05/25/09

This is NOT a cooking school

by LakeForestCook

This is not a 'cooking school'. They may go through the motions but it is a retail store that is pushing sales of pots and pans. The instructors have little to no training or went to third rate trade schools. The owner cooks like it was for a potluck dinner. You can learn more on the food network. This was like cooking with my Grandmother, home cooking anyone can do. The 'instructors' could not answer questions and basically fluffed answers I wasted a lot of money for an 'advanced' class. Horrid experience and total waste of time.

• Cons: Instructors knew less than I did.

07/28/08

Great way to learn and have fun!

by jmbarry

I've taken several classes as The Chopping Block including both demonstration classes and hands on classes. All have been great - great food, great tips that I use often at home, and recipes that my neighbors are now asking me for copies of. On top of that, the atmosphere is one where you can learn as much as you want - even if that's just watching, chatting and tasting the results!

06/27/08

Always a great learning experience

by renerich

I have been a student of The Chopping Block for over 8 years and have learned so much from them. Whether I attended a scheduled class or bootcamp (basic and advanced) or hosted a private party the experience has been memorable....from great chefs/instructors to the dishes I have learned to prepare. Additionally, the amount of technique I have picked up over the years has helped me to become a much more confident cook. I reuse many of the recipes and when serving them to guests they always ask how they were made.

When learning to cook using unique ingredients and tools it is nice to be able to purchase them as I leave the store so I can be sure to have them when I make the recipes at home. At times I will go out of my way to go to one of their locations for ingredients I am unable to find at the grocery stores in my area.

I have taken classes at many cooking schools in the Chicago area and as a result The Chopping Block is the only one I return to and will recommend to others.

• Pros: Great class selection, good technique teaching, interesting and experienced chef/instructors