Marshall Field's now has a "Culinary Council". They are offering cooking classes and wine tastings at various store locations.

I went to a French wine tasting last night at the State St store (in Chicago), which has a very nice cooking/presenting studio on the 7th floor next to the Walnut Room.

The tasting was led by Andrea Immer, who is one of only ten women in the world to hold the title of “Master Sommelier,” and the first woman to be awarded “Best Sommelier in America.” She was a great teacher, lots of energy mixed with humor. I learned quite a bit.

Wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, Loire and the Rhone areas were tasted. We were able to try the wines along with small tastings of cheese, pesto, tapenade, mushroom mix, and smoked sausage. I have never really paid attention to French wines but my eyes were sure opened!

Link to Field’s Culinary Council: http://target.com/fields_group/store..._council.jhtml

There is a class in May on the Treasures of Italy which I believe I will attend.