New food mag, chocolate book on tap this month
Not wanting to be upstaged too much by Rachael Ray and Paula Deen, the Food Network has launched its own magazine.
The cable network assembled a magazine full of tips and recipes from the channel's personalities and programs. The magazine will publish six times a year.
Look for the November/December issue of Food Network Magazine now at supermarkets and newsstands for $3.99.
Chocolaty good time: St. Charles author Rick Moser will read from his new book "The Chocolate Story" at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in a most appropriate setting, chocolate cafe Graham's 318, 318 S. Third St., Geneva.
"The Chocolate Story" follows youngsters Nick and Emily as they make their way through the forest and encounter a circumstance that challenges their ability to judge right from wrong. A wise man serves them hot cocoa and a valuable life lesson.
Free books will be given to the first 10 children in attendance; books will be available for purchase and Moser will sign books after the storytime. The author will donate $1 from each book sale to the International Cocoa Initiative, an organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to ending child and forced labor in cocoa growing in West Africa.
Rubbed the right way: Learn proper techniques for grilling rubs and brines from the experts at Weber Grill Restaurant.
Neal Corman, Weber Grill's culinary vice president, and Tony Fraske, executive chef at the Schaumburg spot, will help you fine-tune grilling skills from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at the restaurant, 1010 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg. The demo class costs $75 and includes samples.
Space is limited and reservations are required. (847) 413-1277 or webergrillrestaurant.com.
Fiasco feast: Celebrate the launch of celeb chef Rick Tramonto's new book, "Osteria," during a "fiasco" dinner at Osteria di Tramanto in Wheeling.
Chef Tramonto will sign books and mingle with guests starting at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. Books will be sold at a special dinner party rate of $25 (retail price is $35). The menu features recipes from the book including Bruschetta With Peperonata and White Anchovies, Apple and Pear Salad With Parmigiano-Reggiano and Aged Balsamic, Stracci With Red Wine Braised Duck, Stuffed Leg of Lamb and Italian Chocolate Pudding. Wine will be paired with each course.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and costs $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Reserve at (847) 777-6570 or contact Lynn Gefke at privatedining@cenitare.com. Seating is limited.
Mangia, mangia: Continue the Italian feast Monday, Nov. 17, at lunch with Andrew Carmellini, author of "Urban Italian."
Chef Carmellini will share home-cooking secrets and stories from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Seasons restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago. A three-course meal prepared from Carmellini's recipes will be served.
Carmellini won the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: New York City honor for 2004 and has worked in some of the world's finest restaurant kitchens.
The lunch costs $45 per person; cookbooks will be available for purchase and signing. Call (312) 649-2349 for reservations.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at (847) 427-4524 or food@dailyherald.com.