Food classes
TODAY
Italian Small Plates Small plates are all the rage and pack big flavors. Learn how to explore this food trend with authentic Italian foods at 6:30 p.m. at Someone's in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $65. (847) 816-9511 or www.LiveLoveCookEat.com.
Introduction to Gum Paste Learn the fine art of making gum paste flowers and arrangements in this hands-on class from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien. $275. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
Cajun Cooking Learn to make some hot and spicy dishes and how to make different rubs that will spice up any meal from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Culinary Studio at Macy's, 111 N. State St., Chicago. $75. (800) 265-2665.
THURSDAY
Indoor Grilling Transform the kitchen stove into an indoor cooking adventure and learn to grill a variety of dishes in this Cucina Della Rosa class from 7 to 9 p.m. at McCauley Design, 211 Park Ave., Barrington. $75. (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.
Now You're Cooking A series of four classes structured to expand the basic techniques of the "Get Into The Kitchen" series. Learn professional time-saving tips and shopping ideas as well as a complete meal that is creative, yet easy to make and serve in this World Kitchen series from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago. $100 (other classes, April 24, May 8, 22). (312) 742-8497 or www.cityofchicago.org./Gallery37/Center or visit the box office.
FRIDAY
Who Made the Cheese? Learn about the unique characteristics and flavors of Italian cheeses and how to use them in a variety of dishes in this Cucina Della Rosa class from 7 to 9 p.m. at McCauley Design in Barrington. $75. (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.
French Café Luncheon Enjoy an enticing menu popular in French sidewalk cafes and bistros in this Lunch and Learn class at noon at Someone's in the Kitchen in Libertyville. $35. (847) 816-9511 or www.LiveLoveCookEat.com.
SATURDAY
Fill, Frost & Ice Learn to fill, frost and ice and take home an 8-inch cake in this one-day, hands-on class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts in Darien. $115. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
Pairing Wine & Cheese 101 Join sommelier Jan Henrichsen and learn the rules of thumb for successfully pairing cheese and wine in this class at 6:30 p.m. at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, 53 E. Lake St., Chicago. $40. (312) 658-1250.
Savory Pasta and Crisp Chardonnay Chefs Jonathan Fox and Gianni Zonca show you how to make pasta from scratch to impress family and friends to enjoy in this class at 11 a.m. at La Madia, 59 W. Grand Ave., Chicago. $25 (includes lunch/cocktail reception). (312) 329-0400.
A World of Fishes Learn how to shop for fish and how to cook it in this World Kitchen class from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts in Chicago. $30. (312) 742-8497 or www.cityofchicago.org./Gallery37/Center or visit the box office.
Kids in the Kitchen: Comfort Food Kids are invited to learn how to make a variety of light meals in this class from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Culinary Studio at Macy's on State Street, Chicago. $45 adults/$25 per child (one adult for every three children, please). (800) 265-2665.
SUNDAY
Introduction to Isomalt Design Using sugar substitute in decoration is a fast-growing trend in pastry arts. Learn to create flowers, bows, ribbons, cages, angel hair and more with an all-day hands-on approach to learning techniques from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, in Darien. $450. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
MONDAY
Character Cakes: Learn the essential decorating techniques to make popular character designs in this hands-on class from 9 to 4 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts in Darien. $115. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
Global Grape Series Join Just Grapes for a discussion and demonstration of different brands and wine types from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Just Grapes, 560 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago. $35. (312) 627-WINE or visit www.justgrapes.net.
Great Big Gooey Gobs Join chef Dee Coutelle and learn to make a variety of cakes, cookies and brownies from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Culinary Studio at Macy's on State Street, Chicago. $75. (800) 265-2665.
TUESDAY
Olives Rock Learn the unique characteristics and flavors of olives and how to incorporate them into a variety of dishes from 7 to 9 p.m. in this Cucina Della Rosa at McCauley Design in Barrington. $75. (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.
Special for Spring Join chef Marc Montagna of Bistro 22 as he celebrates the arrival of spring with some of his favorite spring recipes at 6 p.m. at the restaurant, 500 Ela Road, Lake Zurich. $50.
Basics of Cake Icing & Decorating Learn the techniques for perfectly icing and decorating a cake in this hands-on class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts in Darien. $275. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
APRIL 16
Hands-On Crepes Join chef Rose Frane and learn how to make crepes and how to use them for lunch, dinner and dessert in this hands-on class at 6:30 p.m. at Someone's in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $60. (847) 816-9511 or www.LiveLoveCookEat.com.
Carlos' Cooking Class Join chef Ramiro Velasquez of Carlos' Restaurant for an intimate cooking experience at 10:45 a.m.; includes demo of some of his favorite dishes and a three-course lunch at Carlos' Restaurant, 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park. $60. (847) 432-0770.
Advanced Fondant Art Join Laurie Bradach and learn the techniques of working with fondant in cake design in this three-day hands-on class (other classes April 17, 18) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien. $550. (630) 985-6077 or www.school.wilton.com.
Fresh From The Sea Learn to cook seafood to perfection and how not to over- or under-cook it in this class from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Culinary Studio at Macy's, 111 N. State St., Chicago. $75. (800) 265-2665.
APRIL 17
Flatbread Fun Learn leavening basics from master baker Melina Kelson-Podolsky and prepare a variety of flatbreads from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. as part of this Spring Baking Series sponsored by the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $74 ($59 for Chicago Botanic Garden members). (847) 835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org/school.
Top Shelf Chardonnays Sample some spectacular wines from around the world and learn what makes them truly special from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at Schaefer's, 9965 Gross Point Road, Skokie. $20. (847) 673-5711.
Cute Cupcakes & Marvelous Muffins Learn to make sweet and savory breakfast, snack or dessert items for every occasion in this World Kitchen class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago. $30. (312) 742-8497 or www.cityofchicago.org./Gallery37/Center.