Patrick Kane

Actress Karen Janes Woditsch (left) Shown Portraying Julia Child Talking with Friend Simone "Simca" Beck Played by Jeannie Affelder

Julia Child, as played by Karen Janes Woditsch (left) talks with cookbook collaborator Simone "Simca" Beck, played by Jeannie Affelder in Chicago's TimeLine Theatre's 2010 stage world premiere of "To Master the Art."

OFFBEAT: It's time to reveal my 2012 celebrity holiday card

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Columnist Philip Potempa's 2012 Christmas Card with Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas

Times Columnist Philip Potempa's 2012 Celebrity Holiday Card features TV talk show host legend Phil Donahue, along with his actress wife Marlo Thomas, snapped in October 2010.

FROM the FARM: Readers fond of Phil Smidt's recipes and memories

Even though last month marked the fifth anniversary since our region's beloved Phil Smidt's restaurant closed, memories of the menu live on with Times readers.

Actor William Dick stars as Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook in 2010

Actor William Dick stars as Scrooge in the 2010 production of "A Christmas Carol" at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbook.

OFFBEAT: 'Christmas Carol' and classic tale's ghosts back to haunt Drury Lane for holidays

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Pastry Chef Alain Roby with Martha Stewart and His Seven Foot Chocolate Cake

Pastry Chef Alain Roby, holder of two Guinness World Records, shown during a 2010 guest appearance with Martha Stewart on "The Martha Stewart Show," unveiling his seven-foot towering chocolate cake.

Paula Deen at Grand Opening of her Restaurant at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Elizabeth, Ind.

Paula Deen at the 2010 grand opening of her buffet restaurant at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Elizabeth, Ind.

'Further From the Farm'

'Further From the Farm' (2010, Pediment Press, $29.95)

OFFBEAT: Theatre at the Center nets two Jeff Award nominations for 2011-2011 season

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Destination Events = Economic Development

People work their way through the exhibitions at the 2011 Lake County Fair. This year's fair in Crown Point takes place Aug. 3 to 12.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Bellaboo plays with children during the play center's New Year's Eve celebration Friday afternoon in Lake Station.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Five-year-old Haley Sauzer, of Lowell, throws her arms up in the air while balls bounce over a crowd of kids Friday afternoon during the New Year's Eve celebration at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center in Lake Station.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Haley Sauzer, center, screams at the end of a countdown Friday afternoon during the New Year's Eve celebration at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center. The Lowell 5-year-old was among a crowd of 300 at the Lake Station play center.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Bellaboo's employee Wendy Holland spreads bubbles around the room Friday afternoon during the play center's New Year's Eve party in Lake Station. About 300 children and adults attended the child-friendly celebration.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Ty Kiechle, 4, and his mother, Jenni, of Saint John, dance to music during the New Year's Eve celebration Friday afternoon at Bellaboo's in Lake Station.

Bellaboo's New Year's celebration

Four-year-old Ty Kiechle, of Saint John, has his 2011 glasses adjusted by his mother, Jenni, during the New Year's Eve celebration Friday afternoon at Bellaboo's in Lake Station.