef: Chef Laura Learn how to make your partner some Valentine's Day treats, or how to indulge yourself. These two desserts are a great ending to a lovely evening! Menu Classic Chocolate Truffles: A treat filled with velvety chocolate ganache and coated with chocolate. Flourless Chocolate Cake: Served with portwine strawberries and whipped cream. […]

We are always excited to have Gale in the kitchen. It's time to celebrate everything chocolate for Valentines Day. To satisfy your chocolate cravings or someone else's, you'll be learning 3 chocolate desserts from this master pastry chef. Baked Alaska Chocolate Crémeux, A silky smooth French cream Mini Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes Tea and Coffee […]

We do private events! Work with our Events Manager, Judy, to create your perfect event; the meal, the chef, the layout, the drinks! 6-8 weeks lead time is recommended, as our calendar fills quickly. Our space can accommodate up to 14 people at the island, and up to 30 by adding hightop cocktail tables in […]

Let's face it, we ate too much over the holidays so it's time to get back on track......at least for me. Chef Laura and I chatted about what would be interesting yet healthy and really flavorful.......WHA-LAA.....Salmon Grain bowls.   You will learn to sear salmon, and talk about the differences in all those grains we […]

I believe Mahi Mahi to be one of those fish that can stand alone, its amazing on tacos, on top of a salad, or breaded for Fish and Chips instead of COD...its definitely an upgrade fish. Fresh Mahi Mahi - Blackened Black Rice Red pepper sauce with Cream cheese and garlic Mixed Greens with Spiced […]

Theme: Valentines Ages: 8+ Difficulty: Easy Come and learn to decorate cookies with us just in time for Valentines Day! Whether you just want a fun date, a girls-afternoon-out or just want to explore what cookie decorating is on your own- we have a seat for you. For this in-person class, all you will need […]

Back by popular demand....... In this 1 hour class we will chop, cut, dice and slice your way through some vegetables and Herbs to give you the tools to improve your time in the kitchen. All things knives, you will learn the proper way to hold a knife, try several brands of knives to find […]

This will be a night to remember....... If you have never taken a class with us or experienced Chef Andy, this is your night.  He has prepared a Valentines day dinner for those who consider themselves "Foodies". As a classically trained Chef who thinks outside the box in his adaptation of recipes or while creating […]

Join us this evening for a wonderful Valentines dinner with Chef Mario as he prepares you a delicious meal accompanied by our premier selection of Red and White wines selected by Dave Paleck our wine representative. 1st Course: Salad, Arugula Mixed Greens, Fennel, Cranberries, Orange-Ginger Dressing 2nd Course: Scallops, Celery Root Puree, Brown Butter, Lemon, […]

A very popular dish for breakfast at most restaurants when you want something hardy.....to 'stick to your bones' my mom would say.  What I love about this breakfast is it looks complicated but in actuality its rather easy.  Let Chef Laura show you her method of making this popular breakfast today. Learn traditional techniques of […]

Particiapation This is a great meal and activity for the whole family. Everyone will participate in the making of their pizza dough, the use of clay pizza stones, and top their own pizza's with a variety of toppings we will have available. You will learn: how to use a clay pizza stone, how to season […]

Build your own Poke Bowl from a choice of marinated Tuna or Crispy Tofu, add in sushi rice and a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces, and wha-la, you've got yourself a bowl. Chef Laura will give you suggestions for a variety of bowls to make at home and the family will enjoy. You will […]

This class was offered a few times last winter and filled up almost immediately,  it continues to be one of our most requested classes here at the Joyful Gourmet, you will not be disappointed.  We fly in the fish right from New Zealand to our table. Tonight Chef Andy will teach you how to breaking […]

I love brunch, its the perfect meal - a combination of breakfast food and lunch food, how could you go wrong. During this class you will learn to make two varieties of Egg bits - Broccoli & cheese, Sausage & cheese, Creme Brûlée French toast, candied bacon, all served with fresh fruit a homemade Honey […]

Due to the snow fall and very windy cold temperatures just prior to Christmas we had to postpone this class, we are presenting it again with the hope travel will be more accommodating. Chef Mario has created a really nice dinner for those interested in 'after the holidays' dining.  Please join us, learn some valuable […]

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 […]

That's right, you read that correctly, you are going to make salad dressings. Once you know how to make them from scratch you'll never buy another one again. Today Chef Laura will assist you in making three different dressings: Champagne Vinaigrette, Green Goddess Ranch Dressing, and Sweet Apple Cider Vinaigrette. You will learn how to […]

We do private events! Work with our Events Manager, Judy, to create your perfect event; the meal, the chef, the layout, the drinks! 6-8 weeks lead time is recommended, as our calendar fills quickly. Our space can accommodate up to 14 people at the island, and up to 30 by adding hightop cocktail tables in […]

Custards are easier than you think to make. Come in on this Thursday to learn from Chef Laura the tricks to making two different custards. Classic Creme Brûlée with a burnt sugar, oh so sweet, who doesn't like breaking the sugar on top. No bake Panna Cotta served with port wine strawberries. You will learn […]

Cajun Cooking "Laissez les bon temps rouler" (let the good time roll) and join Chef Matt as he brings the "Big Easy" to Libertyville!  In this class, the second in the series, you will learn to make etouffee, shrimp creole and pecan pie (the pie will be demonstration). During class, Chef Matt will offer a […]

This is one of those meals that most of us have never tired......a spicy chocolate sauce may not sound appealing, but with Chef Liz at the helm and her Mexican heritage, this might be the best time to try Chicken Mole as it is made from scratch with authentic spices and chilies. Chicken Mole done […]

Calling all breakfast lovers, Chef Lindsey's gourmet twist on "breakfast for dinner" is gonna knock your February socks off. Get ready for two traditional morning family table favorites (pancakes and waffles) be elevated into an artistic and deliciously paired food + wine experience. Each course is gluten free with a vegetarian option. Lindsey will begin […]

Here's your opportunity to learn how to make fresh Sourdough bread from a starter. Chef Laura will teach you how to get your own starter going, how to 'feed' the starter daily, and on the 7th day get the started ready for making a loaf of bread. The class comes with a Jar Kit. We […]

We do private events! Work with our Events Manager, Judy, to create your perfect event; the meal, the chef, the layout, the drinks! 6-8 weeks lead time is recommended, as our calendar fills quickly. Our space can accommodate up to 14 people at the island, and up to 30 by adding hightop cocktail tables in […]

You can never go wrong with pasta, whether it's stuffed like ravioli or covered in sauce like Alfredo. Chef Laura will teach you the tricks of making your own pasta. Instead of sauce you'll stuff chicken breasts and make a cream sauce with spinach. This is a great class for beginners as they learn some […]