Restuarant Scene: Taste of Valpo and annual Restaurant Show

Food, glorious food will be in the spotlight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 23 during "A Taste of Valparaiso" at Porter County Expo Center, 215 Division Road, Valparaiso.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra to entertain in seasonal concert

It's time once again for a group of the region's young talented musicians to take the stage and do their part to enrich the musical landscape.

Summer productions spell fun, variety, laughter at Theatre at the Center

There will be something for everyone on the entertainment roster this summer at Theatre at the Center. And if variety is what audiences are looking for, everything from a big scale production to theatrical workshops, children's theater and comedy shows are on the agenda.

Tower of Power a mighty force at Four Winds

The dynamic brass sounds of Tower of Power swept through the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich. on May 10.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited.

Brad Paisley opens FMBA season

Music fans can get ready to celebrate the opening of the outdoor concert season this weekend at First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Ill.

Tower of Power still brass heavy

The highly-charged horns of Tower of Power will heat up the stage tonight at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich.

Restaurant Scene: Mother's Day feasting

If you're still looking for places to take mom for a feast on Sunday, there are a variety of venues in the area that will be celebrating moms with a special menu. The following is just a sample of options.

James McCartney serenades fans at Schubas

With strong vocals and an arsenal of both catchy and poignant tunes, James McCartney had no problem commanding center stage at Schubas in Chicago.

Cuisine of Jacques Pepin stars at Ivy Tech dinner

During a recent dinner at Ivy Tech's East Chicago campus, guests were welcomed into Le Pelican Restaurant.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited.

Take a musical stroll down Sesame Street

Music, beloved characters and feel-good messages will star in the latest Sesame Street Live production coming to Star Plaza Theatre next week.

James McCartney to play Chicago

Fans who know and love James McCartney's famous dad's music may want to check out the compositions of the son when he brings his show to Chicago next week.

Restaurant Scene: Celebrating opening of Miller Bakery Cafe

Restaurant Opening

Chicago Children's Theatre to present 'autism-friendly' production

A world premiere production of "The Elephant and The Whale" has been playing to enthusiastic audiences since the second week in April at Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago.

Joffrey dazzles once again with 'Othello'

There's less than a week left to see the full-length production of "Othello" presented by The Joffrey Ballet.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited.

Cinco de Mayo party menus filled with flavor, fun

Mexican cuisine is often a popular choice for party menus. And when it comes to Cinco de Mayo celebrations, everything from authentic Mexican dishes to contemporary Latin-inspired recipes, are fit to star at a home fiesta.

Kitchen Spotlight: 'Anything Goes' actress sails through cooking craft

The actress, a native of Kent, England, is currently one of the stars in "Anything Goes," running through May 5 at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre.

Restaurant Scene: Celebrating a new eatery and stellar chefs

There's a new restaurant making a splash in East Chicago.

Joffrey Ballet presents 'Othello'

The Joffrey Ballet jumps into the Chicago performance spotlight for the next two weeks with its compelling production of "Othello."

'Cake Boss' star Buddy Valastro unveils fun products for home baking

The aroma of sweet pastries and cakes filtered through a corner of Chicago's McCormick Place during last month's International Home and Housewares Show.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited. Last week's winner was Kristie Pollard of Hammond.

Kitchen Spotlight: Local actor honors grandmother with recipe

Vasily Deris grew up with a respect for good food and great hospitality. "My parents have run many restaurants," said Deris, a resident of Homer Glenn, Ill.

'Cirque Ziva' closes West Side Theatre Guild's season

A blend of colorful theatrics and athleticism will descend on stage tonight in Gary.

Restaurant Scene: Mixed bag of culinary events

Join fans of chef Robert Irvine, star of Food Network's "Restaurant: Impossible" for a theatrical cooking show at 9 p.m. Eastern today at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, Mich. and 8 p.m. Saturday at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Ill.

Author stresses there's 'Life Beyond Takeout'

Paula Guiliano is eager to pass on great recipes to food lovers and believes life can definitely be made better by cooking at home.

Kitchen Spotlight: Actor shares recipe for healthy pepper dip

Actor Bobby Steggert grew up around great food.

Hofbrauhaus stars brews, flavors of Germany

For a taste of old Germany, plan a visit to Hofbrauhaus Chicago in Rosemont, Ill.

Office taste test rates Chicago's best pizza

The aroma of tomato sauce, cheese, and sausage filled the newsroom as hungry journalists prepared to rate favorite pizzas on flavor, texture, crust, and overall excellence.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited.

River North Dance performs lush 'Havana Blue'

River North Dance Chicago's artistic director Frank Chaves is thrilled to present the group's latest work to audiences this weekend.

Design expert promotes healthy kitchen, healthy you

Interior designer Alison Victoria is always eager to offer advice for beautifying and organizing rooms in a home, particularly one's kitchen.

Restaurant Scene: Elegant parties and themed dinners

Parents searching for interesting and cultural activities for their children, may want to plan a trip to Barker Mansion in Michigan City soon.

Concert honors pop's 'Piano Men'

The sounds of the '70s and music of Elton John and Billy Joel will be celebrated on stage at Governors State University April 11.

Mission accomplished: Nothing's impossible for chef Robert Irvine

Viewers of Robert Irvine's Food Network shows are used to seeing the celebrity chef turn what appear to be impossible culinary feats into successes.

Kitchen Spotlight: Acclaimed director is a star in the kitchen

Robert Falls has a knack for cooking.

Orchestra to perform composer's lauded work

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra is set to bring an all-encompassing work to audience members next week.

Mexican favorites star at Casa Blanca

East Chicago's Casa Blanca has been serving authentic Mexican recipes with the Tellez family culinary touch for nearly 40 years.

Nothing boring about newest products in the marketplace

Decades ago, it wasn't unusual for people to view spending time in the kitchen as a chore and even a bore.

Something's brewing: Flavor, fun on tap at Blue Chip Casino

Flavorful ales and specialty brews pour into the spotlight April 13 during the third annual Blue Chip Brewfest at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa.

Scotty McCreery brings bass sounds to Merrillville

Scotty McCreery captured the music audience's attention while competing on Season 10 of "American Idol" in 2011.

Restaurant Scene: Spotlight on Easter egg hunt and dinner series

Plan to go in search of Easter eggs in the region.

Kitchen Spotlight: Projection and website designer is a healthy foodie

Andrew Wilder regularly touts the benefits of healthy eating.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured items. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Items not picked up within a week are forfeited.

Food Bites

Stephanie Izard to appear at Macy's

Restaurant Scene: Munster's Brunacci among 'Check Please!' finalists

Noted chef and truffle king Frank Brunacci has a shot at being the next host of WTTW's show "Check, Please!"

Yes draws a full house in Hammond

Music fans didn't seem to mind that classic rock band Yes wasn't scheduled to perform a show of strictly hits March 16 in Hammond.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured item. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Prizes not claimed within one week are forfeited.