The Bear - A Day at The Beef of Chicagoland

Emilia-Romagna, which stretches between the Adriatic coast, northern Tuscany, and the Po Valley, is one of the most prolific agricultural regions of Italy. It is known for its pasta, balsamic vinegar, Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano, among a wealth of other products. While enjoying wines such as Sangiovese and Barbera, you will learn to make traditional dishes that include: brodetto fish stew; cotechino con lenticchie; chicken cacciatore with creamy polenta; and warm zabaglione with Marsala wine for dessert.

Treasures abound in Italy's Piemonte region. This gorgeous tasting canvasses the landscape by highlighting some of its gems, centering on the region's tasty Nebbiolos, including Barolo and Barbaresco. But the region has so much more to offer too, with grape varieties like Roero Arneis, Barbera, Dolcetto and more. Floral, earthy, red fruit with leather---these wines range from rustic to elegantly regal. ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, guides your tour of this region's wine delights. The tasting will include at least 8 wines accompanied by some appropriately refined cheeses and other treats.

These exciting holiday dishes are ideal for accompanying delicious craft cocktails, providing a mouthwatering focus for any cosmopolitan gathering! Join us to make small bites and spreads that will amp up your holiday parties and go perfectly with some tipples. Together, we'll make and enjoy pumpkin spice snack mix; ricotta and cranberry jam crostini; duck fat marinated olives; roasted carrot dip with vegetable crudité; grilled lamb chops with yogurt sauce; cider sangria and a Manhattan.

For a flash course on all the basics you need to make a varied and impressive meal, look no further. With a professional chef, you'll gain the skills vital for moving through any simple menu with ease. You'll practice knife skills, roasting vegetables, cooking proteins with a pan sauce and a vinaigrette. Then you'll use what you learned as you make a menu of: popovers; sautéed chicken with classic pan sauce; roasted root vegetable salad with fresh herb dressing and garlic mashed potatoes.