Former Park Grill chef bringing samples to Santori Library

Chef Bernie Laskowski will present a free program called "Healthy Cooking Latin American Style" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 25, at the Santori Public Library of Aurora. He will give a cooking demonstration, which will include samples and printed recipes for those who register in advance. Call (630) 264-4101 or go to aurorapubliclibrary.org to sign up under Events."

For the cooking demonstration, Laskowski will prepare slow-roasted pork lechón, which was inspired by his travels in Puerto Rico.

"Latin American cuisine is really simple," he said. "Lots of flavor is derived from natural sources. This dish is a beautifully roasted pork with a little garlic and oregano and sea salt."

A sample of crisp kale salad with homemade pickles, red onions and marinated tomatoes with a spicy orange vinegar dressing will be included for those who preregister.

He and his wife, Cynthia, who is also a chef, own Cinderella Paleo. (Her girlfriends gave her the nickname "Cinderella," Laskowski says.)

To learn more about Cinderella Paleo, go to cinderellapaleo.com. Their storefront location, which will sell meals on the go, will open Aug. 1 at 1931 S. Washington St. in Naperville.

Laskowski went to culinary school at Kendall College in Chicago. He has worked at various restaurants in the city, including Papagus Greek Taverna, The Everest Room, Marche', Red Light, Four Seasons Hotel, Bin 36 Wine Bar, Park Grill and others