Great Chef Series

Here is an excellent chance to learn from culinary gurus in person while you cook together right here at the Chopping Block! We’re thrilled to bring these chefs to lead hands-on classes and share their renowned expertise with you.

Chinese Cooking with Lillian Chou

Food Editor, Gourmet Magazine

Join us for this phenomenal two-part course in Chinese cooking from a truly talented chef. Having worked with such superstars as Jacques Torres, Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé, Lillian Chou now develops recipes and menus for Gourmet’s magazine, books and web site. Her diverse cooking career began in her aunt’s Chinese restaurant in New Jersey. She lived and worked for eight years in Asia, where she explored her family’s culinary heritage and learned to authentically recreate family favorites. We’re delighted to present this unique opportunity for you to share in Chef Chou’s expertise and insights into Chinese cuisine.

Merchandise Mart, Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16

Seasonal Cooking with Paul Virant

Executive Chef, Vie Restaurant

As Chicago slips into autumn, we present award-winning chef Paul Virant to share his passion for seasonal contemporary American cuisine. A veteran of Charlie Trotter’s, Ambria, Outpost and Blackbird, to name a few, Virant is now Executive Chef at Vie in Western Springs. As a young boy growing up in Missouri, he foraged for mushrooms, pickled vegetables and preserved fruits, and visited local wineries with his parents. All of this instilled a deep-rooted respect for seasonality and tradition, ultimately shaping him as a chef. Join us in September when Chef Virant brings this wonderful relationship with food to the Chopping Block.

Merchandise Mart, Monday, September 15

Whimsical Cake Toppers with Mark Seaman

Cake Stylist, Marked for Dessert

Pastry chef Mark Seaman is the owner of Marked for Dessert, a premier cake boutique in Chicago, as well as Neighborhood Bakeshop in Libertyville. He also instructs budding cake decorators at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and for Kendall College’s esteemed culinary program...and now at the Chopping Block! Renowned for his elegant cake designs and sugar work, Mr. Seaman won first place at the 2007 National Wedding Cake Competition. He has worked with famed cake artists Colette Peters, Stephane Glacier, and Alan Dunn. In this master class, Chef Seaman will teach you to work with fondant and create charming hand-modeled cake toppers for all occasions.

Merchandise Mart, Saturday, October 18