Area entrepreneur builds her own brand of Chinese cooking

While preparing stir fry, chicken will retain its juices if it's cut very thin and marinated with egg white and corn starch, according to an area cook.

This is one tip Ying Stoller passes on when teaching others to prepare Chinese food. Through her own cookbook and cooking classes, Stoller has shared her insight for years.

Her latest venue to spread the word is through instructional DVDs. "This is the tool that will solve the problem for those who love Asian food but have trouble to make it on their own. Now they can make delicious and healthy food in their own kitchen at home," said Stoller, who resides in Gurnee.

She is working with a cookware company to market the easy to follow DVD.

About two months ago, Stoller also came out with a line of bottled sweet and sour and stir-fry sauces and marinades. They are available at a handful of specialty gourmet stores and on her Web site, www.yingskitchen.com.

The sauces, which come in both spicy and regular, make it possible for those who are busy but enjoy delicious and healthy Asian food.

When Stoller immigrated here about 19 years ago, the food was one of the aspects she missed most from home. Stoller was born in Harbin, in northeast China, where it's colder than here. She came to the U.S. to obtain her master's degree from the University of Toledo, where she met her husband, Wes, an engineer now working at Motorola. The couple has three children.

Stoller began cooking to satisfy her own taste buds. "My dad was a wonderful cook," she said.

When she cooked for friends, they urged her to offer classes and that lead to publishing "Yin's Chinese Cookbook, Authentic but Simple." The cookbook contains 115 Chinese recipes from all over China, some of which have never been published before.

"It includes tips and tricks that make Chinese cooking simple, and the results are revolutionary," Stoller said.

Stoller continues to teach at the College of Lake County, Chicago Botanical Garden and area public libraries. She's also set to do cooking demos at The Taste of Chicago at 3 p.m. June 28.

During the demonstrations she shows how to properly use a Wok and a steamer. "I give tricks and tips," she said.

She believes stir fry addresses a great need and offers a healthy alternative. "There are so many people in this country dealing with health and weight problems, stir fry might be beneficial," she said. And as eating out becomes more expensive, stir fry at home is a healthy alternative, she says.

Relaxation mode: After five years, A Timeless Spa in Naperville is expanding about a block east.

The new location is at 1324 E. Ogden, Suite 100, between Naper/Wheaton and Naper Blvd. on the south side of the street.

New services will be added at the new site, including reflexology and crystal therapy. Guided imaging, body wraps and scrubs will be added soon. For more, call (630) 428-0700.

Chugging along: 2Toots Train Whistle Grill is planning to open in Glen Ellyn early this summer.

The restaurant will feature multiple toy trains chugging and whistling along a counter track serving meals to every diner. Traditional American-style fare will be served with prices under $7.

Dale Eisenberg and Mike Ventre are the founders of the eatery. They also have a location in Toledo, Ohio. The parent company, Train Whistle Grill Franchising Inc., is interviewing new potential franchisees to expand the tracks.

Hot & spicy: Buffalo Wings & Rings is headed to Buffalo Grove Town Center in July.

The new Buffalo Grove eatery will feature Buffalo-style wings soaked in savory sauces, new boneless wings, hot garlic sloppy fires and half-pound burgers.

Opening day: The Geneva Chamber of Commerce announced several upcoming grand openings. They include: Boutique 15, 15 S. Third St., on Thursday; Minta Interiors, 9 N. Third St. on June 12; Savannah Rose Boutique 207½ S. Third St., June 26.

Grand re-openings take place at Riley Drugs, 415 W. State St. on May 20; Eyedentity Vision Care, 417 Hamilton St. on May 22; Colors Collision, 2002 W. Main St., St. Charles, on May 28; and Helping Hand PC Services, 40W270 LaFox Road, St. Charles, on June 5.