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Celebrity chef Ed Lee, who starred on “Culinary Class Wars,” prepares a dessert called Juicy Fruit.

How a hit show vaulted chef Edward Lee into a ‘new life’ as a Korean star

Edward Lee has had some pinch-me moments over the years. The Korean American chef opened successful restaurants in New York, Louisville and Washington, D.C. Plus, he’s been a frequent judge and competitor on American cooking shows, including winning a variety meats showdown on “Iron Chef America.”

“Swoon” by Bea Martinez-Gatell

Please don’t call fangirls silly. They have more power than you think.

Superfans, in particular fangirls, are nothing new. Think of the photographs of young women screaming and fainting at the sight of the Beatles or Elvis. In her exuberant historical romp, “Swoon,” Bea Martinez-Gatell goes back even further, to the overheated admirers of the attractively unavailable Lord Byron.

The Greggory in South Barrington will host Santa for brunch on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Dining out: Grab a bite with Santa, plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dining

There’s still time to enjoy a meal with Santa this weekend at The Greggory and LAGO. We’ve also got Christmas movie trivia at Tapville Social and options for dining out on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Artist Anastasia Sitnikov was the Indian Trails Public Library’s first maker-in-residence in 2023. She created a macrame sculpture in the Wheeling library’s Launch Pad space.

Wheeling library seeking next maker-in-residence

Suburban painters, crafters and other artists who want to show off their skills can apply for the 2026 maker-in-residence program at Wheeling’s Indian Trails Public Library.

The Little Paolo cocktail balances soft blanc vermouth — deepened with a mushroom infusion that adds an earthy savoriness — with bittersweet Averna and smoky mezcal.

This smoky cocktail channels the Negroni with a surprising ingredient

“What should you drink at the beach once summer breezes turn into crisp autumn winds?” The answer: Mushrooms. Hey. Wait. Where are you going?

How Christmas traditions help spark holiday spirit

It has seemed a little tougher to muster up the holiday spirit this year. Reflecting on Christmas traditions and seasonal events may help to get us in the right frame of mind.

Naperville native Vik Pandya headlines The Comedy Vault in Batavia on Dec. 27.

‘I’m a comedian’: Naperville native Vik Pandya finds joy in stand-up after corporate job

Stand-up comedian and Naperville native Vik Pandya comes home for the holidays to headline a show at Batavia’s Comedy Vault.