Graham's

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.

How sweet it is — whether it’s ice cream, gelato, Italian ice or custard —  we’ve hunted down some of the best places for frozen desserts. This is one category where indulging a desire for top of the line won’t bust the bank.

TATE’S ICE CREAM
ADDRESS 109 E. Front St., Wheaton
PHONE (630) 668-4434
WEB www.tatesicecream.com
“Tate’s is an institution; we’ve been in town for over 40 years,” says Ann Wank, who has owned the shop for the past eight. “We make all of our ice cream in that store everyday — 32 fresh flavors. In the fall, we’ll offer maple walnut; rum raisin; pumpkin. At Christmas time, we offer egg nog. We offer peppermint and cinnamon year around.” Through September, fresh blueberries, peaches and raspberries are pureed for the ice creams. One features a raspberry ribbon and big chunks of fudge, she says of the award-winning recipes. “We make all of our own waffle cones here,” she adds, noting the shop closes after Christmas, reopening in March.

Employee Nikki Thomas digs into the banana split she just made at Tate’s Ice Cream in Wheaton. STAFF PHOTO BY MARK BUSCH