Washburne Culinary Institute is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a gorgeous new state-of-the art teaching facility on the new Kennedy-King campus.
Aspiring chefs who are Chicago residents get a huge break in tuition because the school is part of the City Colleges of Chicago. That makes “the program the most affordable degree program in culinary arts and baking and pastry” in the area, said Rhonda Purwin, director of enrollment and industry relations. Washburne offers both certificate and associate’s degree programs in culinary arts or baking and pastry, with fees ranging from $3,700 to $13,000.
The sparkling kitchen-classrooms boast top-of-the-line equipment and amenities such as teaching islands with giant overhead TVs, pulpers that turn garbage into composting material, and even a tandoori oven for baking flatbreads. A pastry shop and restaurant, both with entrances on 63rd Street, will open to the public later this year and give students a chance to hone their skills.
The new facility is expected to officially open by mid-October. Until then, classes are being held at its current home at South Shore Cultural Center, which will remain the site for Washburne’s continuing education classes.
Washburne Culinary Institute, 740 W. 63rd St., 773-281-8559, kennedyking.ccc.edu/washburne.
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Also on the scene
The new Half-Price Books in Countryside sells a wonderful mix of old and new in its sizable cookbook section — from vintage Betty Crocker to newer offerings, such as Thomas Keller’s “Bouchon.” We loved the dozens of Junior League and community cookbooks from across the country, as well as the fact that books are so well organized. Prices run the gamut — most are less than $10 and few exceeded $25. Just know that the inventory constantly changes. It joins stores in Bloomingdale, Niles and Palatine. 14 Countryside Plaza, Countryside, 708-579-1770; halfpricebooks.com.
Sam’s Wines & Spirits is opening a new store later this fall (early November is the target date) in the former Trailways bus terminal, 50 E. Roosevelt Rd., in the South Loop. Brian Rosen, president and CEO, said the new 16,000-square-foot store will offer more than 6,000 wines, spirits and beers. There also will be a gourmet grocery, a 55-seat wine bar, a Dom Perignon Champagne bar and a temperature-controlled room for rare and allocated wines. The company has stores in Lincoln Park, Downers Grove and Highland Park.