Summer School Has Never Been So Delicious
Summer school used to mean that you royally messed up your academics. Nowadays it's a fun opportunity to enrich yourself, free of any wrist-slapping and guilt, thanks to a handful of restaurants offering unique culinary classes for the public. Plus, when adults go to summer school, they get booze. Plus plus, you don't have to wear a dunce cap when attending.
Summer is grilling season, so before you accidentally burn down your porch, take a refresher lesson at Epic on June 22. The "girls gone grilling" class is designed for ladies looking to improve their grilling skills and teach the guys a thing or two. This fun event takes place on Epic's rooftop, led by executive chef Matthew Pollock. He'll demonstrate three different grilling recipes utilizing seafood, vegetables, and poultry. Ladies will learn about the whole grilling process, from cleaning the ingredients to cooking. Sangria will be provided, but make sure not to drink too much, because drunken frivolity and cooking do not mix. Unless you're only pretending to cook, like Sandra Lee. The class kicks off at 3:00 p.m. and costs $25 per person.
Speaking of cooking with booze, the next lesson in ZED451's ongoing "Confections With Kate" curriculum is all about desserts made with wine. Taking place June 8, pastry chef Kate Milashus' next class explores the world of wine-infused desserts, including Beaujolais Sabayon, white wine-poached peaches, and rosé granita. Of course, a wine-y dessert class would not be complete without a libation, so all guests will be greeted with Champagne cocktails. Class starts at 2:00 p.m. and costs $20 to enroll, which includes a cocktail, dessert, and take-home dessert.
(Cocktails at Koi. Photo: Blast Marketing & PR)
In case you'd like to skip cooking with booze and just drink the stuff, then Koi has the class for you. On June 18, Koi bar manager Dan Roer will lead a martini and cocktail class on how to make some of the restaurant's signature drinks. The lesson plan is quite intoxicating, so take it easy. Featured drinks include Down the Stretch (Grey Goose, iced tea, sour mix, Chambord), Feisty Blood Orange (Grey Goose, blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, cranberry juice, jalapeño), and Sapphire Bramble (Bombay Sapphire East, lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord). Summery hors d'oeuvres will be on hand for snacking. Attendees will receive recipes to take home, plus a $10 gift certificate to redeem at Koi on their next visit. Entry costs $20 per person, and tickets can be purchased here.
If you thought one grilling class was enough, you were wrong. With summer being so grill-centric, you definitely need to take at least two classes before you earn your Master's in Grilling. Cue Carnivale. The lavish restaurant will host a Latin grilling class on June 15, led by new executive chef Rodolfo Cuadros. Students will learn the chef's techniques for one of the restaurants most popular wood-grilled steaks, arrachera with chimichurri sauce. They'll also learn how to make Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, because why not. The event is to be held on the patio and will include beer pairings with each demo. Cost is $25 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 312-850-5005.
Don't be late, or it's detention for you.