By the Bootstraps

In recent years it seems as though the Second City’s meat and potatoes past has given way to a “foodie” present. Industry professionals and connoisseurs are making room on their dance cards for a number of delicious and innovative restaurants in the city.

Our new found role seems to have trickled down to small businesses: various restaurants and stores offer cooking lessons to customers. For example Andersonville’s The Wooden Spoon sells high quality cookware in the front of the store but in the back you’ll find a full scale kitchen setup, with a half-moon countertop set in front of the stove for easy viewing and demonstration. Students leave each class having made at least three dishes they can replicate at home. During the August 21 “Grill and Sip” class, chefs-in-training will learn how to make mini chicken sliders with Asian slaw and orzo with shrimp and vegetables, just to name a few. Class prices range from $65 – $85.

The Wooden Spoon’s class schedule is online and the Chicago Tribune has compiled a list of over 150 options available throughout the city.

Photo Credit: “Cooking in a Pan”

The Wooden Spoon
5047 N. Clark Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 293-3190

Landscaping service and flower shop Marguerite Gardens (5059 N. Clark) began in owner Marguerite Gluck’s backyard 20 years ago.

Gluck would buy plants at Fertile Gardens in Lincoln Park, one of Chicago’s most well-known gardening centers. A self-professed plant “nerd,” Gluck won several first place gardening contests and drew in the gardening center’s attention. They took a look at her garden and gave her name to people who would be interested in her expertise.

With that, Marguerite Gardens was born and grew as more clients became familiar with Gluck’s work.
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