Publication Mon Nov 26 2007

Culinary Classes in Chicago, Part 2

Cooking Light's December issue arrived in my mailbox over the weekend, an early Christmas gift. In addition to more than a dozen holiday cookie recipes and a great article in which everyone's favorite health nut Dr. Andrew Weil sings the praises of chocolate, this edition also features the final installment of the magazine's year-long countdown to the healthiest U.S. city.

Rankings were based on how well a city fared in helping its residents live by the magazine's motto, "Eat Smart. Be Fit. Live Well." Seattle takes the cake, but Chicago did make the Top 20. Among the reasons cited was our city's high number of chefs and head cooks. They're not just hiding behind their kitchens' swinging doors, either: at spots like Bespoke Cuisine, amateurs can book afternoon or evening cooking parties with Bespoke's pros. Guests eat what they cook, according to Cooking Light, and take home creative "doggy bags" -- recipes and spices used in the dishes.

- Mandy