Cod

One of the main entrees on Ivy Tech's Jacques Pepin-themed dinner menu was Olive-Tomato Cod served with seared polenta and steamed asparagus.

Buddy Valastro

"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro showcases a Groovy Girl-inspired cake in a box design at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago.

Fondant

A cake gets the fondant touch by "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro.

Valastro demo

Buddy Valastro decorates a cake at the International Home and Housewares Show.

Pizza taste test

Former Times employee Travis Kipper, from left, sports editor Courtney Linehan and copy editor Phil Schwartz prepare to test pizza recently.

Casa Blanca

Tables at Casa Blanca in East Chicago are situated in a Spanish courtyard setting.

Chicken and mole

Chicken and mole is one of the specialty dishes served at Casa Blanca

Frank Brunacci

Lillian and Frank Brunacci are pictured in their home kitchen in Munster.

Joe Arvin

Chef Joe Arvin demonstrated products at the recent International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago.

Beverly Seleb and Elida Abeyta

Chefs Beverly Seleb, left, and Elida Abeyta work on plating a special dessert for the recent Dine with the Chefs event in Merrillville. Seleb and Abeyta work together in presenting Ivy Tech's Dinner Series in East Chicago.

Ivy Tech Dinner Series

Guests enjoy a dinner featuring Emeril Lagasse's recipes during last season's Ivy Tech Dinner Series event.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells served with two meatballs, is a favorite dish at Giuseppe's.

Pizza

One of the Neapolitan pizzas featured at Giuseppe's is the Margherita Con Bufala.

Giuseppe's

Giuseppe's Restaurant in Schererville features a charming interior with colorful murals.

Cheryl Molenda and Jack Mix

Chefs Cheryl Molenda and Jack Mix are pictured serving up fall fare during the 2010 Kitchen Tour. Molenda and Mix will once again be cooking for the event.

Peeling potatoes

Junior Lopez peels a potato for a Rich Mashed Potatoes side dish.

Fantastic fungi

Shaved truffles are placed atop a layered dish created by Frank Brunacci featuring beef, asparagus and potato pancake.

Fantastic fungi

Lillian and Frank Brunacci showcase a White Truffle in their home kitchen.

Life-size statue stolen from Valpo restaurant

Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille in Valparaiso is home to several statues, including "Lunchtime on Top of A Skyscraper" (pictured) and another similar work at ground level, depicting a man with a trowel, which was discovered stolen Saturday.

Adventures in International Cuisine

Scott Farrell, from left, Harry Karahalious and student Jaime Montanez, representing Briar Ridge Country Club, won the Golden Skillet Award at "Adventures in International Cuisine" on Thursday at Avalon Manor.

Ultimate Dessert Experience

A variety of sweets are created in the resort's Ultimate Dessert Making Experience.

Cat in the Hat

Students in the After School Matters program at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood recently created innovative cakes featuring Dr. Seuss characters. Pictured is the winning entry depicting The Cat in the Hat.

Star Plaza chefs prepare creative meals for charity events

The holiday season is truly one of the most popular times to give of oneself to help make someone's life better or happier.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson prepares to dig into a salad during lunch on the Pie Car.

Christina Cantlin

Trapeze artist Christina Cantlin waits for lunch on the circus' Pie Car.

Alex Barney

Clown Alex Barney entertained guests during a recent lunch on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Pie Car.

Warsaw Inn

Diners can fill up their plates with assorted goodies and Polish favorites at Warsaw Inn in Lynwood.

Russell Simmons at River Oaks

Calumet City resident Tina Jones meets hip-hop/fashion mogul Russell Simmons Thursday at Macy's River Oaks.

Tri Kappa Kitchen Tour and Tasting

Chef Tammy Pham of Asparagus in Merrillville and husband Sam greeted guests during the Tri Kappa Kitchen Tour and Tasting.

Tri Kappa Kitchen Tour and Tasting

Chefs Joseph Trama and Tim Merkel participated in Tri Kappa's Kitchen Tour and Tasting.

'Mario, Make Me a Model'

They've got the look: Brian Kerwin, Ted Macis and Eli Macis pose after the "Mario, Make Me a Model" contest in Chicago. (Eloise Marie Valadez | The Times)

Kitchen Tour and Tasting

Eddie Luick of Bon Femme Cafe in Valparaiso works in the McConnell kitchen in Crown Point.

Kitchen Tour and Tasting

The dining room table is set for an autumn dinner at the Grady home in Crown Point.

Meatball Sandwich

The Mrs. Louie's Italian Meatball Sandwich is one of the popular items at Buffa Louie's in Highland.

Cafe Fondue

A lush array of meats, seafoods and dipping sauces await patrons at Cafe Fondue in Merrillville.

JB's Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads

JB's Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino offer an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

Chicken Caesar salad

Chicken Caesar salad is one of the popular offerings at JB's Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino.

Train at Tyler's Tender

Food is delivered by train at Tyler's Tender in Schererville.

Tyler's Tender pot roast sandwich

Among items on the menu at Tyler's Tender is a pot roast sandwich on pretzel bread.

Hooked on Calumet Fisheries

Calumet Fisheries has been considered an institution by Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana residents and fishermen for decades.

ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ: Mixed bag of culinary events

Farmers Market demos

Quest Theatre Ensemble presents nativity story in new light

The birth of Christ is being portrayed in a highly creative production compliments of Chicago's Quest Theatre Ensemble.

Indulge in a culinary experience at L'ecole de Maison

Something's cooking at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Dance community pays tribute to Gerald Arpino

Chicago's dance community and other guests paid tribute to Joffrey Ballet cofounder Gerald Arpino Monday during a poignant memorial at the Auditorium Theatre. The two-hour tribute to Arpino, who died Oct. 29, featured commentary and remembrances by Mayor Richard M. Daley, various dancers and…

Take a journey with 'The Backyardigans'

If your kids are in love with Nickelodeon's "The Backyardigans," treat them to a live version of the popular show this weekend at the Chicago Theatre.

Cindy Crawford comes home

Cindy Crawford has graced the catwalks of international runways and the covers of popular magazines over the last two decades.

Local stars cut a rug, Broadway-style

Decked out in fancy costumes, local dancers showed off skilled moves Sept. 12 at the Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs. They cut loose on the cha-cha, rhumba, two-step, foxtrot and more during the Chicagoland Fred Astaire Showcase.

Bret Michaels brings solo concert and reality show 'Rock of Love' to Hammond

Bret Michaels is preparing to roll out the third season of his megapopular VH1 reality show "Rock of Love."

Go for the seafood and the atmosphere, matey

Take a break and head out to lunch or dinner at Islamorada Seafood Co. Restaurant in Portage. The eatery, located in the Bass Pro Shop, offers a varied seafood menu, starring items such as alligator, mahi mahi, Norwegian salmon and fish tacos.

Countdown to cooking event

Region food fans need wait only 15 more days before the Taste of Home Cooking School heats up the stage of Star Plaza Theatre, Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, in Merrillville. The event, featuring live cooking demonstrations by culinary specialist Dana Elliott, will be held Sept 25. Doors open at…