Get Schooled in Booze

Further your education in alcohol at various bars and restos through February

Class is in session at various dining and drinking establishments this February, and you won't want to be late for your lessons. You'll get to expand your horizons and deepen your knowledge of various alcoholic beverages, from beer and wine to gourmet cocktails. So, bring your notebook and prepare to enjoy your homework.

Join in on the monthly Beer 101 School at Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen in northwest suburban Crystal Lake. This month's lesson takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 7-9PM. This Valentine's Day-themed tasting will include cherry, chocolate and other sweet beers, along with barleywines, paired with chocolates. The cost is $20, and reservations can be made by calling 815-356-9980.

Spanish wines are the focus of a special instruction at River West's Carnivale on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 6-8PM. The Latin-fusion restaurant's wine director, Elizabeth Palmer, will lead the hands-on class, featuring wines from various regions including Rioja, Penedes, Rias Biaxas and Madrid. The wines will be paired with a selection of appetizers from Carnivale chef Mark Mendez. The cost is $25 per person; make your reservation by calling 312-850-5005.

Get a PhD in brew at Brasserie Jo's Beer Education. The class, which costs just $1, takes place at the River North restaurant on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:30-6:30PM. Brasserie Jo's beverage director, Erin Phillips, will lead the class along with brewers from the local Two Brothers Brewing Company. Students will learn the finer points of winter beers by tasting a variety of examples, which will be served along with a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres. Call 312-595-0800 for more info.

Master mixologist Adam Seger will host a happy hour cocktail class at River North's Nacional 27 on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5:30-6:30PM. Using seasonal ingredients, Seger's monthly session teaches pupils how to make two custom cocktails. This month's featured ingredient is blood orange, with Seger whipping up his "Luxe Blood Orange Smoky Corazon" and a blood orange caipirinha. You'll of course get to try the creations, along with passed appetizers, and you'll get a recipe card to take home. The class is $15; call Nacional 27 at 312-664-2727 to reserve your spot. 

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us