Cheers to the season with Vintage 51, chocolate and the Christmas pickle

Wine debut

Horseshoe Casino in Hammond and Terlato Wines International recently unveiled two private label Vintage 51 wines. The wines are a 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Limited Reserve Sauvignon. Both wines are available at Horseshoe Casino and will later be offered at other national Horseshoe Properties.

In a press release, Kevin Kline, vice-president and assistant general manager of Horseshoe Casino, said "The Terlato family's long and successful history of producing and developing excellent wines, coupled with their Chicago presence distinguished them as an ideal partner to create a signature branded Horseshoe wine."

Great toppings

Michelle Golab will debut her new eatery Topperz, 6652 U.S. 6 in Portage's Diamond Plaza on Tuesday.

"It's all about the toppings," Golab said, adding the menu will feature a variety of items. Among menu selections to be topped are pasta, baked potatoes, salads, soup, hot dogs, nachos, chili and for those with a sweet tooth --- ice cream. Paninis, wraps, cookies and breadsticks will also be offered. FYI: (219) 763-9674

Teens and Candy

Lake County Public Library, Cedar Lake branch, 10010 W. 133rd Ave., will present a teen chocolate candymaking session at 1 p.m. today. Kids 12 to 17 may participate. Attendees will make candy for themselves and for the library's various holiday programs. Participants may earn volunteer time. FYI: (219) 374-7121

Holiday Fun at the Berghoff

Carlyn Berghoff will be spreading the spirit of the season with special holiday activities at The Berghoff, 17 W. Adams, Chicago.

"It's fun to add a little more creativity to the dining experience," said Berghoff, author of "The Berghoff Cafe Cookbook."

Among scheduled holiday events at the historic restaurant are today's appearance by St. Nikolaus. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., children will delight in visiting with St. Nikolaus who'll stroll through the restaurant. A holiday menu featuring winter specialties such as chicken pot pie; game sausage; pot roast; and schnitzel will be available.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, Santa makes the rounds of the legendary eatery. Children may take photos and talk with the Jolly Old Elf. Then through Dec. 24, in conjunction with the Bavarian-American tradition of Die Weihnachtsgurke, (the German Christmas pickle) children may search for the pickle ornament on the Berghoff's tree. Whoever finds the pickle receives a free root beer float.

A fan of the holidays, Berghoff said she hopes the activities at the eatery entice people to share in the joy and camaraderie of the season. FYI: (312) 427-3170 or theberghoff.com

Chocolate in the Mansion

Sweets lovers rejoice! Lawry's the Prime Rib, 100 E. Ontario St., Chicago, will present "Chocolate in the Mansion," today and Dec. 12 and 19. The dining experience features homemade chocolate-dipped goodies such as strawberries, cookies and more served around a miniature replica of Lawry's mansion. Hot beverages are also featured. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m., 12:45 and 2:15 p.m. Cost is $16 for adults; $8 for children 11 and younger. Tax and gratuity are extra. Unlimited sweets and hot beverages are included and seatings last an hour. FYI: (312) 787-5000 or lawrysonline.com

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach her at (219) 933-3365 or eloise.valadez@nwi.com.