Forget about the flu; celebrate swine at Porkapalozza
These days when we hear the word 'swine' it's usually connected to the flu - even though we now know H1N1 virus isn't blamed on pork at all.
Well forget about the flu for a while 'cuz the folks over in Fennville, Mich. have planned a daylong celebration of hog proportions on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The Porkapalooza Invitational Cookout and Music Festival takes place on the 14-acre Red Horse Ranch in Fennville, about 21/2 hours away. The shindig runs noon to midnight (rain or shine) and promises the best of what the Great Lakes have to offer in terms of food, drink, music, art and land.
Chef Chris Pandel of The Bristol in Chicago will join five other Midwest chefs in showcasing pork and regionally influenced side dishes. Beer from sponsor New Holland Brewing Company as well as other local brewers and wine from Fenn Valley Winery will make for pleasing pork pairings.
Blankets, chairs and water coolers are welcome, but outside food or alcohol are not allowed into the event. Tickets cost $8 in advance ($12 at the gate); parking at $5 per car. Food and beverages sold separately. Proceeds benefit the Saugatuk Dunes Costal Alliance.
Get tickets at pork.newholandbrew.com or (616) 355-6422.
Entertaining 411: Milwaukee author Linda Mutschler will share tips for home entertaining and sign copies of her book, "Fast Track to Fine Dining: A Step-By-Step Guide To Planning A Dinner Party," from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at The Olive Tap, 240 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove.
Mutschler knows a thing or two about the topic and practiced what she preaches while writing the book. "In 2007 we had 30 dinner parties, which is about one every 12 days," she says.
Her book is written for anyone, regardless of skill level, who wants to cook and entertain at home. The book includes shopping lists, wine pairing suggestions, table decorating tips and time lines. Get details at (847) 478-8741.
Harvest time: Select bakery-fresh goods and local produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations and family fun at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4.
Families can enjoy activities like "guess the weight of the pumpkin," run through a straw bale maze and make leaf rubbings. Volunteers will give away sage plants and teach visitors how to plant them in their home gardens.
The garden's farmers market runs in conjunction with the festivities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Chef demonstrations occur at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.
The botanic garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Nonmember parking costs $20 to $25.
Meet a master: Quartino celebrates the launch of chef John Coletta's cookbook, "250 True Italian Pasta Dishes," with a pasta demonstration and tasting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Coletta, a first generation Italian-American born in New York City, and a gold medal winner in the 1984 and 1992 International Culinary Olympics, will feature several recipes from the book, suggest wine pairings and lead a question-and-answer session. He will stick around to sign books (which can be purchased at the event for $24.95).
Quartino Ristorante Pizzeria Wine Bar is at 626 N. State St., Chicago. The event costs $15; reserve a spot at (312) 698-5000 or quartinochicago.com.
- Deborah Pankey