These dinners are multi-course dining experiences, not hands-on classes. The chef offers remarks on the menu selection for each course. One glass of wine, spirits or beer will be served with each course. Participants must be 21 to register. Register online for a spring 2022 dinner at Bistro Verde. Registration will be processed in the order received.

If you would liked to be placed on a waiting list for dinners that are currently full, please email Jennifer Lewis or call 217-786-2433.

Korean Italian Fusion Dinner with Guest Chef Kimsimone Manning

LLCC Culinary graduate Kimsimone returns with a fusion dinner featuring Korean flavors and classic Italian dishes. Her style will shine through in a kimchi fried arancini, seaweed risotto and beef bulgogi ravioli. There’s nothing like this on any restaurant menu in town! 

• Instructor: Kimsimone Manning
• Date: Friday, Jan. 28
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde
• Fee: $69

Mardi Gras with Guest Chef Howard Seidel - FULL

Howard returns for his popular Mardi Gras-Cajun inspired dinner. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Howard spent seven years in New Orleans and later in Springfield developed “Gumbo Ya Yas.” His famous gumbo is on the menu at Brunchfield’s Café where he serves as a consultant and often chefs on the weekend. As they say in N’orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler.”

• Instructor: Howard Seidel
• Date: Friday, Feb. 11
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde
• Fee: $69

Irish Dinner with Guest Chef Hallie Pierceall - FULL

Dia dhuit. “Host a pint and Have a Pint” has been the credo for Darcy’s Pint in Springfield since 1998. Hallie’s tempting menu of Irish and American dishes attract connoisseurs from far and wide. No wine tonight; we will be serving Irish beers. "Bless us with good food, the gift of gab and hearty laughter. May the love and joy we share, be with us ever after!" - Irish Kitchen Prayer

• Instructor: Hallie Pierceall
• Date: Thursday, March 3
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde
• Fee: $69

Roberts Seafood Dinner with Chef Ty Bergman - FULL

For Springfield area foodies, Robert’s Seafood Market is a fourth generation, family-owned gourmet food market that consciously selects the finest, most sustainable local and global products. In addition to the freshest seafood, Roberts’ also sells a large selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. LLCC Culinary Instructor Ty Bergman will prepare a dinner featuring seafood and oils from around the world.

• Instructor: Ty Bergman
• Date: Friday, March 18
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde
• Fee: $69

Spring Is in Saison

Shake off the winter blues and join us for an early spring dinner. Chef Dustin Coons presents a five course menu featuring seasonal vegetables and lighter faire. Enjoy wine pairings to match the light spring flavors of the plates. What a perfect way to welcome in spring!

• Chef: Dustin Coons
• Date: Friday, April 8
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde
• Fee: $69

Our baking and pastry classes provide the perfect opportunity to learn to bake breads, pies, pastries and more just like a professional baker. Ages 19 and over.

Savory Breads

Herbs and spices, meats and cheeses come together in flaky, chewy and crusty yeast breads.

• Instructor: Jolene Lamb
• Date: Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-13, $49

Flat Breads

Simple ingredients are combined to make either leavened or unleavened varieties of flat breads using different baking processes to create distinctive qualities.

• Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-17, $49    

Focaccia (pronounced fuh-KA-cha)

Focaccia is a type of Italian yeast bread baked in flat sheet pans. Focaccia dough is flavored with olive oil and sometimes topped with herbs and other vegetables.

• Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-19, $49    

Macarons

Our most popular baking class. Come bake a batch of these delicate French pastries that will be filled with flavored buttercream.

• Instructor: Lindee Hall Pratt
• Date: Saturday, March 19, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-21, $49

Restaurant Desserts

As the head pastry chef of Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Stephanie Warren creates flavorful, innovative and Instagram worthy desserts. Join her in the kitchen to learn her secrets.

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-22, $49

Crazy Doughnuts

Sweet, savory and salty ingredients come together to make a box of Courtney’s crazy doughnuts.  

• Instructor: Courtney Minks
• Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-23, $49

Dessert Bar

Popular at catered weddings and parties, dessert bars feature a variety of small, sweet bites.

• Instructor: Channing Johnson
• Date: Saturday, April 2, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-26, $49

Cupcake Decorating

Learn to decorate beautiful cupcakes perfect for a spring party.

• Instructor: Lindee Hall Pratt
• Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-27, $49

Easter and Passover Desserts

Explore the lighter flavors of springtime desserts in this class featuring Easter and Passover favorites.

• Instructor: Adam Volk
• Date: Saturday, April 16, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-29, $49

To be a great cook, you must first learn the basics! Join our culinary instructor for hands-on cooking classes on the skills every cook needs in their repertoire. Ages 19 and over (unless indicated otherwise).

Soup's On

Chef “Mama” Kim is known for her hearty and heartwarming soups. Join her for another popular class preparing a variety of soups.

• Instructor: Kim Carter
• Date: Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-14, $49

Knife Skills

Learn the classic knife cuts to make preparing vegetables quick and easy. Hone your knife skills by breaking down a whole chicken.

• Instructor: Tracy Stout
• Date: Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-15, $49

Cast Iron Cooking

Learn how to make a variety of amazing dishes with this versatile pan. You will also learn the important care, maintenance and how to season your pans. Feel free to bring in your own cast iron skillet or use one of ours during the class.

• Instructor: Kim Carter
• Date: Friday, Feb. 4, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-16, $49

Comfort Foods

Chef “Mama” Kim shares her comfort food recipes for late winter/early spring. Prepare a substantial meal perfect for a blustery March day.

• Instructor: Kim Carter
• Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-20, $49

Korean Cooking

Explore Korean flavors and traditional dishes in class. Learn the tips to making great kimchi.  

• Instructor: Kimsimone Manning
• Date: Thursday, March 31, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-24, $49      

Pasta Party

Join Chef Tracy for her most popular class. Prepare a variety of pasta shapes from scratch along with fillings and sauces.  

• Instructor: Tracy Stout
• Date: Friday, April 1, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-25, $49      

Pantry Staples

Learn to cook with what you have on hand. Delicious meals can be made without shopping at specialty markets for exotic ingredients.

• Instructor: Bradley Teel
• Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-18, $49

Fermentation

Owner of Natural Artistry, Chef Jim has perfected the art of fermenting and using natural ingredients to produce flavorful foods that promote good gut bacteria to flourish. Learn how he does it.

• Instructor: James Boosinger
• Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-28, $49

Grilling 101

Chef Lakesha has been instrumental in aiding our LLCC culinary students in the process of learning to grill. Join her for an evening of fabulous grilled foods.

• Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
• Date: Friday, May 6, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-30, $49  

Want to spend a fun night out with your friends or significant other? Then join us in the kitchen for a Special Night Out watching chef demonstrations, enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine or craft beer and preparing some of the dishes on the menu for a fun and tasty night out. Spirits, wine or beer is served; must be 21 to register. Alcohol is limited to two drinks per person.

Tapas

Join Chef Sean Keeley for a night of small plates and Spanish wines.

• Instructor: Sean Keeley
• Date: Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-11, $59

Wine and Chocolate

Chocolate lends itself to both savory cooking, and of course, sweet desserts. Chef Jolene will help you prepare a few recipes to taste with perfect wine pairings from Dr. Geoff Bland.

• Instructors: Geoff Bland and Jolene Lamb
• Date: Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-13, $59  

Mardi Gras

Carnival is a time to eat, drink and be merry before the rigorous fasting and sacrifice during Lent. It is filled with parades and celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Celebrate the flavors and cocktails of New Orleans with Chef Dustin Coons.

• Instructor: Dustin Coons
• Date: Friday, Feb. 18, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-08, $59      

Old School Italian

Famous for his Italian cuisine, Chef Sean Keeley will wow you in the flavors and wines of Italy.

• Instructor: Sean Keeley
• Date: Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-09, $59

Seafood Night

Cooking seafood properly is an art that Chef Ty Bergman has mastered. Learn the tip to perfectly prepared seafood and explore the flavors that pair well with a variety of seafood.

• Instructor: Ty Bergman
• Date: Friday, March 25, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-10, $59      

Appetizers & Cocktails

Chef Channing brings her best party catering appetizers and cocktails for a crowd in the fun night out class.

• Instructor: Channing Johnson
• Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-06, $59

The Heat Is On

Back by popular demand, Chef Marcus will show you how to use your broiler to turn up the heat on restaurant style dishes.

• Instructor: Marcus Holmes
• Date: Friday, April 29, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-12, $59      

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates Mexican culture, food and drink. Prepare a party feast with margaritas, of course.  

• Instructor: Bradley Teel
• Date: Thursday, May 5, 2022
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 501-07, $59  

Designed specifically for budding young chefs ages 8-18, these classes are the perfect opportunity for youth to explore their interests and build their culinary skills. View youth culinary opportunities here.

Chocolate!

Mixed, melted, dipped and baked. Spend the day creating decadent desserts from all forms of chocolate.

• Instructor: Jolene Lamb
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Codes and Fees: YES 500-13, $49

Sushi Roll

The art of making sushi starts with making the perfect rice. Practice chopping assorted veggies and cooked seafood before rolling up California, Hawaiian and spicy tuna rolls. Dessert sushi roll included.

• Instructor: Tracy Stout
• Date: Saturday, April 16, 2022
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Codes and Fees: YES 500-14, $49