Feeling a little epicurious? Learn how to cook like a pro at The Chopping Block Cooking School in the Merchandise Mart or Lincoln Square. Chop, dice and slice your way through daily hands-on, demonstration and wine classes in an intimate yet interactive setting.

Topics cover many different areas of culinary mastery and include vegetarian cooking, menu planning, knife skills, and wine tasting and pairing, just to name a few. Looking for a more intense culinary workout? Check out the new Boot Camp series which offers classes for a full week or on eight consecutive Sundays.

The Chopping Block also offers The Building Block class series for the budding chef where students will learn the basics of cooking: methods and techniques as well as menus and ingredients. Impress friends (or a date) with your knowledge of food and wine pairings and amazing recipes like roasted duck with raspberry glaze and cheesecake with ginger caramel sauce. Students may bring beer or wine to any of the classes or purchase wine at either location.

Once students have the cooking know-how, they also need to have the cooking tools and ingredients to make your recipes at home, too. The Chopping Block retail stores at both locations sell professional cookware and ethnic and gourmet ingredients for all your cooking needs.

Registration and prepayment for classes is required. Register for classes over the phone or online at thechoppingblock.net. Demonstration classes are $40 per class, and hands-on classes are $75 per person and wine classes are $55 per class (unless otherwise stated). Culinary Boot Camp is $1750 for a series. The Chopping Block also specializes in private events. Call with inquiries.