March Classes

  ›› Seafood Secrets
  ›› Taste of Thailand
  ›› So, You're Dating
      a Vegetarian

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Kitchen Confidential

Timothy Egan, our much beloved Controller, uses his smarts to keep out of a sticky situation. When measuring sticky liquids like honey or syrups, he sprays the inside of the measuring cup or spoon with Pam, or swishes a little oil inside, so that the sticky stuff just slides right out.

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Stuff We're Into

Merchandise Mart Store Manager, Kate Caccamo, is wild for winter's citrus gem: Meyer Lemons! She wowed us all with her homemade Meyer lemon marmalade! They are sweet and aromatic and only in season for a short while, so go find one while you can.

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Congratulations, Krystal!

In January we held a fantastically successful fundraising event for future chef Krystal Lewis, The Boys and Girls Club of Chicago's 2008 Youth of the Year, which helped her realize her dream of a culinary apprenticeship in France. Congratulations Krystal, keep up the great work! You are quite an inspiration.

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April Classes

  ›› April in Paris
  ›› Multi Meal Magic
  ›› The Perfect Pie

Dear Friends of The Chopping Block,

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Park City, Utah. I attended some screenings at the Sundance Film Festival, but most memorable was a day spent snowshoeing in the Uinta Mountains. After the hike, our guide took to us an out of the way spot, Samak Smoke House, where we warmed up with espresso and cookies. I couldn't resist loading up on their delicious beef jerky to bring home with us. It is great jerky and you don't have to go snowshoeing to get it, you can order it online through their website.

I also enjoyed some fantastic meals there which have become the inspiration for a new series of classes called "Shelley's Memorable Meals," where we will re-create some of the amazing meals I have enjoyed, including a fantastic dinner I had at Log Haven in Park City.

Embracing the winter wonderland that was Utah in February was fantastic, but March is here and Spring is just around the corner. After the long winter we have had this year, I am ready for March with all its new promise and fresh surprises. We are excited to liven up the store with a new Spring lineup. We are bringing in fresh colors and scents with our fashionable new aprons, tea towels and fennel scented hand soaps and lotions.

It's time to lighten up our kitchens in anticipation of Spring!

Happy Cooking!

Shelley Young, Founder

Two Hands are Better than One!

You still have a few more days to take advantage of our Two Hands Are Better Than One gift card promotion. For $130 you can purchase two hands-on classes valued at $150. It's a great way to enjoy a class with a special someone this year.

Cold sake, anyone? We are thrilled to introduce two artisan made Sakes to our wine list, both for classes and to take home. These refreshing and refined sakes are not just for sushi anymore. Surprise your guests by pairing these with anything from shellfish to pork to any sort of light meal. These wines are Spring in a glass!

We are so excited to host a one-time class on March 11 with Bill Begale, owner of the famous and beloved Paulina Meat Market. He will be taking us through the intricacies of pork butchery. Bill is a true artisan; we can't wait to use what we learn for our Easter celebrations at home!

It's time to freshen up and look sharp! March's promotion is 20% off all of our fantastic knives. We always stress that your knife is your most important and personal tool in the kitchen, so it's essential that you have a knife that works specifically for you. We will take the time to work with you and let you test drive the perfect knife. We have added some more Knife Skills Classes this month for you to come in and hone your skills!

On March 17th we will be participating in the Common Threads World Festival. Support the culinary diversity of the world in one fabulously tasty night at our own Museum of Contemporary Art.