Chefs cook with beer at annual fest

The Daily Herald Media Group will present chef demonstrations, sponsored by Austin's Fuel Room in Libertyville, as part of the annual Lake County Craft Beer Festival Saturday, Feb. 24, in Grayslake.

The Lake County Fair Association's annual festival, devoted to craft beers, food and entertainment, will be from 5 to 10 p.m. at the fairgrounds. This year's theme is Spring Break Beach Party, featuring a whole night of music from "The Blue Marlin" band, fun attractions, vendors and food.

Watch as the Daily Herald's guest chefs from the Cooking Skills Academy in Itasca show you how to prepare meals with one common ingredient - beer. Samples will be handed out, but quantities will be limited. No extra tickets needed; the demonstrations are all part of the Lake County Craft Beer Festival Experience.

Tap Chef Cooking Demonstrations start at 6:20 p.m. and will run throughout the event. Featured chefs for the evening will include chefs Miguel Rangel and Mario Rizzotti, a judge on Iron Chef America.

Also included in the event are locally crafted spirits, wines, ciders, sodas and many other related products.

The event wraps on a note of safety with guests exiting for rides home and accommodations with official partners listed on the website and Facebook page. For more information about the list of craft beers featured and entertainment, visit www.lcfair.com or call (847) 680-7200.

Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser Friday

The Bartlett Parks Foundation will hold its annual Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Villa Olivia, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. The annual event will raise money for the Free To Be Me Inclusive Playground to be built in Bartlett Park. The evening includes beer, wine, light snacks, entertainment and silent auction. Admission is $35 per person; $15 for the designated driver. Register at the Bartlett Community Center, online at bartlettparksfoundation.org or pay at the door. For more information about the benefit, call (630) 540-4824.