RESTAURANT SCENE: Sweet tribute to Maggie Daley and a 'D'vine Affair'

Students in Chicago's After School Matters culinary program turned up their creativity by producing holiday-themed cakes last month during a special competition.

The event and contest offering "A Taste of After School Matters,'" was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Chicago's Southeast Side.

Under the direction of ASM culinary instructor Gloria Hafer, local teens turned out fascinating cakes and tablescapes demonstrating their talents for decorating, detail and color combinations.

In addition to the cake competition, the event also paid homage to the late Maggie Daley, who founded the After School Matters program.

"Bow your heads in honor of Mrs. Daley. If it wasn't for her vision, none of this would have happened," Hafer told the crowd.

Former After School Matters student Semaj Thomas created a special cake in honor of Maggie Daley that was on display during the event.

The winning team, who created a bear-themed cake and festive table decorations, starred Vanessa Arnold; Carlos Contreras; Diana Jimenez; Odalis Avitia; Liz Rivera; Destinee Rivera; Maria Bazan and Diana Arroyo.

After School Matters is a nonprofit Chicago agency offering youth a chance to work in various fields and professions.

'Adventures in International Cuisine'

There's less than a week left to make plans to attend one of the area's esteemed culinary events. Northwest Indiana Adult Guardianship Services Inc. along with ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana will present "Adventures in International Cuisine" from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 26 at Avalon Manor, 3550 U.S. 30, Merrillville.

Gourmet dishes with various ethnic themes will be in the spotlight as the chefs showcase their talents. Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds will benefit a continuum of NIAGS guardianship services for at-risk adults and Culinary Art Scholarship opportunities for future area chefs. FYI: Call Sharon Sasser at (219) 794-4888

Restaurant opening

The Cherry Tree Cafe recently opened at 1312 Main St. in Crown Point. The eatery, in the building that was formerly the Red Apple Cafe, is owned by Niko Pilovski. Breakfast and lunch is served from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests may also order breakfast all day. Grand opening festivities will be announced at a later date. FYI: (219) 661-1800

A D'Vine Affair

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago will present its 11th annual "D'Vine Affair, a Tasting of Fine Wines" from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Wine appreciation seminars will also take place at 1:30 and 2 p.m.

Guests may sample from a collection of 250 wines offered by more than 50 West Coast and European winemakers.

In addition to the tastings and seminars, there will also be a silent auction and raffle.

Tickets for the Wine Tasting and Seminar are $125 per person. An additional event featuring a four-course dinner at Quartino Restaurant will be available for an additional $45 per person. The dinner runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. FYI: (312) 655-7912 or visit www.catholiccharities.net/dvine

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