I contacted Cooking Fools in a panic when another cooking company whom I had booked told me they may not be able to accommodate my group after all. I was so stressed as my event was just 2 weeks away. I spoke with Nick on the phone and he was so polite and really helpful. When I needed more information his follow up was so timely and exactly what I needed. He really was amazing the customer service and fast response times made event planning so much more pleasant. Very professional and accommodating. read more

Thanks to Groupon, I had the opportunity to learn how to make my own pasta from scratch. The class begins with choosing a station for yourself and party where you can easily watch a trained professional demonstrate what you will shortly be doing on your own. Once the demonstration is over, the fun really begins. Don't worry, if you're not a quick study, because two professionals circulate through the room to help you with any questions or problems you may have giving you a true hands-on-learning opportunity. For my class, we were taught how to make ravioli and pappardelle. Unfortunately, we could not make our our sauces and filling for the ravioli. 3 volunteers were asked to come up to the class (I was one of them) to make the vodka sauce, the roasted red pepper filling for the ravioli and the pesto sauce. While the three volunteers took charge of the sauces/filling, the rest of the class could only watch. Once the demonstrations were over and our pasta dough had some time to rest, we began the task of rolling out the dough using the pasta press machines at our stations. Then we were able to stuff our ravilio and cut our pappardelle. I really wish there was a way to taste our own creations, however it was not meant to be. The pasta the class makes is collectively whisked away and boiled in a big pot in the back. The class ends with a dinner of the pasta that was created along with salad. We were allowed to take home any left overs if we wished. All in all, it was a good experience and worth the $45 I paid. read more

I've worked across the street from cooking fools for a little over 3 years and they are my go to spot when I am hungry! their food is always fresh and delicious and I love the people who work there. I would definitely recommend the tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese in the fall/winter. they also have a really good mango mint smoothie for those hot summer days. I pick and choose from the food in the glass fridge. some stuff I like and some stuff I could pass on. the desserts are really good too. especially the cheesecake with chocolate and the carrot cake. I'm not a huge beer or wine drinker, but if you are they do have a wide arrange of beverages to choose from! read more

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We discovered this place via Groupon, we attended the pasta making class. Do yourself a favor and buy it! I highly recommend purchasing a bottle of wine to enjoy during your class! We made two kinds of pasta and two sauces: ravioli with ricotta cheese & roasted red tomato filling covered with a basil pesto sauce and parpardelle with a vodka sauce (my favorite)! The teachers went through their demos first, then we'd execute at our own tables while they walked around to make sure we were on the right track. They are there to help should you make a mistake, don't be shy to call them over. I learned quickly that making pasta is a time sensitive matter! The event space was well spaced and lit, it really should be only two to a table, otherwise it's too tight with little wiggle room. The teacher selects 2 volunteers, one to help make each sauce, so get your hand up in the air FAST! It smells so fragrant in the classroom too! At the end, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor while mingling with your fellow classmates. The taste of fresh pasta is so much lighter and airier. They even teach you a faster method than hand kneading it, but you'll have to attend to learn the secret! ;) You can grab a to-go box, which I suggest eating same night or the next day to fully appreciate the freshness of the pasta. We also met a couple who also happened to be engaged, so we hit it off right away! Since I enjoyed myself so much, I am now looking into doing my bachelorette party here! NOTE: Parking can be a bit difficult with all the zoned areas surrounding North Ave, so just give yourself ample time to park before your class. I don't recommend the metered parking as it's maxed out at 2 hours and these classes are 3 hours+ long. read more

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All of the entrees and sides that I've eaten from here have been delicious -- full of flavor and well-prepared. I sadly have to disagree with the good reviews about the ice cream -- I tried the mint chocolate chip on Saturday and it was horrible. Barely any mint flavor whatsoever. I've made far better with my cuisinart ice cream machine. I should've saved the money and bought a pint of ben and jerry's instead. read more

Am a big fan of this place. Have purchased little knick knacks, here and there, but recently had them create boxed lunches for a business luncheon and I was so pleased. The wraps were HUGE and filled with all sorts fo fresh, delectable-looking things (working, so did not have an op to taste). They also provided a really fresh couscous salad (able to eat because didnt' smear makeup) and what my clients described as "DELECTABLE" cheesecake....all for like $15. read more

Let me start off with saying that the chef-teachers are really nice and know their stuff. The meh review is because of two things:(1) the BYO situation and (2) the hygiene concerns. You can buy wine and beer there, the prices and selection aren't that great. Just wish they were a little clearer on that. But more concerning is the lack of any information that this is a "family style meal." During the class I saw one girl repeatedly playing with her hair and not washing her hands. I also saw a number of people not removing their jewelry for kneading the pasta dough. I removed my rings. I wear my rings every day -- even with hand washing there is stuff left on my rings that would love to get mixed into sticky pasta dough. I would love to not eat that. So I took them off. Plus I don't want dough stuck in my rings. Lots of other people seemed good with gross hygiene. So there was no way my date and I were sticking around to eat someone else's gross food. Had they just gotten hot plates and let us cook and eat our own pasta I would to there again. Yes they have a fancy convection hot plate or something neat that they used for the demo, but I don't think fresh pasta and sauce needs too much fancy equipment. read more

Vegan gyros and a good selection of beer and wine is all I need to like this place. All the food I've gotten here has been great. My only problem is that they took the fries off the menu! read more

We had a fantastic (and delicious!) time at cooking fools. We had a work event for a group of about 30, and did a "International Small Plates" cooking team building/mingling party. Team Guacamole started us off with the biggest bowl of guac we'd ever seen -- it disappeared almost immediately along with warm, fresh chips. We then divided up into smaller teams, filling about 7 work stations in all. We prepared everything from lamb meatballs to crab cakes to bacon wrapped dates, with plenty of veggie options and a gluten free dessert. We also enjoyed beer, wine, and soft drinks while cooking (with no catastrophes!) and after cooking. Everyone was impressed by the Cooking Fools space and staff; the event was extremely well-organized, starting with planning. Nick (the owner) asked what kind of atmosphere we wanted: less "cooking competition" and more casual interaction. I provided a list of our attendees with any special dietary needs/preferences, and Cooking Fools did the rest. We even got "to-go" containers, and recipes for everything we cooked. Everyone really had a great time; I would definitely recommend, and would do it again! read more

I brought my company to Cooking Fools for an evening out together. Nick and his team did such a fabulous job. The event is hosted in the upstairs loft, which is very, very cool. We were wined and spent the right amount of time socializing before we were reighned in and brought to the classroom to learn how to make stuffed chicken breasts and great sides. We dined fairly late, but that is because Nick let us do our thing and enjoy each other's company. Nobody felt rushed, nobody left hungry and we all had a great time. read more

late night vegan gyros!? apparently this is a new feature of their menu and it's pretty good. their fries are also excellent and satisfy that after-party food craving. careful though, the vegan gyros are in short supply and high demand. there wasn't enough to go around for all the customers when we went late on a saturday night. i thought it was tastey but on the small side for the price. haven't tried any of the non-veg items there but i heard many of the customers say good things about them. read more

This was the first cooking class I've ever taken and the experience makes me want to try more! Like many others, my boyfriend and I took the cooking class using the Groupon. Pasta making was extremely enjoyable and quite yummy! The instructors were helpful, informative and ensured that they walked around to help everyone equally. I'm even thinking about purchasing a pasta making machine. (Can't wait to get my emailed PDF with all the recipes we completed). Like most things on Groupon, it was an incredible deal, but I'd happily pay for a similar experience with another class that I'd personally find useful. In my opinion, there's nothing like telling friends and family that you've made something from scratch. We also had a pleasant conversation with the people who ate lunch with us. Perhaps new friends... I will definitely keep my eye on cookingfools.net for new classes! read more

This was my first cooking class and it was a ton of fun! We came last night on a Groupon, and were surprised to be part of a very small class. The Instructor, Deanna, was very nice and detailed, and spent a lot of time walking around the room to assist. We made Butternut Squash Tortellini with a lemon sauce as well as a Turkey Bolognese with Farfalle. Making the pasta was very intimidating at first, but Deanna did a great job of demonstrating the technique to start. The place is BYOB, so having some wine throughout helped with my nerves (I am not a cook). The class gathered around to make the sauce together, and I will say that making both at the same time was tough because we didn't really get to pay attention to both processes. At the end, you get to feast on your dishes as a group, and everything was pretty tasty. The salad came with a homemade vinaigrette that they share the recipe for too (it was really good). I personally think the pasta and sauces could have more flavor, but it's hard when you are working with a group and everyone has a different palette. If I was cooking for myself, I would've definitely upped the spices/seasoning! We also had a ton of leftovers so everyone got to take some home. Made for a great lunch today! Overall the experience was great, and I'd definitely like to come back and try something else. Not sure if I'd pay the full price to be honest, but hey, that's why I love Groupon! read more

Cooking Fools - Handmade Farfalle! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This review is regarding catering services. We were looking for a small catered Thanksgiving dinner for four and Cooking Fools did not disappoint. We left a voice mail message and they promptly called us back the next morning to take our order over the phone. Picked up the food the evening before Thanksgiving and it was ready as promised. Then reheated the dishes as per the instructions on their website and it was divine. Everything was delicious - great turkey, traditional stuffing, fantastic gravy, yummy potatoes. We're considering again for Christmas dinner. read more

I've only had a limited tasting of what seems to be a fabulous selection, but given the prices -- which are at times, rather out there -- I can't give it a whole 5 stars. With that in mind, the saving grace of this place for me, what will keep me coming back for as long as they keep dishing it out the way they do, is their chocolate. Specifically, their Guiness Stout Chocolate cake. I can't even describe it in a way to do it justice, it's just so unbelievably moist, so rich, so airy... and lucky for me, they're also open late during the warmer seasons. read more

I had a great time doing a pasta making class with my fiancé. It was our first time making pasta and our two instructors did a fantastic job teaching us everything step by step. I loved that we all got to sit together and enjoy our byob drinks and feast together! The music while rolling the dough was a great touch as well. It would've been fun to be involved in making the sauces too but the instructors demonstrated how to do those with a few audience volunteers and emailed us the recipes for those. read more

I definitely want to take one of their classes, they all look so interesting. The food is really, really good and it is nice that you can take it home and look like you slaved away all day in the kitchen to your significant other. I might have just blown my cover. read more

This place is awesome!! A MUST do while in Chicago! Owner Nick is awesome, fun, friendly and plays the best music while we cooked. Deanna rocks too and is so sweet! read more

Cooking Fools - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Another lunch time treat. They have this amazing dill parmesan chicken salad and some delicious looking frozen sorbets.

My husband and I had our first encounter with Cooking Fools in April 2017 when we took their Pasta Making class. initially we had a negative experience as the teacher for that specific class (who is no longer working there) was abrasive and impatient in every sense. After contacting Deanna, the owner, we were given the opportunity to give Cooking Fools a second chance. Although it took some time (11 months to be exact) we gave Cooking Fools a second chance last month and were completely blown away. The second time around we took their Sauces Class and could not have had a better experience. We were so impressed by their knowledge, their patience, and their graceful execution. We learned to make a diverse series of sauces, which were beyond delicious and healthy! We have already made some of the sauces at home to share with friends and family and have received nothing, but rave reviews! We definitely recommend the classes offered by Cooking Fools and look forward to spreading the word on this local gem! read more

The reason I stopped by this place if I was in Wicker Park taking a look around the shops, and there was a sign that said fruit smoothies. They had different gourmet products available for purchase. In the freezer case, there were things like strawberry basil popsicles, but it was obvious these specialties sold out each day. (I came around 6 p.m.) I had a pomegranate blueberry peach smoothie which was very good and my friend had the mango mint smoothie which was delicious. read more

I went here with my boyfriend because we got a groupon for a pasta making class. It was a fun time the teacher was excellent teacher, very informative and explains not only what to do but why. The only thing is they mix everyone's food together and serve it family style. Coming kind of a person who doesn't like other people's germs or them touching my food, I'd rather eat my own food and see the end result of what I made. Plus we didn't get to make our own sauces or fillings, and we didn't get to cook our own food which kind of took away from the experience. read more

Really cool place. I bought my boyfriend a Groupon to the pasta making class for Christmas and we both thoroughly enjoyed the two different types of pasta we made along with the sauces and salad we ate afterward. Great place to take a date. The only downside was I wish the pasta making instructions were a little more broken down. I know it was a big class but I could barely keep up with the chef. Overall, would go again. read more

Cooking fools is a great option for a gourmet "convenience store". They have prepared foods galore as well as yummy sandwiches and all sorts of side items to go with your meal. I've picked up a sesame trail mix with puffed rice and wasabi peas as well as the to-die-for strawberry basil popsicles. Their concoctions seem to be made with odd food combos, but they've never done me wrong. I always find myself appreciating the flavors and wanting to try even more of what they have to offer. My roommate swears by their sandwich offerings when you're in need of something different (i.e. way better than Pot Belly's or Jimmy John's). One plus: They offer cooking lessons, so you too can be a cooking fool. One minus: It's pretty expensive, but you do get what you pay for in terms of flavor. read more

I love the food here and it's even better that it's healthy! I agree with Renda that the homemade ice cream is incredible!

We did the Tamale making class last night. The instructors were great, very friendly. super open to questions. Learned how easy they are to make with the right ingredients and coaching. It was a lot of fun (we had done the pasta making class in the past) Great for a small group of friends or a date! The reason I am not giving it 5 stars is simply that lack of ventilation. One of the items made was a Mexican red sauce made with dried chiles that are thrown into a pan at a very high temperature. The result was overwhelmingly acrid smoke that had the entire class coughing, with a few heading for the exits for fresh air. It was very uncomfortable for everyone. If someone had asthma, I believe it could have been dangerous. My suggestion is either add ventilation or they should change what they are making. read more

I also attended the pasta making class offered with the Groupon. It was a really great time and I would recommend it to anyone and would love to do another class with them. There is one key difference between a class at Cooking Fools and a class at a cooking school, however. Cooking Fools does not have a stove set up at each work station. Therefore, all heated items need to be done as a demonstration at the front of the class. They do use volunteers from the class, but it is not the same as everyone making all of their own dishes. Each class member did make their own pasta dough and then rolled it out into raviolis or pappardelle. The ravioli filling was also made as a demo in the front of the class and then portioned out for each work station. The other disappointment I had was that all the pasta and raviolis are put together in one big pot so you really don't know if you are having your handmade pasta or someone else's. I understand it is not logistically possible, but the raviolis were different sizes and I was really excited to try my own. I guess I'll just have to make it at home. Regardless, the night was very fun, the staff was great and the food was good. It is BYOB and you must purchase it from their store, but we found a bottle of wine for $10 so prices are pretty reasonable. I will definitely check out their other class schedules and take another one soon. read more

I LOVE COOKING FOOLS! I go probably once a week. I have a gluten allergy and I'm vegeterian, so it's hard to find a nice quick, healthy lunch, but the chef at Cooking Fools always delivers! Also, Kate behind the counter is a ROCK STAR! Super sweet! read more

The food here is great and the location is perfect for working fools. I'd like to participate in the classes at some point, but for now, it's extremely convenient and the wine/beer selection is legit as well. The veggie options are nice too (love the gyro) and they've got all kinds of sweets and newly made frozen stuff to take home and heat up later in the week. Big fan. The staff is also cool too. No attitude and very helpful. I'll be coming as long as they're around. read more

My husband and I bought the groupon for the pasta making class and it was a blast! The instructors were friendly, atmosphere was fun and you're able to chat with the other participants. And then! You get to eat what you made:) fun for a date or with friend read more

I can't recommend this place enough. I put together a last minute party/class together for my wife and not only was Nick (the main contact) extremely accommodating but was on top of every aspect leading into the night. We did the past cooking class, which by the looks of other reviews, seems to be the most popular...and for good reason. Making pasta from scratch is something most folks have probably never done. The 2 chefs that ran our class couldn't have been any nicer or helpful. The class is well worth your time! read more

I live in Wicker Park and frequently stop into Cooking Fools for snacks and everything is always delicious. I recently attended a tamale cooking class and had a great time. I got some Tecates and some vino and headed over to the cooking school side to make tamales. The instructing chefs were great- very helpful and taught us about some general food and ingredient properties in addition to how to make tamales and salsas. I'd really recommend trying one of their classes. read more

We went with friends to the Secondo pasta making class. The instructional piece was informative and the hands on experience was great. The big disappointment was afterward when we ate the fruits of our labor. With not much time to spare the finished platters came out for a buffet style service. We had barely sat down and the to go boxes were set out. After a very short while the lights were turned off indicating we should get out! I've been to several cooking classes at different locations and never felt rushed to leave. I thought it was unprofessional and rude...this was a first and last for me. read more

We took a pasta class here for my birthday after getting a deal on Groupon. The instructors were very good both in showing how things need to be done in front of the class and in coming by while we were making the pasta to make sure we were on track. All of the dishes ended up being very good, and there were lots of leftovers for people to take home. It was a fun night. The only negative comment I have is that I probably would not pay full price for the class. But if you can get a deal on it, definitely do it! read more

The store next door to the cooking class area seemed nice and provided good service. However, you have to spend at least $5 to use your card. We went yesterday to the sushi making class and were very disappointed. They overcrowded the workspace (there wasn't any room to work), the fish had been sitting out for over an hour, we had to share supplies and to top it off the bowls of rice were shared (gross!). Toward the end of the anticlimactic class there were flies buzzing around and the chefs lost the attention of the majority of the audience. We were really looking forward to this class and disappointed, I won't be going back anytime soon. read more

I came here for the tamales class and had a fantastic time! It demystified the whole tamale making experience for me and although I still think it's unlikely that I'll ever make tamales at home I did learn a couple tricks that will follow me into my kitchen. Although they kept mentioning that they would often take longer on steps if done at home with more time I was actually super impressed by how quickly and simply delicious salsa could come together. It really convinced me that I should be doing this stuff on my own more often. The class is followed by a delicious spread of your own tamales alongside some rice, salad, and salsa. I should mention that I paid a discounted rate using a special offer. I don't think I would go back for the full rate but if I saw another deal I'd consider another one of their classes. read more

We went to the pasta cooking class because we had a groupon. It was such a great time. Easy instructions to follow and the chefs were awesome. Location was clean and spacious. Def want to go again! Great for dates and groups of friends. read more

this is a nice little place with lots of wine, beer & ingredients that are fun to look over. once in awhile they do wine tasting nights and put out snacks which is always a plus. also, they also have a freezer full of interesting looking homemade sorbets & fruit bars i'm looking forward to trying when it gets warmer out. the only food ive had here so far was the vegan gyro (but the sauce they want to give you with it isn't vegan for some reason). it was really tasty and the pita was nice and soft. only thing was that to me it tasted like taco filling in a pita. which definitely tasted good but wasnt what i expected.. i would go back if i was craving mexican and didnt want a veggie burrito. if i want a gyro i'll go back to lake side cafe. read more

I have lived about a block away from Cooking Fools for almost a year now, and last night was the first time I tried it - boy was I mistaken for waiting so long. I got the Seitan Gyros Pita (vegan) and it was fantastic. I actually had to question if the meat was not real meat as it had such good texture and taste. Plus the yogurt sauce was the right amount and the perfect balance to the warmth and taste of the pita sandwich. Plus, for $1 more I got sweet potato chips. Great job, and I will definitely be back! read more

I want to be clear that I have never been to Cooking Fools. I'm writing this review because I wanted to have a cooking party in my home, in a far away suburb, which is not really their realm. I was having a tough time finding the right people. The staff at Cooking Fools were ready to make it happen for me! I wound up going with doing it in a facility, instead of my home, but I am so appreciative of the thought they put into what it would take to do a successful hands on party in my home. Homemade pizza class was the perfect idea!! They are smart, know their stuff, and follow through. I see I've been dealing with really good people!! read more