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Private Cooking Classes & Events in the Chicago Suburbs
Glen Ellyn's Premier Private Cooking Event Venue — Serving the Chicago Suburbs"
Looking for a unique private party venue near Chicago? Marcel's Culinary Experience offers private cooking classes and chef-led culinary events for groups of 8–100 in our beautiful Glen Ellyn kitchen. Our private events are more than gatherings — they’re interactive experiences designed to bring people together through exceptional food, shared moments, and hands-on fun. Whether you’re planning a private cooking class, birthday celebration, bridal shower, anniversary dinner, corporate team building, or special occasion in the Chicago suburbs, each event is thoughtfully tailored to create a memorable and welcoming experience for your guests.
From hands-on cooking classes and chef-led demonstrations to cocktail-style culinary gatherings, every detail is carefully curated so you can relax, connect, and truly enjoy the moment. Located in the heart of Glen Ellyn, Marcel’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests cook, learn, laugh, and celebrate together — and chances are, you’ll leave already planning your next event with us.
Private Cooking Classes Create Memorable Events
- Interactive & Engaging
Unlike traditional private parties, cooking events encourage guests to participate, interact, and connect throughout the experience rather than simply observing from the sidelines. - A Shared Experience
Cooking together naturally brings people closer. Guests collaborate, laugh, learn new techniques, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal together. - Perfect for All Types of Celebrations
Private culinary events are ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries, family gatherings, client appreciation events, holiday parties, corporate team building, and special occasions. - Welcoming for All Skill Levels
Our chef-led experiences are designed to feel approachable and enjoyable for both beginner cooks and experienced food lovers alike. - More Than Just a Meal
Guests enjoy hands-on instruction, curated food and beverages, and the opportunity to learn practical culinary tips they can use at home. - Relaxed & Social Atmosphere
Cooking parties create a warm, welcoming environment where conversation flows naturally and guests can truly enjoy spending time together. - Memories That Last Beyond the Event
Guests leave not only with full plates, but also with recipes, new skills, shared memories, and often plans to return again. - Prime Location in the Chicago Suburbs We're the go-to destination for groups looking for a private culinary experience that's genuinely different from anything else in the area
Private Cooking Event Formats
For Groups up to 16
Hands On
Guests work in groups to prepare and enjoy a multiple course meal. Our professional chefs provide tips, tricks and hands-on instruction, leading the group in creating delicious and seasonal recipes, culminating in a seated dinner. Duration: 2.5 Hours
For Groups up to 20
Chef's Table Demonstration
The perfect blend of live cooking,cheftips, and course by course service.This is a demonstration class so sit back, relax, and allow our chef to take you on an unforgettable culinary experience. Duration: 2.5 hours.
For Groups up to 16
Cooking Competition
Designed for collaboration and creativity, this cooking competition challenges teams to work together under pressure to craft cohesive, delicious dishes. With chef-led instruction and a touch of friendly rivalry, participants build communication and teamwork skills while having fun. Judging, awards, and a shared meal round out the experience. Duration 2.5 hours.
For Groups up to 100
Small Plates Party
Guests take turns at the cooking stations creating appetizers to share with the rest of the group. Our chef shares tips, tricks and demonstrations along the way. This is a cocktail party style event with passed appetizers culminating in a meal of small plates. Duration: 2.5 hours
For Groups up to 100
Holiday Party
Marcel’s is the perfect destination for holiday gatherings. From festive corporate celebrations to intimate seasonal parties with friends and family, we offer a variety of interactive event formats designed to make the season feel memorable, warm, and effortlessly enjoyable.
In addition to our chef-led culinary experiences, guests can enjoy seasonal activities such as wreath building and floral arranging while our chefs prepare beautifully curated small bites and holiday-inspired menus.
What to Expect
Choose Your Event Style
Work with our Culinary Director to design a private cooking event that fits your group, occasion, and preferred experience. Choose from hands-on cooking classes, seated chef-led dinners, cocktail-style culinary gatherings, or interactive cooking competitions designed to bring guests together in a fun and memorable way.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday celebration, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, family gathering, holiday party, or client appreciation event, we’ll help create an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and effortlessly enjoyable.
Select Your Menu
Now for the fun part — choosing the menu. Select from chef-curated seasonal offerings inspired by Italian favorites, French classics, and globally inspired cuisine.
Our menus are designed to be approachable, interactive, and impressive for guests of all cooking skill levels. After the event, guests leave with recipes so they can recreate the experience at home.
Event Day
Step into our Glen Ellyn culinary studio and let the experience begin. Guests are welcomed with a curated selection of wine, beer, bubbly, or thoughtfully selected non-alcoholic beverages before joining our chefs in the kitchen.
Then it’s aprons on as your team cooks together through a hands-on culinary experience filled with chef instruction, cooking tips, and plenty of fun along the way. When the cooking wraps up, everyone gathers to enjoy the meal together — because sharing the experience is half the fun.
We Take Care of the Rest
After the cooking and celebration are complete, we handle the cleanup so your team can simply relax and enjoy the experience. No dishes, no stress — just a seamless private event from start to finish.
What's Included in your Private Cooking Event
- Chef-Led Culinary Experience
- Hands-On Cooking Instruction
- Seasonal Chef-Curated Menus
- Wine, Beer & Beverages
- All Ingredients & Equipment
- Shared Dining Experience
- Recipes to Take Home
- Full Setup & Cleanup
Need something customized? Our team can help tailor your corporate cooking event based on group size, dietary preferences, occasion, and event goals.
To learn more or start the planning process, please inquire below.
Happy Guests!
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"We did a birthday celebration with our kids and grandkids-7 adults and 5 grands ranging in age from 6 to 12. Chef Brandy and her two assistants were beyond helpful, professional and friendly. They made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. The advice and encouragement given to the kids and actually all of us, was great.We got to create a delicious dinner and enjoy each other’s company while learning tips and tricks from Brandy and her crew. The shop is filled with wonderful cooking supplies and beautiful
merchandise. We got to browse while the cooking area was cleaned up and
then enjoyed a fabulous meal we got to create. Everyone thought it was a fantastic experience."Leslie Fuller
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"We had a surprise 70th birthday celebration cooking class at Marcel’s. The venue is unique and well laid out for browsing the many items in the store and the cooking stations are set up to allow the participants to mingle and chat while preparing the selected dishes. Chef and staff were warm and friendly, setting the stage fore a relaxed experience.We made 6 dishes including pork tenderloin sliders, pesto pizza, grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches, and a dessert of goat cheese mini cheesecake. All were delicious! There were enough portions of each dish that our party of about 30 people were able to have more than 1 serving.I would recommend Marcel’s for a party or just to browser their shop."
Jacqueline Manetti
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"My family held my mom's surprise birthday party here with a little more than 30 people.I had never been to any place like Marcel's, so I didn't know what to expect, but I was consistently surprised in the best way by how Brandy and her team handled our event. Brandy helped us through every step of the planning, so we felt confident when the day of the party arrived. Brandy's entire team weren't just helping run the event, they were actively engaging with guests and added to the positive experience.The cooking was fun and really did allow people to participate in the food prep as much or as little as they wanted, and the final product was
delicious! The Goat & Berry Cheesecake was especially good.Thank you, Brandy and team, for making my mother's birthday an exceptionally memorable experience. She said the whole thing felt like a dream."Matthew Jewell
Sample Menus
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Italian Osteria
Arugula Insalata with Burrata & Lemon-Almond Vinaigrette,
Fried Calamari with Roasted Garlic Marinara,
Chicken Fettuccini Basilico with Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream,
Pistachio Tiramisu with Espresso
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Primavera Espana
Spanish Cheese & Charcuterie; Jamón Serrano, Manchego & Membrillo,
Ajo Blanco Chilled White Soup with Garlic,
Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce,
Paella MIxta with Shrimp, Mussels & Chicken,
Chocolate Crèma Catalana with Orange Scented Berries
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Happy Hour
Italian Flatbread with Caramelized Leek, Fennel, Green Olives & Ricotta,
Rosemary Roasted Shrimp with Blood Orange Gastrique,
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Lemon Zest, Almonds and Chevre,
Marinated Steak Brochettes with Chimichurri Sauce,
Chocolate Souffle Cake with Whipped Cream
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Taste of Thailand
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping sauce,
Thai Beef Salad,
Vegetable Green Curry,
Classic Pad Thai with Shrimp,
Black Forbidden Rice Pudding with Mango
FAQ's
What types of private events can Marcel’s host?
Marcel’s hosts birthday parties, bridal showers, anniversary celebrations, rehearsal dinners, family
gatherings, client entertainment events, corporate team building, and other private culinary experiences.
Can I book a private cooking class for a birthday or celebration?
Yes. Marcel’s offers private cooking classes customized for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.
Are private events hands-on or demonstration-style?
Private events can be customized as hands-on cooking classes, chef demonstrations, or more social
cocktail-style culinary experiences.
How many guests can attend a private event?
Marcel’s can accommodate both small gatherings and larger private groups depending on the event style
and schedule.
Can menus be customized for private parties?
Yes. Private event menus can typically be customized based on preferences, themes, and dietary needs.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options are available with advance notice.
How long do private cooking events last?
Most private culinary events last approximately two to three hours depending on the selected experience.
Can Marcel’s host bridal showers or bachelorette events?
Yes. Interactive cooking experiences are popular for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and wedding-
related celebrations.
Are wine or beverage packages available?
Yes. Wine and beverage service is available with private events.
Is Marcel’s a good venue for rehearsal dinners?
Yes. Marcel’s offers a unique and interactive setting for rehearsal dinners and intimate wedding-related
gatherings.
Can children attend private cooking events?
Some private cooking experiences may be family-friendly depending on the event format and menu.
What areas does Marcel’s serve?
Marcel’s serves guests from Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Wheaton, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Elmhurst,
Hinsdale, St. Charles, Geneva, and surrounding Chicago suburbs.
Is parking available for private events?
Yes. Guests have access to nearby parking in downtown Glen Ellyn.
What should guests wear?
Comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended for hands-on cooking experiences.
How far in advance should I book a private event?
Booking early is recommended, especially for weekends and holiday seasons.
Can Marcel’s help create a custom event experience?
Yes. Marcel’s can help customize culinary themes, menus, and event formats to create a memorable
experience.
Why choose Marcel’s for a private event?
Marcel’s offers chef-led culinary experiences in a welcoming and interactive setting that creates memorable
celebrations for guests.
Serving Happy Customers throughout Chicagoland
Marcel's is a premier culinary destination for customers across Chicagoland, including Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Oakbrook, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Oak Park, Wheaton, Schaumburg, Geneva, St. Charles, Downers Grove, and
beyond!