Chi@Glance

Chi@Glance: EXPLORING CHICAGO AT A GLANCE

Exploring chicago at a glance

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Amazon Influencer
  • Spotlight
  • Blog
    • Events
    • Entertainment
    • Health and Beauty
    • Pampering/Relaxation
    • Restaurants/Dining
    • Reviews
    • Volunteer
  • Diary
  • Work with me
  • Contact
  • Media
You are here: Home / Blog / Event Alert! – The Chopping Block Turns 20 – April 1st and April 8th

Event Alert! – The Chopping Block Turns 20 – April 1st and April 8th

March 14, 2017 by Chi@glance

The Chopping Block is turning 20 years old and they’re inviting EVERYONE to help celebrate with 2 FREE anniversary events!

  • Saturday, April 1, 2017 10am-5pm Lincoln Square 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
  • Saturday, April 8, 2017 10am-5pm Merchandise Mart 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 107 Chicago, Il 60654

Both days are free and require no registration. There will be a buffet of free appetizers and desserts, passed hors d’oeuvres, and hands on cooking classes taught by “The Chopping Block All Star Chefs” that have played an integral part in the Chopping Block over the pass 20 years. Check out the press release below for more details and make sure to stop by! You don’t want to miss out on ALL the fun. 🙂 See you there!

The Chopping Block is Turning 20!

Chicago’s Popular Cooking School Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

Chicago, IL – The Chopping Block is marking a milestone of teaching home cooks how to cook for the past twenty years this April. It’s one of the few culinary schools in the country to accomplish this business feat. Owner/Chef Shelley Young opened The Chopping Block in a small cottage in Lincoln Park on April 4, 1997 as a small cooking school and antique cookware shop, at a time when recreational cooking schools were unheard of. The Chopping Block now has two locations in Chicago and plans are underway for two different events to celebrate the anniversary and the customers who have supported the local business over the years.

Young felt it was important to recognize not only the current employees who work hard to make the business a success but also those who were a part of the team in the past but may have moved on to other businesses, opened their own businesses or in some cases, even left the culinary industry. “We’ve invited back our ‘Chopping Block All Stars’, those chefs who played an integral part of the business over the past twenty years. They will return to their roots in our classrooms to once again teach a cooking class. This will be a chance for all of our students, present and past, to see these familiar faces again and learn something about the food that represents these chefs now,” said Young.

The Chopping Block’s anniversary celebrations will take place on:

  • Saturday, April 1, 2017 10am-5pm Lincoln Square 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
  • Saturday, April 8, 2017 10am-5pm Merchandise Mart 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 107 Chicago, Il 60654

Both days are free, open to the public with no registration required and will feature demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes from guest and current chef instructors. Here are just a few of the guest chefs participating in the event: (See complete list and schedule at bottom of article. Stay updated on schedule at http://www.thechoppingblock.com/20th-anniversary)

  • Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice
  • Sari Zernich of mfk.
  • Rick Ortiz of Antique Taco
  • Joaquin Soler of smalls
  • Sean Gartland of Feast Cooking School in Flint, Michigan

In addition to the guest chefs, Young will teach a class on both days of anniversary parties, as well as a special Chef’s Dinner class on Tuesday, April 4 from 6pm-9pm at Lincoln Square. “Unfortunately, I don’t get the chance to teach very often anymore. This special cooking demonstration will be a look back at some of my favorite dishes we’ve taught over the years and continue to teach to this day. It will be a celebration of classics from The Chopping Block,” said Young.

Guests at both events will also enjoy a buffet of appetizers and desserts of Chopping Block favorites from over the years. Expect popular hors d’oeuvres such as Truffled Popcorn, Bacon Wrapped Dates and Mushroom and Thyme Cheesecake. There will be wine and cocktail samplings and instruction as well. “Our beverage program shows one new direction The Chopping Block is going in. We’ve responded and adapted our curriculum to our students’ needs over these 20 years. Our new mixology program and our well-established wine program are an example of the knowledge people want these days. Food goes with wine and cocktails so it’s a natural fit to offer these educational programs,” said Young.

There will be an interactive station (think Top Chef’s popular mise en place challenge) where guests can put their knife skills to the test as they learn about The Chopping Block’s Certificate program, Culinary Boot Camp. This was yet another program that was created out of demand. The five-day, intensive hands-on class covers all of the techniques learned in professional culinary school in an approachable, affordable and available environment. This program has only continued to grow since its launch in 2006. “This type of education is our future. People want to learn to cook but don’t want the hefty expense or lengthy time commitment of traditional culinary school. We’re working on an even more evolved type of learning as an alternative for these serious home cooks or those wanting to enter the food industry. We’ve identified areas of deficiency of education and training in our industry, and our goal is to address this shortfall with new learning,” said Young.

Guests at the celebrations can take advantage of 20% off the entire store to mark the anniversary as well as special gift card promotions and other fun, interactive ways to look back at the business’ 20 year history. 10% of all retail sales on both days will be donated to the Susan G. Komen organization to help fund breast cancer research. Young recently lost her mother to the disease in December 2016, “My mom was an inspiration to me in life and in the kitchen. In 2009, I talked her into doing the Breast Cancer Walk with me even though she couldn’t walk and was on oxygen. I wanted to her to experience what an inspiration she was. We did the whole 60 miles together and she couldn’t figure out what all the fuss was about,” said Young.

The anniversary also marks the end of a years-long rebranding project which introduced a new look for The Chopping Block including a new logo, mobile-optimized website and remodeled facilities. Young opened The Chopping Block in 1997 in Lincoln Park, and a second location in Lincoln Square in 2003. The Lincoln Park location moved to the Merchandise Mart in 2005. More historical information about the business can be found in The Chopping Block’s online press kit.

Schedule of Events for The Chopping Block 20th Anniversary Parties!
http://www.thechoppingblock.com/20th-anniversary

Join Us for Our Birthday Bashes

Lincoln Square Saturday, April 1 10am-5pm

Chef Schedule

Sean Gartland Chef, Feast Cooking School in Flint, MI 10:30am
Siobhan Straka Retail Manager/Buyer, River Valley Farmers Table 11:30am
Joaquin Soler Chef, smalls 12pm
Sari Zernich Owner, mfk 1pm
Jennifer Aranas Chef, author of The Filipino-American Kitchen 1:30pm
Shelley Young Chef/Owner, The Chopping Block 2:30pm

Cake Cutting & Champagne Toast 4pm

Merchandise Mart Saturday, April 8 10am-5pm

Chef Schedule

Carolyn Engelmann Chef, Editor 10am
Sara Salzinski Chef, The Chopping Block 10:30am
Janet Kirker Chef, Foodease Market 11:30am
Peter Tignor Chef, Firefighter 12pm
Hugh Amano Chef, Author of The Adventures of Fat Rice 1pm
Rick Ortiz Chef/Owner, Antique Taco 1:30pm
Shelley Young Chef/Owner, The Chopping Block 2:30pm
Abraham Conlon Chef/Owner, Author of The Adventures of Fat Rice 3pm

Cake Cutting & Champagne Toast 4pm

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2017

More from my site

  • Windy City Smokeout 2025Windy City Smokeout 2025
  • Staycation at the Sophy in Hyde Park ChicagoStaycation at the Sophy in Hyde Park Chicago
  • Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino & Resort unveils AltoWind Creek Chicago Southland Casino & Resort unveils Alto
  • CASA BACARDÍ x Sueños Music Festival activationCASA BACARDÍ x Sueños Music Festival activation
  • 2025 National Restaurant Association Show RECAP2025 National Restaurant Association Show RECAP
  • Staycation at theWit Hotel in ChicagoStaycation at theWit Hotel in Chicago




Filed Under: Blog, Community/Volunteering, Entertainment, Events, Restaurants/Dining Tagged With: Blog, Community /Volunteering, Entertainment, Events, Restaurants/dining

SPOTLIGHT

Want more? Sign up!

Subscribe

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )

Follow on instagram

I love a good collab! @levainbakery and @Prettycoo I love a good collab! @levainbakery and @Prettycoolicecream have been keeping Chicago cool all summer long with their cookie 🍪 + Ice Cream 🍦 collaboration. 

From now through Sunday, July 20th  Levain will offer a brand-new Dulce de Leche ice cream flavor from Pretty Cool Ice Cream (available this weekend only!)

On July 20th, #Nationalicecreamday the first 100 guests at each Chicago location will receive a free, limited-edition Levain Bakery bucket hat! 
📍West Loop: 840 W Randolph Street
📍River North: 408 N Clark Street

#Chicago #Levainbakery #chicagobakery #chicagofoodie #Dessert #chicagoevents #312food #dessertreels #prettycoolicecream
The Chicago bakery scene cures your sweet tooth cr The Chicago bakery scene cures your sweet tooth cravings! I put together a round up for @Choosechicago listing some of the best bakeries throughout the city. Did I miss any? Comment below. 👇🏾 What are your favorites? What should we order?? 🍰🧁

https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/30-of-the-best-bakeries-in-chicago/

#Chicago #NeverOutDoneChi #Bakery #Choosechicago #chicagobakery #foodblogger #chicagoevents #chiataglance
Sunglasses 🕶️ + Pies 🥧 = Sign me up! What Sunglasses 🕶️ + Pies 🥧 = Sign me up! What a fun summer event hosted by @Sunglasshut on the magnificent mile. We kicked off summer in style while celebrating confidence, creativity, and personal expression. Thank you Sunglass Hut for these beauties: 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨 (𝐉𝐂𝟓𝟎𝟑𝟖𝐁𝐔) $𝟒𝟕𝟗. They’re definitely my style and I’ll be wearing them ALLL summer long. 😎

There’s more… this exclusive summer celebration featured Maya-Camille Broussard from @justiceofthepies sharing her creative  journey and sweet treats of course. What a great #SummertimeCHI #Sundayfunday. More events like this PLEASE 🥰

#Sunglasshut #Justiceofthepies #Chicago@#Chicagobakery #Summerstyle #Jimmychoo #Sunglasses #chicagoevents
JULY 10th - JULY 13th One of my FAVORITE BBQ festi JULY 10th - JULY 13th One of my FAVORITE BBQ festivals is back!! @Windycitysmokeout is the four-day premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival. This one-of-a-kind festival is a Chicago summer staple and draws 20 to 25k guests per day. 😯  Are you going? If so, here are a few of my favorite bites:

🤠 @Wrightsbarbecue - Jumbo Smoked Beef Rib $32

🤠 @meatmitchbbq - Jalapeño & Cheddar Rope Sausage $12

🤠 @Soulandsmoke - Pulled Pork Nachos with Pimento Cheese $15

🤠 @greenstreetsmokedmeats - Hatch Chili Mac & Cheese $12

2 More days!!! See you there! 7/10 - 7/13
#Smokeout2025 Windycitysmokeout.com

Click the link in my bio for 2025 highlights

#wcsmokeout #chicago #chicagobbq #countrymusic #summertimechi #eeeeeats #BBQ #Barbecue #foodporn #foodgasm #bbqsauce #chicagogram #pitmaster #pitmasters  #chicagorestaurants #Windycitysmokeout #foodreels #foodie
New Rooftop Alert! 🚨 Solana is the newly debute New Rooftop Alert! 🚨 Solana is the newly debuted rooftop concept atop @therobeychicago. The seasonal rooftop (located in Wicker Park) offers a public rooftop pool. Go for taco’s 🌮, frozen cocktails 🍹, and skyline 🏙️ views. Perfect place to soak in the 🌞 this summer. See ya there! 📍2018 West North Avenue

#Chicago #Rooftopseason #Solana #Therobeychicago #Summertimechi #chicagofoodie #Chicagorooftops #tacos
A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a Beast, A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a Beast, can be freed only by true love. 💕 #AD… Are you ready for the 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 musical? 🎶 Starting July 9th - August 2nd catch @Beautymusical in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace theater. I am so excited to go to the July 10th show and I received some @Disneyonbroadway merchandise. One item in particular was my FAVORITE! Head to stories for my gift unboxing and head to the link in my bio to buy your tickets NOW! Thanks Disney!!! I can’t wait for the show. 🥰

https://beautyandthebeastthemusical.com

#Chicago #Disney #BeautyandtheBeast #Chicagoevents #Cadillacpalace #disneyonbroadway #Disneymusical
New Opening Alert! 🚨 Have you played shuffleboa New Opening Alert! 🚨 Have you played shuffleboard before? @Electricshuffleusa just opened a Chicago location and we had sooo much fun competing and eating. 

I recommend the sampler platter which included: Buffalo chicken quesadillas, classic fries, truffle mac & cheese bites, shishito peppers, and tempura cauliflower. We also had a truffle mushroom pizza and some pretty yummy cocktails.

Make sure you save room for dessert! We had the shuffle celebration dessert made by @milkbarstore. Such a fun evening! 📍 488 N Lasalle Dr, Chicago

#Chicago #electricshuffle #chicagoevents #shuffleboard #chicagofoodie #chicagofood
Saturdays = DJ brunch @Meslerkitchenbarlounge. Mus Saturdays = DJ brunch @Meslerkitchenbarlounge. Music, great ambiance, delicious food, and drinks. I loved the Shrimp ‘N Grits! Head on over to Hyde Park and check them out.
📍1401 East 53rd Street, Chicago

#Chicago #Meslerchicago #Hydeparkhotel #Meslerkitchenbarandlounge #Sophyhotel #Hydeparkhotels #SOPHYhydepark #Sophychicago #Sophystyle #Chicagohotels
#chicagofoodie #chicagorestaurants
Staycation Alert! 🚨 I headed to Obama’s homet Staycation Alert! 🚨 I headed to Obama’s hometown of Hyde Park for a relaxing staycation @Sophyhotel. The boutique hotel epitomizes the essence of Hyde Park, Chicago and showcases a curated selection of artwork from local artists. 

I stayed in the Dorchester Suite. It is HUGE and I love the attention to detail. 🥰 You see that Nina Simone record? 👀 Also make sure you head down to onsite restaurant @Meslerkitchenbarlouge. We had a FABULOUS dinner. I loved the daily special Housemade Seafood Bucatini Pasta. AND the Manhattan cocktail with the @unclenearest infused cookie from @strugglebeardbakery was fantastic.
📍1411 East 53rd Street 👉🏽Sophychicago.com

#Chicago #Meslerchicago #Hydeparkhotel #Meslerkitchenbarandlounge #Sophyhotel #Hydeparkhotels #SOPHYhydepark #Sophychicago #Sophystyle #Chicagohotels
#chicagofoodie #chicagorestaurants
Follow On Instagram

Like on Facebook

Chiataglance

CALENDAR

March 2017
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Feb   Apr »




ABOUT ME

DIARY

Gallery

Screenshot
Screenshot
IMG_8214
IMG_8214
IMG_8213
IMG_8213
AF0CBAD0-C771-4E47-8838-388A001770F9
AF0CBAD0-C771-4E47-8838-388A001770F9
04857EC4-F703-4B66-BC03-E3BC9B64E9FB
04857EC4-F703-4B66-BC03-E3BC9B64E9FB
DC53E4E0-88DE-4E26-983C-47CB6BF4D91E
DC53E4E0-88DE-4E26-983C-47CB6BF4D91E
BEDCC9C9-AC51-4203-A68A-A00CB8AB9AC4
BEDCC9C9-AC51-4203-A68A-A00CB8AB9AC4
CF7BBAE0-0B43-44FB-AE1E-9F1CB7ED26D3
CF7BBAE0-0B43-44FB-AE1E-9F1CB7ED26D3
F8F7E673-83DF-4944-ABA2-9D9211680228
F8F7E673-83DF-4944-ABA2-9D9211680228
50188D5F-9AE3-438D-8270-829968BCE928
50188D5F-9AE3-438D-8270-829968BCE928
F4051996-FCE1-4716-8F40-1646A011F119
F4051996-FCE1-4716-8F40-1646A011F119
889600BD-9C12-47B5-BD33-486E576B793E
889600BD-9C12-47B5-BD33-486E576B793E
2B27E56C-DF50-4D12-9B23-D752F0B37F23
2B27E56C-DF50-4D12-9B23-D752F0B37F23
FA934D2B-0962-41AA-B003-DEF609479583
FA934D2B-0962-41AA-B003-DEF609479583
5E449543-BEAD-4AA5-AD4F-B47844CF6897
5E449543-BEAD-4AA5-AD4F-B47844CF6897
B9A6B2AD-E56F-492E-B6B3-A11237E90A3E
B9A6B2AD-E56F-492E-B6B3-A11237E90A3E
9F9A5D37-2359-4493-82EE-96AB539283BB
9F9A5D37-2359-4493-82EE-96AB539283BB
69DD66B3-90E2-4B95-9F14-ADB9E68FB0C4
69DD66B3-90E2-4B95-9F14-ADB9E68FB0C4
C9F0B98E-9EB5-4625-B302-9AD3E4B83DF1
C9F0B98E-9EB5-4625-B302-9AD3E4B83DF1
35134262-6D0B-49DA-93D1-2B6FE9A45DB4
35134262-6D0B-49DA-93D1-2B6FE9A45DB4
E64CF0A2-6E79-42A9-9EAE-68FC2DD1247F
E64CF0A2-6E79-42A9-9EAE-68FC2DD1247F
6E5319AF-3066-4358-A32F-2024A71F2748
6E5319AF-3066-4358-A32F-2024A71F2748
C808E922-F47A-4BA1-963A-EFE663E20800
C808E922-F47A-4BA1-963A-EFE663E20800
755717FB-96CB-43C2-B958-7C39771F66F7
755717FB-96CB-43C2-B958-7C39771F66F7
B3D4B3C8-14A1-46F9-AC04-E429D014F13C
B3D4B3C8-14A1-46F9-AC04-E429D014F13C
DA71B9D6-E391-498A-9F12-E4B960F17734
DA71B9D6-E391-498A-9F12-E4B960F17734
21328CE6-D5A7-456E-AE08-2AEAFE74E13D
21328CE6-D5A7-456E-AE08-2AEAFE74E13D
385747CC-4357-4535-A336-26020FF22411
385747CC-4357-4535-A336-26020FF22411
9BC98AC4-45F8-43B9-A236-577A4412AE64
9BC98AC4-45F8-43B9-A236-577A4412AE64
Hebru Brantley and Tavi J.
Hebru Brantley and Tavi J.
Gayle King and Tavi J.
Gayle King and Tavi J.
Tavi J. Interviews Celebrity Chef Chris Valdes
Tavi J. Interviews Celebrity Chef Chris Valdes
Anti-Cruelty Society - Bark in the Park
Anti-Cruelty Society - Bark in the Park
2019 James Beard Gala Awards
2019 James Beard Gala Awards
2019 James Beard Gala Awards
2019 James Beard Gala Awards
Tavi J. and Food Network Star Tyler Florence
Tavi J. and Food Network Star Tyler Florence
Tavi J. and 93.9 Lite FM Radio Host Melissa Forman
Tavi J. and 93.9 Lite FM Radio Host Melissa Forman
Tavi J. and Chef Chris Valdes
Tavi J. and Chef Chris Valdes
Tavi J. and Chef Patrick
Tavi J. and Chef Patrick
Sobe Wine & Food Festival
Sobe Wine & Food Festival
Phor  from Chicago Black Ink Crew
Phor from Chicago Black Ink Crew
Sommlier Derrrick C. Westbrook
Sommlier Derrrick C. Westbrook
Brian McKnight - Gateway for Cancer Cures
Brian McKnight - Gateway for Cancer Cures
Tavi J and Executive Chef Lamar J Moore
Tavi J and Executive Chef Lamar J Moore
The Frock Shop Dresses
The Frock Shop Dresses
Windy City Live at First Look For Charity Auto Show
Windy City Live at First Look For Charity Auto Show
Black Creativity Gala
Black Creativity Gala
Tavi Johnson - The Jam TV Show Model
Tavi Johnson - The Jam TV Show Model
Mens Book Winter Issue Release Party
Mens Book Winter Issue Release Party
Tavi J - Gateway to Cancer Research Gala
Tavi J - Gateway to Cancer Research Gala
Gateway for Cancer Research Gala
Gateway for Cancer Research Gala
Taste Talks Check Please
Taste Talks Check Please
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union
Chicago Gourmet 2017
Chicago Gourmet 2017
ace hotel
ace hotel
A Tribute to Jane Fonda
A Tribute to Jane Fonda
Power Screening with Cast
Power Screening with Cast
Leading Ladies Luncheon
Leading Ladies Luncheon
Ladies Luncheon Interviewing Julie
Ladies Luncheon Interviewing Julie
Tavi J and BMW
Tavi J and BMW
Tavi J and JNiice
Tavi J and JNiice
Shelley Young and Tavi J
Shelley Young and Tavi J
Ji Suk Yi and Tavi J
Ji Suk Yi and Tavi J
Tavi J and Showbiz Shelly
Tavi J and Showbiz Shelly
WGN and Cubs Celebration
WGN and Cubs Celebration
Tavi J and Zo
Tavi J and Zo
First Look For Charity Auto Show Gala
First Look For Charity Auto Show Gala
Doug MCDermott
Doug MCDermott
Chicago Henna
Chicago Henna
Black Creativity Gala
Black Creativity Gala
Bassment at Hampton Social
Bassment at Hampton Social
Anti Cruelty Society Gala
Anti Cruelty Society Gala
2nd-row-at-the-bears-vs-detroit-game
2nd-row-at-the-bears-vs-detroit-game
gateway-for-a-cure-red-capet-media-event
gateway-for-a-cure-red-capet-media-event
skydeck-at-the-willis-tower
skydeck-at-the-willis-tower
tavi-j-and-abc-jim-rose
tavi-j-and-abc-jim-rose
photoshoot
photoshoot
H20
H20
Usher at Amnesty International Event
Usher at Amnesty International Event
Rick Bayless
Rick Bayless
Loni Swain being honored Women empowerment
Loni Swain being honored Women empowerment
Larenz Tate and The Game of Silene Screening Event
Larenz Tate and The Game of Silene Screening Event
Jaguar Screening
Jaguar Screening
Jack Daniels Party
Jack Daniels Party
Hellicopter Ride
Hellicopter Ride
Hebru Brantley
Hebru Brantley
Courtney Hall from CLTV
Courtney Hall from CLTV
Chef John Manion
Chef John Manion
Carnivor Event
Carnivor Event
Car Event
Car Event
A Better Day with Julie
A Better Day with Julie
A Better Day with Julie Set
A Better Day with Julie Set
Check Please
Check Please
Hakeem DJ on Empire
Hakeem DJ on Empire
Taste Talks - Juding
Taste Talks - Juding
Chicago Scene 1
Chicago Scene 1
Toyota Eephus Tour
Toyota Eephus Tour
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Riverwalk
Riverwalk
Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach
JandT
JandT
Chicago Scene 2
Chicago Scene 2
Chiataglance
Chiataglance
The Bean at Millineum Park - Cloud Gate
The Bean at Millineum Park - Cloud Gate
Daley Plaza - Thursday Farmers Market
Daley Plaza - Thursday Farmers Market

Copyright © 2025 · Metro Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in