The Social Chef x Kendall College: Supporting the Next Generation of Culinary Talent!

We’re excited to officially announce our partnership with Kendall College’s Culinary Program — one of Chicago’s most respected training grounds for aspiring chefs.

Through this collaboration, The Social Chef is proud to offer Kendall students the opportunity to lead and assist in our group cooking sessions, giving them real-world, hands-on experience in a dynamic, community-driven environment. These students bring creativity, skill, and passion to the table — and we’re honored to play a small role in supporting them at the start of their culinary careers.

As a company rooted in community and shared food experiences, this partnership is a natural fit. We believe in the power of mentorship and creating pathways for emerging talent to grow in a supportive, real-world setting — not just in restaurant kitchens, but in spaces where food becomes a shared experience.

For our Social Chef members, this partnership offers something truly special: a front-row seat to Chicago’s rising culinary stars. Whether you’re learning to prep a new dish or discovering flavor combinations you’d never thought to try, each session becomes a chance to connect not just with your fellow guests — but with the chefs of tomorrow.

We’re incredibly grateful to Kendall College for believing in our mission, and to the students who will bring energy and creativity to our sessions. We can’t wait to introduce more of them to our community as we grow.

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions featuring Kendall talent — and come cook with the future of Chicago cuisine.

Ingredient Spotlight - 3 Ways to use Lemon

🍋 Ingredient Spotlight: 3 Delicious Ways to Use Lemon in Your Cooking

At The Social Chef, we love discovering how one simple ingredient can completely transform a dish — and lemon is one of our all-time favorites. It’s bright, refreshing, and packed with the kind of natural acidity that brings out the best in almost everything it touches.

Whether you're looking to elevate your meal prep game or just want to make weeknight dinners feel a little more exciting, here are three creative ways to use lemon in your kitchen this week:

🥗 1. Lemon-Garlic Chickpea Salad

This light and refreshing salad is perfect for lunches or side dishes. The lemon juice balances the richness of olive oil and brings out the flavor of the garlic and herbs. Toss it with canned chickpeas, chopped cucumber, red onion, and a handful of parsley — and you’ve got a protein-packed dish that keeps well for days.

🍝 2. Creamy Lemon Pasta

Yes, lemon can go in pasta — and it’s amazing. Combine a little lemon zest and juice with cream, parmesan, and black pepper for a silky, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti or fettuccine. It’s simple, elegant, and surprisingly satisfying.

🍋 3. Classic Lemon Bars

When you're craving something sweet but not overly rich, lemon bars are a perfect choice. The buttery shortbread crust paired with a tangy lemon filling strikes just the right balance between bright and indulgent. They're easy to make in batches, great for sharing, and surprisingly simple with just a few pantry staples. Dust them with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and enjoy a refreshing dessert that always delivers.

Why We Love Lemons at The Social Chef

Lemons are a kitchen powerhouse — they bring acidity, freshness, and balance to both sweet and savory dishes. They’re also affordable, long-lasting, and super easy to work with. In our cooking sessions, we love showing members how to use ingredients like lemon in new and unexpected ways to stretch their creativity and their grocery budgets.

Whether you’re batch cooking or just experimenting with flavor, don’t overlook the power of lemon to transform your meal prep. Try one of these ideas and tag us on Instagram @TheSocialChef — we’d love to see how you make it your own!

Want more ideas like this? Sign up for our waitlist to get early access to upcoming group cooking sessions and fresh recipe inspiration straight from our chefs. 🍽️

3 Simple Cooking Hacks That Make Meal Prepping So Much Easier

🧊 1. Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil

Instead of walking back and forth to the trash or compost bin, keep a medium-sized bowl on your counter while you prep. Toss in scraps like peels, stems, or packaging as you go — it keeps your workspace tidy and speeds up cleanup. This small trick saves minutes and makes cooking feel more organized.

🔪 2. Use the “Trash Bowl” trick

Fresh herbs often go bad before you can use them all — but not if you freeze them! Chop your favorite herbs (like basil, parsley, or cilantro), place them in an ice cube tray, and top each compartment with olive oil. Freeze, then pop out a cube whenever you need instant flavor for sautéing, sauces, or soups.

🍽️ 3. Pre-Chop and Store "Base Ingredients"

Save time during the week by prepping core ingredients in advance — like chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic, and carrots. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. These prepped items act as your "flavor base" and can be tossed into stir-fries, scrambles, pastas, and more without starting from scratch each time.

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a chore — with a few clever habits, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your week. Want to learn hands-on tips like these and cook with others in your community? Join a Social Chef session and experience how fun and fulfilling prepping meals together can be!

Farmers Market Season is Here in Chicago!

As Chicago's farmers markets begin their 2025 season, it's the perfect time for The Social Chef community to embrace the vibrant local food scene. These markets offer fresh, seasonal produce and a chance to connect with local farmers and artisans. Here are some upcoming markets to explore:​

🥕 Upcoming Farmers Markets in Chicago

Wednesday, May 7 | Uptown Farmers Market
📍 Sunnyside Mall (1257–1320 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
🕝 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Kick off the season with fresh produce and local goods in the heart of Uptown. ​

Thursday, May 8 | Lincoln Square Farmers Market
📍 4513 N. Lincoln Ave.
🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Enjoy a variety of vendors offering everything from fresh fruits to artisanal products. ​

Saturday, May 10 | Lincoln Park Farmers Market
📍 724 W. Armitage Ave.
🕖 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Start your weekend with a selection of fresh produce and local delicacies. ​

Sunday, May 11 | Wicker Park Farmers Market
📍 1425 N. Damen Ave.
🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Celebrate Mother's Day with a stroll through this bustling market featuring over 60 vendors.

🌿 Why Visit Farmers Markets?

• Freshness: Enjoy produce picked at its peak, offering superior taste and nutrition.

• Community: Meet the farmers and artisans who bring their goods to market, fostering a sense of connection.

• Inspiration: Discover new ingredients and ideas to elevate your cooking and meal prep.​

The Social Chef encourages members to support these local markets, not only to access high-quality ingredients but also to engage with the community and gain inspiration for your culinary creations. Attending these markets can enhance your cooking experience and deepen your appreciation for locally sourced food.​

📸 Share Your Market Finds

We'd love to see what you discover! Share your farmers market finds and tag us @TheSocialChef to inspire others in our community. Your photos might be featured in our upcoming posts!​

Let's celebrate the season by embracing the bounty of our local farmers markets.