All things food on display this weekend
Bubbly will flow and fondue will bubble Friday as the Great American Cooking Expo's "date night" kicks off at Harper College in Palatine.
The three-day extravaganza, presented by the Daily Herald, offers attendees a chance to sample gourmet foods and fine wines and craft beers while watching some of the area's top chefs demonstrate recipes for holiday entertaining. More than 150 wines and dozens of craft beers will be available for tasting. One-day tickets cost $25 online; $35 at the door. The cost includes 10 sampling tickets and the chance to win a $2,000 cookware set. Additional tasting tickets and raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the show floor. Attendees must be 21 to enter; photo identification required.
"Bring that special someone or meet someone new who you can sip, sample and savor gourmet wines and cheeses from around the world with," said expo managing partner Mike Indovina.
Friday night's date-night-themed highlights include sparkling wine and port tastings from WineStyles in Palatine and a fondue demonstration by chef Christoper Green of the Viking Cooking School and Culinary Shop in Glenview.
Green is just one of the many chefs who will be cooking on two stages throughout the three-day event. Saturday's menu includes lessons in Asian and Italian cuisine, while Sunday has a more regional focus. Geneva resident and former Butterball Turkey Talkline answer lady Renee Ferguson will share her tips to a successful Thanksgiving dinner and Mary Pat Carlson from Door County Wildwood Market will present baking recipes and ideas.
Seating for the demonstrations is limited and includes recipes and samples.
"The Great American Cooking Expo is the perfect union of inspiration to stir the creative chef within you with recipes, preparation techniques, food and wine menu-pairing ideas and products that will transform your holiday meals," Indovina said. "It's also a great opportunity to shop for the latest culinary offerings - from exquisite food and gift packages to gadgets you can't live without - for yourself or your favorite gourmand."
Matt Naughton of Dobby's World Wide Liquors in Palatine says the event is a chance for people to explore artisan beers.
"We want to open their eyes to the different types of beer and show them how it can pair with different foods," he says.
Laura Murphy with WineStyles says attendees will be able to taste exclusive wines from vineyards across the globe and meet with winery representatives.
In addition, several of the exhibitors will have cooking and product demonstrations and giveaways in their booths. Daily Herald Lean & Lovin' it columnist Don Mauer will share recipes and sign books at the Daily Herald booth.
Demonstration schedule
Friday
Christopher Green, Viking Cooking School and Culinary Shop, 7 p.m. Grand stage
Rick Petrocelly, The Olive Tap, 8 p.m. Illinois stage
Brian Van Zandbergen, Merchant du Vin, 8:45 p.m. Grand stage
Saturday
Ying Stoller, Ying's Kitchen, 11:30 a.m. Grand stage
Rudy Diaz, Maggiano's Little Italy, 12:30 p.m. Illinois stage
Christopher Green, Viking Cooking School and Culinary Shop, 1:30 p.m. Grand stage
Brian Wright, Rosebud Restaurants, 2:30 p.m. Illinois stage
Dave Samber, Polo Café, 3:30 p.m. Grand stage
Sunday
Mary Pat Carlson, Door County Wildwood Market, 11:30 a.m. Illinois stage
Christopher Green, Viking Cooking School and Culinary Shop, 12:30 p.m. Grand stage
Renee Ferguson, Talk Turkey to Me, 1:30 p.m. Illinois stage
John Ayaleanos, Birch River Grill, 2:30 p.m. Grand stage
Bob Vorachek, Don Roth's Blackhawk, 3:30 p.m. Illinois stage
<p class="factboxheadblack">The Great American Cooking Expo</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Harper College, Building M, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine</p> <p class="News"><b>When: </b>6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $25 advance; $35 at the door</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.thecookingexpo.com" target="new">thecookingexpo.com</a></p>