Food

To help guide you to the myriad entertainment options ready to be unwrapped this holiday season, we’ve collected a sampling of some of the best shows, festivals and activities around.

Symphony sparkles

WHAT Returning to its regular venue by popular demand, Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs “Home for the Holidays,” featuring the Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Children’s Chorus and vocal soloist Nathaniel Stampley. He was featured on the orchestra’s Copland recording and was one of three actors who played the patriarch lion Mufasa in the Broadway production of “The Lion King.” Robert Hanson will conduct the rousing holiday arrangements for which the award-winning orchestra is known.
WHERE The Hemmens Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
WHEN 3:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12; and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
COST $28 to $62
CONTACT (847) 888-4000; www.ElginSymphony.org

Robert Hanson will conduct the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” performances with guest choirs and soloist Nathaniel Stampley of Broadway’s “The Lion King.” SUBMITTED PHOTO

When Jersey Mike's Subs officially opens its doors in Lombard next week, owners Susan Klein and Christie Baines will celebrate their new ties to the community with a fundraiser for Glenbard East High School. Their grand opening takes place Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The new restaurant at 2820 S. Highland Ave., in the Highlands of Lombard, will host a five-day fundraiser to benefit the school. Anyone who has a fundraising coupon can get a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution from Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 18 to 22.

Peppercorns Restaurant in Carol Stream recently held its annual pumpkin painting class and attracted almost 20 children who participated in the tradition. Each child chose a pumpkin and then was given painting instruction by local artist Susan Barthel. The winner will receive prize of $50, selected by customers.

The pumpkins remain on display for a week before a winner is picked. Children can check Peppercorns’ Web site for daily updates and pictures at www.peppercornsrestaurant.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Peppercorns’ next holiday class will be a gingerbread house building class offered by its chef.

It’s a night out for a culturally uplifting cause. The Elgin Children’s Chorus will present its annual fundraiser, “Red, White, & You!” It features wine tasting and gourmet appetizers from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the new Red Bar Winery and Bistro, 74  S. Grove Ave., Elgin.

A silent auction offers original artwork, Thomas Toys, tickets to performances, a Tastefully Simple Basket and much more. The event benefits the chorus, which showcases youth from many communities.

Call Ann Kepley at (847) 931-7464 for tickets or details. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

Grape Expectations flavors Friday, Nov. 13, as the annual fall fundraiser for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. It unfolds from 7 to 10 p.m. at Fox Valley University and Business Center on the campus of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
 
About 30 red and white wines will be offered for tasting from WineStyles in Lake in the Hills, along with homemade and hand-dipped chocolates from Graham’s Chocolates of Geneva. The chocolate tasting was a new addition last year. The event also features appetizers; silent auction; cash raffle; and musical performances by EYSO ensembles. Silent auction items include sports memorabilia, gift baskets and special events.

Taco Bell and SONIC Drive-ins nationwide are treating customers this Halloween with special food deals, and it's not a trick.

SONICs will be offering 50 cent corn dogs from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at participating SONIC Drive-Ins. Costumes aren't required.

“The corn dog is a great value for families and our customers on Halloween,” said Dominic Losacco, vice president of marketing for SONIC. “It’s a family-friendly food that’s easy to please everyone and easy to eat while on the go.”

Taco Bell will be giving away their newest menu item, the Black Jack Taco, on Halloween night. The taco with a black shell and zesty Pepper Jack sauce will be given away free (one free taco per person) from 6 p.m. to midnight at participating locations.

The giveaway is in celebration of Game Three of the 2009 World Series and the fact that it is being held on Halloween.

Emmy-winning actor Armand Assante will be in St. Charles this week as part of a promotion for Gurkha Cigars at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

The event will be presented at La Vita Cigars, described as Illinois’ largest walk-in humidor. It marks the delivery of the high-end cigar line’s anniversary cigar, The Archive. Guests can mingle with Assante and enjoy high-end smokes, complimentary food, drinks and live entertainment.

Armand Assante SUBMITTED PHOTO

A piece of New Orleans’ French Quarter has been transplanted to the prairie at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. 

“Coastal seafood” describes the menu’s emphasis, says David Jarvis, the restaurant’s research and development chef. He notes Cajun favorites are featured, but so are eclectic offerings for varied palates.

Live lobster inhabit a tank at the entrance. A nautical theme carries through to the lively decor, which includes mounted fish representing many of the varieties on the menu. The tin ceiling and other architectural touches were brought in from New Orleans for the Westmont location, whose spacious dining room has landscaped garden views. Mementos paying homage to Louisiana adorn the attractive brick walls.

David Jarvis, research and development chef, puts the finishing touches on the Tuna Tambour at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont. A second location is in Arlington Heights. STAFF PHOTOS BY MARK BUSCH

Bistro Thai is about to celebrate the two-year mark since moving from St. Charles to its downtown Geneva home.

Decorated in warm earth tones, the dining room features Thai carved panels, and a wave-shaped light installation gracing the ceiling.

“When we looked at the space, we wanted to do something that was going to be very relaxing,” says Jon With, who co-owns Bistro Thai with his wife, Chantana, the chef. “The restaurant is right on (Route) 38. The street’s very busy, but we wanted it to be a tranquil atmosphere. In these economic times, (it’s) a nice place to go that’s not going to break the pocketbook.”

Known for her authentic recipes, chef co-owner Chantana With prepares an order of Pad Thai at Bistro Thai in Geneva. STAFF PHOTOS BY STEVE BITTINGER

DO IT

Beyond supplying nutritious food to the elderly and to children in need, the Humanitarian Service Project also nurtures the human connection. Services have expanded since its founding 31 years ago to include the Children’s Birthday Project. The day is made special for kids who receive a hand-selected array of new toys, stuffed animals, books and school supplies, accompanied by party items. “It remembers them on their birthday in a way that lets them know they’re special and that there’s love all around,” says founder Karole Kettering. “My mission has always been to alleviate the suffering that comes from poverty, by supporting those people that are in greatest need.”

Two children carry out a birthday box, part of the Children’s Birthday Project.  SUBMITTED PHOTOS