Some of the top chefs in the Milwaukee area are joining forces for a series of cooking classes to be held at the kitchen counter of the Mason Street Grill.

The "Celebrated Chef's Series," conducted in two-hour sessions beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays through May 10, features a faculty of chefs including Brian Frakes, executive chef of The Pfister's restaurants including Café Rouge and Blu; Robert Ash, executive chef of the Intercontinental Milwaukee and Kil@wat; Christopher Taube, chef of the Milwaukee ChopHouse; Mark Weber, chef of the Mason Street Grill; Andrew Althoff and Maggie Haller, both Sous Chefs at Mason Street Grill. Rick Starr, chef of Ristoranté Brissago at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, also participate in the series, which is presented by Marcus Hotels.

Each session revolves around a different theme and involves food preparation, presentation and wine pairing.

Classes are limited to 20 participants, who get close-up views of the stoves and preparation tables and a tasting session.

"These classes are very rewarding for the participants," said Joe Kurth, general manager of The Pfister Hotel, where the Mason Street Grill is located. "The environment is very open and casual. Questions of the chefs are encouraged. The chefs want to make sure that the students will learn skills they can use in their own kitchens. The chefs will also ensure that the participants won't walk away hungry."

To register for the classes, call (414) 298-3131 or check masonstreetgrill.com.