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. Please note that registrations will be processed in the order received.

Register for Spring Dinners at Bistro Verde

Waiting List

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.

Fall 2024 Dinners

All fall 2024 dinners are currently full. If you would liked to be placed on a waiting list, please email Jennifer Lewis or call 217-786-2433.

Corkscrew Wine Dinner - FULL

The Corkscrew Wine Emporium of Springfield is partnering with us for this wine focused dinner. An evening of wine education gives you the opportunity to learn why a wine variety like chardonnay tastes different depending on the region it comes from. You’ll taste the differences in the pairings they have selected to accompany each prepared course. Chef and menu to be determined.  

• Instructor: Ryan Cozadd
• Date: Fri. Nov. 8
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
• Fee: $89

Smoked Dinner - FULL

Did you know you can add excitement to dishes by incorporating smoked oil or smoked salt to add another layer of flavor? We will start the evening with a smoked cocktail then Lincoln Land Alum Chef Marcus Holmes will intrigue your pallet with a menu featuring a smoked element in each of courses, even dessert!

• Chef: Marcus Holmes
• Date: Fri. Dec. 13
• Times: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
• Fee: $89

Spring 2025 Dinners

Japanese Cuisine

Local restaurateur Dave Matthews is bringing his love and expertise of Japanese food to LLCC. Your senses will be captivated by this multi-course dinner that will take you on a journey through Japanese regional and traditional cuisine.

• Instructor: Chef Dave Matthews
• Date: Fri., Jan. 31, 2025
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
• Fee: $89

Carnival Celebration

Chef 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, IL he developed “Gumbo Ya Yas.” Let’s celebrate this colorful evening with his famous gumbo!

• Instructor: Chef Howard Seidel
• Date: Fri., Feb. 28, 2025
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
• Fee: $89

Street Food

Chef Sean Keeley, Director of Catering with Arena Food Service here in Springfield is joining us for an evening packed with flavor. Sean is bringing a menu inspired by street foods from around the world with new flavors.

• Instructor: Chef Sean Keeley
• Date: Fri., March 21, 2025
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
• Fee: $89

Coast to Coast

As chef owner of Providers Supper Club, Kevin hosts multi-course pop-up dinners all over the Midwest aiming to bring people together. In this seafood packed dinner, he is bringing coastal flavors from all around the United States in hopes to bring people together in our Bistro Verde. 

• Instructor: Chef Kevin Sullivan
• Date: Fri., April 11, 2025
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
• Fee: $89

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

Fall 2024

Macarons

We are excited to introduce Caitlyn Weiss, owner of Mad Macs, as our new instructor for one of our most popular classes.  Caitlyn will show you all the professional tips and tricks to baking the perfect macaron.

• Instructor: Nicole Swartz
• Date: Sat. Nov. 2
• Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Cost: $69
• Course Code: CEW 500-007

Crème Brulee

Five simple ingredients: cream, vanilla, salt, eggs and sugar come together to make a rich and elegant dessert. With its signature caramelized top, this dessert can be flavored with classic vanilla, or non-traditional flavors such as blood orange.

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat, Nov 9
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Code: CEW 500-008

Chocolate Techniques

Learn the techniques of a chocolatier to make ganache and learn how to temper chocolate.

• Instructor: Ty Bergman
• Date: Thu, Nov 14
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Code: CEW 500-009

Thanksgiving Pie

It’s tradition to serve pie at your Thanksgiving feast.  Learn to make the perfect decorated crust and wow your guests with the perfect pie.

• Instructor: Teela Markley
• Date: Sat, Nov 23
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-010

Dinner Rolls

Serve your own homemade rolls this Thanksgiving. Learn what it takes to mix, knead, proof, portion and bake up the perfect yeast dinner roll.  

• Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
• Date: Sat, Nov 23
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Code: CEW 500-011

Buche de Noel

Bûche de Noël or yule log cake is a Christmas tradition. We will show you step by step how to make, bake, fill, roll and decorate your very own.

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat, Dec 7
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
• Course Code: CEW 500-012

Holiday Candy

Spend the day transforming sugar and chocolate into your own handmade candy creations.

• Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
• Date: Sat, Dec 7
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-013

Holiday Cookies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to bake, and that’s just what we will do in the class featuring a variety of cookies that will become your new holiday favorites.

• Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
• Date: Thu, Dec 12
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-014

Spring 2025

Quick Breads

Instead of requiring yeast to rise before baking, baking powder or soda is used to make these breads rise while baking. Quick breads can be made from doughs or batters and come in many varieties you see every day. 

• Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
• Date: Sat., Feb. 1
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-001

Macarons

In this popular class, you will be shown all the professional tips and tricks to baking the perfect macaron at home.  

• Instructor: LLCC Staff
• Date: Sat., Feb. 15
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-002

Focaccia

Focaccia (pronounced fuh-KA-cha) is a type of Italian yeast bread baked in flat sheet pans. Focaccia dough is flavored with olive oil and sometimes topped with fresh herbs and other vegetables. 

• Instructor: Nicole Swartz
• Date: Sat., Feb. 22
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-003

Cheesecakes

Discover the methods to make the perfect cheesecake at home. Cream cheese, sour cream and even ricotta can all be used to make a variety of sweet, savory, rich and creamy cheesecakes.   

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat., March 1
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-004

Churros

Learn how to make this fritter of Spanish origin made of flour-based batter that is piped into extremely hot fat and fried, then rolled in cinnamon-laced sugar, resulting in a treat that is sweet and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside.

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat., March 22
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-005

Puff Pastry Desserts

Learn how to make puff pastry from scratch and how to use pre-made pastry to create a variety of desserts. 

• Instructor: Nicole Swartz
• Date: Sat., April 5
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-006

Tarts and Galettes

Tarts are a close cousin to the classic American pie, and galettes are similar to a tart. However, the crusts, the fillings and the baking methods between tarts and galettes create two distinct desserts. Explore the variety with us. 

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat., April 5
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-007

Cream Puffs and Eclairs

It all starts with pate a choux dough that is piped and baked until golden. Then the light and airy buns are filled with cream. Learn the techniques to make these popular pastries.   

• Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
• Date: Sat., April 19
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-008

Spring Desserts

Start springtime off right with vibrant desserts such as lemon pomegranate bars that will surely be the hit at the next family gathering or cookout. 

• Instructor: Stephanie Warren
• Date: Sat., April 19
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-009
   

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. For ages 19 and over.

Fall 2024

Hearty Whole Grains

Crisp autumn weather calls for hearty soups and stews. Learn how to bulk them up with whole grains. Even salad can get a seasonal makeover with the addition of hearty whole grains.

• Instructor: Jan Dowell
• Date: Thu, Oct 24
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-022

Soups 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: Thu, Nov 7
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-023

Holiday Appetizers

Learn the art of making party appetizers for all your holiday gatherings.

• Instructor: Channing Fullaway-Johnson
• Date: Thu, Nov 21
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-024

Spring 2025

Souper Bowl

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: Thu., Jan. 30
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-010

Super Bowl Snacks

Please everyone from the football enthusiast to the halftime show watcher with crunchy, salty, sweet and creamy delights. 

• Instructor: Channing Fullaway-Johnson
• Date: Thu., Feb. 6
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-011

Sausage Making

Learn the basics of making fresh sausages such as Italian, breakfast, and bratwurst.

• Instructor: Jevon Shaw
• Date: Thu., Feb. 20
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-027

Fermentation Part 1

In this introductory class, you will explore the traditional methods of food preservation that use beneficial bacteria to convert the sugars in food into lactic acid. This process creates delicious and nutritious fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.   

• Instructor: Peter Glatz
• Date: Sat., Feb. 22
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-028

Firehouse Family Meal

In a firehouse, meals are either prepared hot and fast or low and slow. Learn hearty recipes that can feed a full house anytime. 

• Instructor: Cory Johnson
• Date: Thu., March 6
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-029

Fermentation Part 2

This course explores the art and science of fermentation beyond the basics. Building upon a foundation in fermentation, students will delve deeper into the techniques and microorganisms used to create complex and flavorful fermented foods and beverages.   

• Instructor: Peter Glatz
• Date: Sat., March 22
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-015

Hooked on Salmon

Learn all about the great nutritional value of adding salmon to your diet with creative new recipes and cooking methods.  

• Instructor: Scott Marshall
• Date: Thu., March 27
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-016

Indonesian

A collection of various regional culinary traditions come together in the nation of Indonesia. These traditions bring together rich flavors in dishes, such as nasi goreng and chicken satay.  

• Instructor: Adam Maas
• Date: Thu., April 17
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-017

Farm Fresh Produce Featuring Vegetarian Cuisine

Chef Kevin uses fresh seasonal local produce to create balanced vegetarian meals.

• Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
• Date: Fri., April 18
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-018

Freezer Meals

Spend the evening in the kitchen prepping all the components of a meal and packaging portions in containers to freeze. When you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal and trying to avoid processed foods, you can just reach for a freezer meal. Participants will work in groups to prepare, package and take-home freezer meals.   

• Instructor: Kim Carter
• Date: Thu., April 24
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Ages: 19 and over
• Cost: $69
• Course code: CEW 500-019
   

Work side-by-side with your child in these hands-on classes!

When registering, the fee for an adult with one child is $89. If registering a second child, there is an additional fee of $45. Register all participants at the same time (limit  of two children per adult). 

Fall 2024

Christmas Cookie Decorating

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Make special memories with your little chef as you decorate prepared cookies with royal icing.  

• Instructor: Teela Markley
• Date: Sat, Dec 14
• Time: 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
• Course Codes and Fees: CEW 500-034 $89 (19 an over)
• YES 500-001, $0 (ages 6-18) 
• YES 500-002, $45 (2nd child, ages 6-18)
   

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.

Fall 2024

Bourbon Smash

Bourbon, bacon and brown sugar are the shining stars of this menu. Salad with a bourbon vinaigrette and candied bacon, bourbon and orange glazed bacon wrapped pork, caramelized onion and bacon jam, chocolate bourbon pecan tarts, and bourbon cocktails.

• Instructor: Dustin Coons
• Date: Fri, Oct 25
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-032

Farm Fresh Meats

Have you tried locally raised meats? Join Chef Kevin Sullivan in preparing dishes featuring meats from central Illinois farmers and learn how to source their products at local stores and straight from the farm. Cocktails made from Illinois produced spirits will be enjoyed.

• Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
• Date: Fri, Nov 22
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-033

Spring 2025

Tapas

Enjoy creating delicious small plates to share with friends or with a date while sipping a glass of Spanish wine.

• Instructor: Sean Keeley
• Date: Thu, Feb. 13
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-020

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. 

• Instructor: Dustin Coons
• Date: Thu, Feb. 27
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-021

Medieval Knight Out

Enjoy a night of cooking over the flames of the grill with marinated meats, snacking on deviled dragon eggs and sipping on an ale. 

• Instructor: Dustin Coons
• Date: Thu, March 20
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-022

Italian

Chef Teela will show you easy methods to make gourmet sauces to go with your favorite pasta while enjoying a glass of Italian wine.

• Instructor: Teela Markley
• Date: Thu, April 3
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-023

Tacos and Tequila

Prepare a variety of tacos to share with friends and learn all about the best Tequilas for margaritas! 

• Instructor: Nico Paz
• Date: Fri, April 25
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-024

English Fare

World traveler chef Bradley Teel will share some of his favorite recipes to create English classics, such as fish and chips, pasties and sticky pudding.  Enjoy a stout beer with this classic menu. 

• Instructor: Bradley Teel
• Date: Fri., May 9
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-025

Summer 2025

Mother’s Day Brunch

Spoil the mom in your life to a fun day making delicious savory and sweet treats to make any brunch special, all while sipping a sweet drink.

• Instructor: Teela Markely
• Date: Sat., May 10
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 21 and over
• Cost: $79
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: CEW 500-026
   

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.

Spring 2025

Doughnut Dunkers

Doughnuts are a special treat with endless flavors and sprinkles.  Learn how to make yeast doughnuts and decorate with icing, glaze and sprinkles.

• Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
• Date: Sat, Feb. 8
• Time: 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 8-18
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Course Code: YES 500-003

Tacos and Salsa

Tacos and salsa are a great go to dinner that you can learn to make from scratch and impress your family and friends.

• Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
• Date: Sat, April 26
• Time: 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 8-18
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
• Course Code: YES 500-004

Cupcakes for Mom

Bake a batch of delicious cupcakes, and then decorate and package them to look like a beautiful bouquet of flowers to give to mom on her special day.

• Instructor: Channing Fullaway-Johnson
• Date: Sat, May. 10
• Time: 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
• Ages: 8-18
• Cost: $69
• Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
• Course Code: YES 500-003