Our Instructors: Christopher Thielman and Karen Thielman

Chef Christopher Thielman and Karen Thielman have shared their passion for French cuisine, wine, culture and language for the past twenty-five years. Chris and Karen created and led Culinary and Wine Tours in France for nineteen years through the College of DuPage Field Studies Department, guiding groups to Lyon, the Roannais, Beaujolais and Burgundy for French cooking and wine classes, vineyard tours, pâtisserie visits and market excursions. 

Currently they present online cooking and baking demonstrations for local libraries, colleges and French organizations in the Chicago area. Their frequent travels to all areas of France bring a unique and dynamic perspective to their teaching. 

Chef Chris Thielman retired from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn after thirty-two years as a Culinary and Pastry Arts instructor. He holds certifications as a Certified Culinary Educator and a Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation. He earned his degree in Culinary Arts at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and has a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Roosevelt University. Prior to teaching, Chris worked in restaurants and hotels throughout Chicagoland and earned a 4-star review as Executive Chef at Annabelle’s in Glenview. Chris is currently a hospitality consultant for local restaurants. 

Karen Thielman received the distinction Chevalier (Knight) dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques from the government of France in 2021 for her years of service promoting French culture. She served as President of Alliance Française DuPage for four years after serving four years as Vice-President. 

Karen is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators and a member of GuildSomm International. She served as a wine judge for the Illinois State Wine Competition in Springfield from 2017-2019 and 2021-2023 and also judged the Illinois State Signature Series Rosé Competition in 2023. The Thielmans are delighted to share their love of French culture, gastronomy and language through the art of the French table!

Our full list of instructors

Call us at: 630.462.0898 to sign up for a class, or for more information.