The Best Singles Events of the Summer
We review the best places to meet and mingle in the city
Sushi 101 at Kendall College
Women like a man who can cook, which was the reason why my sister and partner in crime, Kerry, and I were prepared to be wined and dined at one of the most popular culinary schools: Kendall College in Chicago.
Actually, we were attending one of school’s most popular classes, Sushi 101 (part of the Spice Up Your Life cooking series), which was touted to be a fun way to meet singles in an unconventional dating environment: the kitchen.
Located at 900 N. North Branch Street, Kendall College is a contemporary structure of glass and brick located in the heart of the Goose Island district.
We were greeted by a gregarious security guard who informed us that our “food guide” was upstairs and would be back soon. As we cooled our heels (I wore my signature stilettos while Kerry sported traditional kitchen couture, Adidas flip-flops), I noticed a guest list with my name on it and a table laden with gift bags containing complimentary sushi mats and chopsticks (excellent hostess gifts, I might add).
Upon entering the kitchen “classroom” we donned chef hats (which immediately transformed me from super chef to super dork) and aprons before taking our places at the main cooking station where personal chef and Kendall instructor, Brandy Fernow, was kicking things off with an engaging overview of sushi and nagiri techniques. As Kerry detoured to the open sake bar, I took a moment to checkout and chat with my fellow classmates. Of the 25 participants, most were women of varying ages who seemed ready for culinary adventure and the few men in attendance were a mixed bag of sushi aficionados or good-natured boyfriends.
As the sake flowed and we nibbled our spicy ahi tuna and avocado maki creations, charming conversation ensued about how couples connect over good food and excellent wine to go with it. We all know that romance can always use a little nourishment.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 312-752-2206 or visit www.kendall.edu.
More: Lincoln Park Zoo Spring Benefit 2010
Sally Shorr is a freelance publicist and blogger in Chicago.
Comments (2)
OLVUS Posted on 13:18, Feb 25th 2011
Well written piece.
PILARA Posted on 14:15, Jun 30th 2010
Well written piece. Although for me I positively HATED 1st Fridays at MCA. It was the Taste of Chicago for singles. You had to stand in a long line just for drink tickets. Too crowded, terrible music and the crowd entirely too young. What I'd like to see in Chicago is a sophisticated way to target a diverse ethnic group of men in an intimate setting in their late 30s thru early 50s who are looking for a long term commitment that I don't have to shout at to hear me in a sea of Gap Kids. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the art work.