The Joyful Gourmet is nothing short of a culinary wonderland, where every visit feels like a VIP experience. Their cooking demonstration dinners are a masterclass in gastronomy, blending entertainment with education in the most delightful way. The chefs not only craft exquisite dishes but also imbue each session with passion and humor, making you feel like both a student and a connoisseur. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, as guests are treated to a spectacle of flavors and techniques. It’s a place where food transcends mere sustenance and becomes a joyful celebration of craftsmanship and community. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just curious about culinary arts, The Joyful Gourmet offers an unparalleled dining adventure. They also have an impressive selection of high quality cookware to choose from!
Kate Jaggard Tyo
I had such a fun time here for the Valentine's Day demonstration dinner! Chef Drew's creative dinner was amazing, from the salad (a simple and beautiful bird's nest) to the main (I had the vegetarian stuffed mushroom which had a perfect ratio of creamy and crunchy), to the creme caramel. Can't ignore their wine game, either. I love the feel of the store. It has everything you'd find in an upscale chain restaurant store - but feels like the personalized version with fun little extras and a great way to spend local. Kim and Dan clearly love what they do, and Judy went above and beyond behind the scenes. Definitely 5 stars for The Joyful Gourmet!
Lori Zieba
I recently enrolled my daughter and myself in a Christmas cookie decorating class, and we had a wonderful time! The instructor did a great job explaining everything and was very attentive to our needs. The store was exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. We had such a great experience that we're looking forward to attending another class in the future! It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning!
Shelia S
I had a wonderful class the first time I went. The second time was awful. The chef was practically yelling at me. She told me that I was doing it wrong because I didn’t listen to her the first time. Despite giving directions out I was told not to follow them and listen to her, even though she was unwilling to help. No tips were given. It was clear the chef could not handle the large group of people. She was visibly overwhelmed. Chef was harsh in her instructions. I also came to the class with a family member to find out the other people in the class was a group of 12 celebrating a birthday together. They were extremely loud and disruptive and should have been a private group. The food was subpar. The chef started out the class announcing that the dessert was made out of a box cake mix and canned pears. The main dish was bland and starchy. The flavors for the salad clashed and really took away from the dish. I was very disappointed and the girls working the event I chatted with were so kind and affirmed that this is not how the class is usually like. Those kind girls were the reason I feel like I will come back. I will come back but not to a class taught by chef judy. I will be calling for a refund or a credit of some kind.
Dave Anderson
Awesome time! Intimate setting and a very fun evening! Dave was very entertaining, but the star of the night was the owner (Dan). The perfect combination of servant leadership (sweeping up broken glass), customer engagement (spending quality time with all 16 of us), and gracious host (wine samples, etc). Highly recommend any Joyful Gourmet event - they are the best!
Phyllis D.
This is a great gourmet kitchen shop, which also offers all sorts of cooking classes. Today, my 11-year old stepson took a knife skills class and learned a lot from the instructor. She made a point to answer questions and walk around the class to check on each person's progress and offer helpful tips. There is a really nice wine selection here; you can enjoy a glass or flight of wine. There's also complimentary water.
Dave St. Claire
Outstanding cooking class with Dave! Great atmosphere, awesome wine, and delicious Italian braciole. Will definitely be back for another one.
Margaret StClaire
The best cooking class that I’ve taken over the past several years. Dave was entertaining and informative. Food was delicious!
Nancy Alban
Fun learning and dining experience! Delicious food. Dave was great to cook with. We learned so much!
The nicest family owns this great store!! The cooking classes are a lot of fun! I will definitely be signing up for another class!
Stephanie Vanderwall
We stopped in for a wine tasting, Dave was our host. He gave wonderful recommendations and the entire staff was welcoming and friendly. We will definitely be back!
Cheryl L.
Great options for food, drink and shopping. Really like the wine bar. Closed on Sunday which is fine, just know it ahead! Service is always swift, helpful and personal.
Matt Biggerstaff
We booked a private event at the Joyful Gourmet this past Saturday to celebrate my 50th birthday. We could not have asked for a more perfect evening! Dan and Kim were super easy to work with, and made sure everything for our group of 20 ran smoothly. Start to finish, Chef Andy made perhaps the best dinner I've ever eaten. We started with salad, then a fresh homemade filled pasta with a lemon butter sauce, then porchetta with amazing sides. Chef Laura rounded out the evening with flourless chocolate cake with salted bourbon caramel sauce-heavenly!Thank you again to the talented staff of Joyful Gourmet for making my 50th birthday celebration an unforgettable experience. This space is truly a gem in downtown Libertyville.
The Joyful Gourmet is nothing short of a culinary wonderland, where every visit feels like a VIP experience. Their cooking demonstration dinners are a masterclass in gastronomy, blending entertainment with education in the most delightful way. The chefs not only craft exquisite dishes but also imbue each session with passion and humor, making you feel like both a student and a connoisseur. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, as guests are treated to a spectacle of flavors and techniques. It’s a place where food transcends mere sustenance and becomes a joyful celebration of craftsmanship and community. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just curious about culinary arts, The Joyful Gourmet offers an unparalleled dining adventure. They also have an impressive selection of high quality cookware to choose from!
I had such a fun time here for the Valentine's Day demonstration dinner! Chef Drew's creative dinner was amazing, from the salad (a simple and beautiful bird's nest) to the main (I had the vegetarian stuffed mushroom which had a perfect ratio of creamy and crunchy), to the creme caramel. Can't ignore their wine game, either. I love the feel of the store. It has everything you'd find in an upscale chain restaurant store - but feels like the personalized version with fun little extras and a great way to spend local. Kim and Dan clearly love what they do, and Judy went above and beyond behind the scenes. Definitely 5 stars for The Joyful Gourmet!
I recently enrolled my daughter and myself in a Christmas cookie decorating class, and we had a wonderful time! The instructor did a great job explaining everything and was very attentive to our needs. The store was exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. We had such a great experience that we're looking forward to attending another class in the future! It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning!
I had a wonderful class the first time I went. The second time was awful. The chef was practically yelling at me. She told me that I was doing it wrong because I didn’t listen to her the first time. Despite giving directions out I was told not to follow them and listen to her, even though she was unwilling to help. No tips were given. It was clear the chef could not handle the large group of people. She was visibly overwhelmed. Chef was harsh in her instructions. I also came to the class with a family member to find out the other people in the class was a group of 12 celebrating a birthday together. They were extremely loud and disruptive and should have been a private group. The food was subpar. The chef started out the class announcing that the dessert was made out of a box cake mix and canned pears. The main dish was bland and starchy. The flavors for the salad clashed and really took away from the dish. I was very disappointed and the girls working the event I chatted with were so kind and affirmed that this is not how the class is usually like. Those kind girls were the reason I feel like I will come back. I will come back but not to a class taught by chef judy. I will be calling for a refund or a credit of some kind.
Awesome time! Intimate setting and a very fun evening! Dave was very entertaining, but the star of the night was the owner (Dan). The perfect combination of servant leadership (sweeping up broken glass), customer engagement (spending quality time with all 16 of us), and gracious host (wine samples, etc). Highly recommend any Joyful Gourmet event - they are the best!
This is a great gourmet kitchen shop, which also offers all sorts of cooking classes. Today, my 11-year old stepson took a knife skills class and learned a lot from the instructor. She made a point to answer questions and walk around the class to check on each person's progress and offer helpful tips. There is a really nice wine selection here; you can enjoy a glass or flight of wine. There's also complimentary water.
Outstanding cooking class with Dave! Great atmosphere, awesome wine, and delicious Italian braciole. Will definitely be back for another one.
The best cooking class that I’ve taken over the past several years. Dave was entertaining and informative. Food was delicious!
Fun learning and dining experience! Delicious food. Dave was great to cook with. We learned so much!
Always a fabulous time. I love this place.
Restaurantji Recommends
Quich great
The nicest family owns this great store!! The cooking classes are a lot of fun! I will definitely be signing up for another class!
We stopped in for a wine tasting, Dave was our host. He gave wonderful recommendations and the entire staff was welcoming and friendly. We will definitely be back!
Great options for food, drink and shopping. Really like the wine bar. Closed on Sunday which is fine, just know it ahead! Service is always swift, helpful and personal.
We booked a private event at the Joyful Gourmet this past Saturday to celebrate my 50th birthday. We could not have asked for a more perfect evening! Dan and Kim were super easy to work with, and made sure everything for our group of 20 ran smoothly. Start to finish, Chef Andy made perhaps the best dinner I've ever eaten. We started with salad, then a fresh homemade filled pasta with a lemon butter sauce, then porchetta with amazing sides. Chef Laura rounded out the evening with flourless chocolate cake with salted bourbon caramel sauce-heavenly!Thank you again to the talented staff of Joyful Gourmet for making my 50th birthday celebration an unforgettable experience. This space is truly a gem in downtown Libertyville.