Program Highlights
LLCC Community Education offers fun, educational, non-credit culinary experiences. These include hands-on baking and cooking classes, demonstrations, dinners at Bistro Verde, special nights out, team building and youth programs.
- Enjoy a fun and tasty night out watching chef demonstrations, enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine or craft beer and preparing some of the dishes on the menu.
- Budding chefs can explore their cooking and baking skills in a class with their peers, or side-by-side with a parent.
- Hands-on cooking and baking classes for those age 19 and older.
- Enjoy a chef-prepared, multicourse dinner with thoughtfully paired beverages and insights from the chef along the way. Must be 21 to register.
Available Courses
Culinary courses are now open for online registration. The online platform provides a fresh way to browse available classes and complete your registration. Take a look at our culinary programs and start planning your culinary experience.
Bistro Verde Dinners
These dinners are multicourse dining experiences (not hands-on cooking classes). Each evening features a chef-curated menu, with the chef offering insightful remarks throughout the meal. Guests will also enjoy thoughtfully selected wine, spirit or beer pairings during the evening. Participants must be 21 or older to register. Seating is limited. Registrations will be processed in the order received.
Register for Bistro Verde Dinners
Spring 2027 Dinners
Registration is open. You can register above or call 217-786-2433.
The Big Easy
Chef Howard Seidel
Chef Howard is bringing the flavors of New Orleans back to the Bistro! Settle in for a multicourse dinner inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Crescent City, filled with bold spices, comforting Southern favorites and the unmistakable flavors that make New Orleans cuisine so memorable. Come hungry, brush up on your New Orleans trivia and let Chef Howard take you on another delicious trip to the Big Easy!
Date: Friday, Feb. 5, 2027
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $109
A Season to Savor
Chef Manfred Brandtner
Join Chef Manfred for a cozy late-winter evening at the Bistro, celebrating rich flavors and the comforts of the season. Drawing on years of experience traveling and preparing foods from a variety of places and traditions, Manfred brings his knowledge and creativity to this thoughtfully prepared multicourse dinner. Expect warming dishes, seasonal accompaniments and unexpected touches for a memorable evening around the table.
Date: Friday, Feb. 26, 2027
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $109
Robert's Seafood
Chef Joseph Hertz
Dive into an evening of great food with Robert’s Seafood! Their talented team is taking over the kitchen for a special multicourse dinner showcasing seafood with creative dishes, bold flavors, infused oils and delicious pairings. Get ready for a seafood experience worth savoring!
Date: Friday, March 19, 2027
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $109
A Fresh Take
Welcome spring with an evening of fresh flavors and creative cooking at Bistro Verde. This thoughtfully prepared multicourse dinner gives familiar favorites a seasonal twist, pairing bright ingredients, fresh herbs and unexpected touches. Each course celebrates the transition from the comforting dishes of winter to the lighter, vibrant flavors of spring. Enjoy an evening of good food and conversation as we welcome a new season to the table.
Instructor: LLCC Chef
Date: Friday, April 30, 2027
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $109
