It's almost turkey time: Are you ready?
With plans taking shape for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, it's time for people to get the creative and culinary juices flowing again.
And, according to many top chefs in the area, there isn't a better place to start than at the Great American Cooking Expo at Harper College.
The Daily Herald, along with WineStyles of Palatine, New England Financial, Dobby's Worldwide Liquors and Wines, ABC 7, the state of Illinois and Viking Cooking School will host the Great American Cooking Expo Nov. 14 through Nov. 16 at the school at 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.
The expo will run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday night, then 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors will be able to wander among 130 vendors and enjoy samples from some of the area's top restaurants, wine distributors, beer distributors and food vendors.
"It's recipe suggestion, menu planning, preparation techniques and holiday planning for consumers," said Mike Indovina. "Also, a lot of the exhibitors are doing demonstrations in their booths, along with the dynamic cooking demonstrations we have going on throughout the weekend."
Christopher Green of the Viking Cooking School and Culinary Chop will take the grand stage three times during the event: Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Rick Petrocelly of Merchant du Vin will take the grand stage after Green Friday night, while Rick Petrocelly of The Olive Tap will take the Illinois stage at 8 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday, Ying Soller of Ying's Kitchen will take the grand stage at 11:30 a.m., while Dave Samber of the Polo Cafe will be on the Grand Stage at 3:30 p.m. Rudy Diaz of Maggiano's Little Italy will grace the Illinois stage at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by Brian Wright of Rosebud Restaurant at 2:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Mary Pat Carlson of the Door County Wildwood Market will kick off demonstrations on the Illinois Stage at 11:30 a.m., followed by Renee Ferguson of Talk Turkey to Me at 1:30 p.m. and Bob Vorachek of Don Roth's Blackhawk at 3:30 p.m. John Ayaleanos of the Birch River Grill will follow Green on the Grand Stage at 2:30 p.m.
"Plus, people will be able to sample the food from all the demonstrations," he said. "Normally, a chef will show how to do the recipe, but then it's done and people do not get to taste the food. But, we will allow people to taste it the second the food demonstration is completed."
The event costs $25 if you preregister at thecookingexpo.com. You must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets on site cost $35.
The Daily Herald is also conducting a food drive at the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods that will be donated to the Palatine Township food pantry.
"The idea of the event is to bring the family back to the dinner table," Indovina said. "We wanted to create a vehicle to bring families back to the table. This expo will teach how to cook these great meals, prompting everyone to sit down and eat the wonderful meal."