For Kids

Oui Chef

Culinarily curious kiddos can slice, dice, and sample under the abundantly patient guidance of French Pastry School grad, seasoned chef, and mom Laura Ragano. The weekly, 75-minute sessions aim to nurture the budding preschool chef in a pristine, nut-free (yay!) kitchen. From $28 per class. 2622 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park, ouichefchicago.com
 

For Cupcake Fiends

The Wilton School

One instructor promises that students in the single-day Cupcakes 101 will learn to pipe buttercream shells, rosettes, and succulents so exquisite that people will weep. You’ll also get the secret to creating a complicated-looking basket weave and properly filling a piping bag (there is a technique). $79 per class. 7511 Lemont Rd., Darien, wilton.com
 

For Serious Cooks

Local Foods

This shop taps its deep bench of talented chefs and mixologists to lead monthly classes that span topics from butchering to sourdough principles. Attendees — who skew toward industry folks and adept home cooks — get to use the facility’s top-of-the-line equipment. From $25 per class. 1427 W. Willow St., West Town, localfoods.com