SCOTT SCHYMIK, the chef and owner of Kirby’s Private Dining in Evansville, really enjoys teaching in our school. His classes are very well organized, and often run shorter than some others, but the techniques are worthy and the food is delightful. Scott has three classes this quarter and each one looks better than the next.

On Wednesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. Scott will prepare a Summer Tuna Supper ($45). We start with a Celebration Salad, as colorful as it is tart and tasty. Our tuna is Grill-Seared and topped with a Fruit Salsa, served with a Red Bell Pepper Couscous and a dish of Grilled Green and Wax Beans. Dessert is a cool, refreshing Pineapple Custard. This is a great lighter summer supper, good for any night of the week.

On Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. Scott is doing something we don’t offer often; a class in Elegant Warm Weather Appetizers ($50). We’ll start with a tray of various cheeses and crackers to nibble on while Scott prepares Fried Goat Cheese with Tomato Relish, and a few Bacon-Wrapped Seared Scallop Skewers, and some Asparagus Spears Wrapped in Prosciutto. The Mini Beef Wellingtons won’t leave much room for the Grilled Portobello Mushrooms on Crostini, or the Deep-Fried Calamari served with a Pepper, Onion and Jalapeño Sauté. The Watermelon Salad will be a refreshing counterpoint to some very substantial “finger foods.” Come hungry!

On Thursday, September 11, at 6:30 p.m. Scott will show how you can make a truly elegant dinner from very basic foods as he prepares a Caged Chopped Steak ($48). A Shrimp Cocktail will whet your appetite for the seasoned and baked Chopped Steak served in a Cage of Puff Pastry, surrounded by a Garlic Potato Purée and Wilted Spinach. A pretty spectacular plate, in appearance and in taste! To finish, Fried Apple Crisp with be served with Ice Cream and a Chocolate Sauce. Doesn’t sound too shabby, now, does it?

All three of these menus look like party fare to me, and since Scott is a pretty fair cook, you won’t want to miss any one of them. I’m looking forward to all three of these delicious dinners. You’d pay as much or more if you ordered them served at Kirby’s so you can think of these as private dinner parties just for you and the friends you take the class with. But only bring people you like to be with. Good food with good friends is what we and Kirby’s both are all about.