Culinary Offerings

At a Glance

69�� Community Education offers fun, educational, non-credit culinary experiences! These include hands-on enrichment classes, demonstrations, dinners, special nights out, team building and youth programs.

Local chefs and food experts share their knowledge on a variety of topics and experiences. As the community’s state-of-the-art learning center for culinary education, 69�� invites people of all ages and skills to join us and explore the offerings in each category below.

You are encouraged to register early (at least one week in advance of class start date) as many classes fill quickly. For more information, call 217-786-2432 or email Community.Education@llcc.edu.

To register for fall culinary classes, call 217-786-2292.

More Registration Info

You can view more information about our current lineup of fall culinary offerings by clicking each program area below.

We’re excited to announce that spring 2026 culinary courses are now open for registration through our new enrollment system. This platform provides a fresh way to browse available classes and complete your registration. Take a look at our spring culinary programs, and start planning your culinary experiences for the new year!

Dinners at Bistro Verde

These dinners are multi-course dining experiences (not hands-on cooking classes). Each evening features a chef-curated menu, with the chef offering insightful remarks on each course. Every course is paired with one glass of a specially selected wine, spirit, or beer. Participants must be 21 or older to register. Seating is limited. Registrations will be processed in the order received.

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 2025 Dinners

All fall 2025 dinners are currently full. If you would liked to be placed on a waiting list, please email Jennifer Lewis or call 217-786-2433.

Fried Green Tomatoes - Southern Dinner – FULL

Gather around the table for a special Bistro Dinner with 69�� Culinary graduate Teela Markley, as she reimagines Southern favorites inspired by the 1990’s film Fried Green Tomatoes. With heart, history, and a dash of creativity, Teela brings classic comfort dishes to life in a meal that’s sure to stir up memories and spark conversation. Come hungry for Southern charm and hometown flavor!

Instructor: Chef Teela Markley
Date: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $89

Inside the Test Kitchen – FULL

Join us for a flavorful evening with Chef Carrick Younkin, formerly of Sangamo Club and now leading innovation as a test kitchen chef with Sysco. 69�� is proud to host Chef Younkin who will showcase a hand-selected menu featuring premium products, seasonal ingredients, and the latest culinary trends. It’s the perfect night out for food enthusiasts, aspiring chefs, and anyone who loves to explore new flavors.

Instructor: Chef Carrick Younkin
Date: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $89

Stars Hollow – FULL

Join local Chef Angelique for a multi-course dinner inspired by the beloved series Gilmore Girls, where food plays a starring role alongside quick wit and small-town charm. From diner-style comfort dishes to playful chef-driven creations, this meal captures the show’s spirited energy and love of all things delicious. Whether you’re a long-term fan or just here for the food, you’re in for a cozy, satisfying evening. This dinner includes fun cocktails, wine pairings and of course, coffee!

Instructor: Chef Angelique Christie
Date: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $89

The Bayou Meets the World: A Global Dinner Experience – FULL

Get ready for a flavorful journey at 69��’s Bistro Dinner with Chef Howard Seidel! With decades of experience and a deep-rooted love for Cajun cuisine, Chef Howard brings bold flavors and global inspiration to the table. Drawing from his travels around the world, he blends tradition with creativity in every dish, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience that’s both comforting and adventurous.

Instructor: Chef Howard Seidel
Date: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $89

Spring 2026 Dinners

Registration for the spring 2026 dinners is open. You can or call 217-786-2433.

Carnival Celebration

Chef Howard returns for his popular Mardi Gras–inspired dinner! After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he spent seven years in New Orleans before bringing those bold Cajun flavors home to Springfield, where he developed “Gumbo Ya Ya’s.” Celebrate this colorful evening with his famous gumbo, festive dishes, and a little trivia to keep the fun rolling.

Instructor: Chef Howard Seidel
Date: Friday, January 23rd
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $99

Valentine’s Dinner with Friends

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? Gather your favorite people and join 69�� alum and local chef Ty Bergman for a festive multi-course dinner celebrating friendship, laughter, and indulgence. This year’s menu takes inspiration from everyone’s favorite treat, chocolate, featured in both sweet and savory dishes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening of good food, great company, and the kind of love best shared around the table.

Instructor: Chef Ty Bergman
Date: Friday, February 13th
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $99

A Spring Evening – FULL

Chef Carrick Younkin returns for another unforgettable dinner celebrating the start of spring. Drawing on his creativity and experience as Sysco’s test kitchen chef, he’ll present a menu inspired by the fresh ingredients just beginning to emerge in March. It’s the perfect night out for anyone who loves discovering new flavors and the beauty of seasonal cooking.

Instructor: Chef Carrick Younkin
Date: Friday, March 27th
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $99

Traditional Wisconsin Supper Club Dinner – FULL

Supper clubs are more than just a place to eat; they’re a destination for an entire evening out. With their cozy atmosphere, nostalgic charm, and hearty American cuisine, these beloved establishments have long been gathering spots where friends meet, stories are shared, and community comes alive. Originating during the Prohibition era as hidden speakeasies, supper clubs evolved into cherished traditions across the Midwest. Join Wisconsin Chef Evan Wilson for a dinner that blends history, hospitality, and timeless flavors.

Instructor: Chef Evan Wilson
Date: Friday, April 17th
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, W1103
Fee: $99

Hands-on Baking Classes

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.

If the class you are looking for is full, please email 69�� Community Education to be added to the waitlist.

Fall 2025

Store-Bought to Showstopper

Transform everyday store-bought ingredients into stunning, gourmet desserts that will impress any crowd. In this class, you’ll learn clever hacks and techniques to elevate simple items into masterpieces, all without spending hours in the kitchen.

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Saturday, Nov. 15
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-040

Macarons

One of our most popular classes is back! In this session, you’ll learn the secrets to mastering this classic French dessert. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a beginner, you’ll gain the skills to impress every time.

Instructor: Nicole Swartz
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-009

Thanksgiving Pie

Learn essential pie decorating techniques to take your homemade pies to the next level. From elegant lattice tops to beautifully designed edges, you'll discover ways to make your pies as stunning as they are delicious.

Instructor: Teela Markley
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-011

Holiday Candies

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

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-012

Holiday Cookie Platter – FULL

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to bake and that’s exactly what we’ll do in this class! Everyone will bake a variety of delicious cookies that are sure to become new holiday favorites. Then, you’ll create a beautifully arranged cookie platter to share and enjoy.

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Thursday, Dec. 11
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1107
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-013

Yule Log – FULL

Bûche de Noël, or Yule log cake, is a cherished Christmas tradition. In this class, we’ll guide you step by step as you make, bake, fill, roll, and decorate your very own festive creation.

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room W1121
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-014

Gift certificates

Gift certificates for Culinary Offerings have become popular to give as gifts! Please call the 69�� Community Education office at 217-786-2432 if you are interested in this option.

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