Kids are notoriously picky eaters, but you’d be amazed what happens when they help create their own meals.
That's part of the idea behind The Kids’ Table, which has been operating in Wicker Park since 2007, and just opened a second, larger location in Lakeview. The new location can accommodate two classes at once, allowing for more programming throughout the year. Classes are generally separated by age group and start at 2 years and up.
One of the focuses of the new spot is family cooking classes that give families the skills and tools to recreate what they learned in class in their own kitchen. The Kids' Table is kicking it off with an international series—each week focuses on a different cuisine, such as Mexican night with make-your-own nachos and coconut horchata and Chinese night with vegetable fried rice and baked egg rolls. Everything is relatively healthy, vegetarian and made from scratch.
And since every kid (okay, adults, too) loves indulging in ice cream during the summer, the “Sundae Funday” family workshop, on Sundays from 6–7pm starting June 7, is sure to be a hit. Families can make their own ice cream sundaes, which includes hand-whipping the whipped cream and making hot fudge from scratch. (We had the opportunity to try this out as a family and it was amazing!)
Also on the docket is "Make and Take Meatless Mondays," where a parent can come in with their child and make a meal to-go that serves up to six. Current menus include black bean, sweet potato and cheese quesadillas and Southwest salad and build-your-own pizza and kale Caesar salad.
In the works is a guest-chef series where well-known chefs from around the city will take the reins in the kitchen and, of course there will still be camp, tots and teen classes, and even adult classes (with special topics related to feeding your kids). The Wicker Park location will still run a full schedule as well.