"Rolla Bolla" Balancing Segment in 2012 "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon"

The "Rolla Bolla" Balancing Segment in 2012 "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" features an acrobat with stacks of plastic dishes perched on his head.

OFFBEAT: Navy Pier 'Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon' a shining example of pure entertainment

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Feats of Fantasy: Navy Pier's run of 'Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon' defies gravity

The large metal sphere, containing a speeding line of motorcyclists, called "the Globe of Death" is always a favorite show moment for Cirque Shanghai's summer run at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Chinese Contortionists in 2012 "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" at Chicago Navy Pier

A revolving stage platform of Chinese contortionists use their muscles and concentration to enchant audiences while creating "living landscapes" during one of the acts in the 2012 "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Chair Stack Act at "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon"

A leaning tower of stacked chairs with balancing performers keep audiences in amazement during one of the acts of the 2012 "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Small plates at the Heritage and Millar scores in James Beard

Incredible food lineup for Saturday night at the Heritage Center in St. Joe includes chocolate-covered bacon mousse and Reserve Chef Matt Millar is in James Beard semifinals. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

True comfort of corned beef hash and eggs

A few years have gone by since I was in the right place--six.one.six in Grand Rapids in winter--at the right time to have corned beef hash and eggs. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

Eating in the woods in winter

By not spacing out on the time zone and other mishaps of previous years, we managed to arrive at Bev's Second Season Ball in LaPorte Saturday almost an hour early. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

The first of many Titanic centennial dinners

I have officially received the first announcement of 2012 for a Titanic dinner, a memorial for the centennial year of the disaster. The last dinner for first class passengers was 11 courses. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

Chef Jean Joho and Everest awarded Michelin star

Chef Jean Joho and Everest are awarded 3 Michelin stars and Wyncroft Winemaker Jim Lester reaches out with news about what happened in 2011, vintages on last call and an invitation to stop by. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

The Year of the Dragon Starts Monday

The Chinese New Year begins Monday, January 23rd and, for those who keep track of baroque personality quirks and tendencies, it is the Year of the Dragon. Count on plenty of drama, especially if you have friends and family turning 24-36-48, etc. in 2012 ---- Pat Colander, Associate Publisher…