Food Bit

Chicago chefs will join forces with Daisy Martinez during theMarch of Dimes Latino Chefs of Chicago benefit.

The event will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 at Kaleidoscope.

Local participants include: Bravo Tapas and Lounge; Caliente;Carnivale Coco Restaurant; Haro's Tapas; Rios d'SudAmerica; ChefFredy Cuisine, and Latin Catering Chicago.

Martinez, of the PBS television show "Daisy Cooks!," will signcopies of her book Daisy Cooks! Latin Flavors That Will Rock YourWorld (Hyperion, $29.95). Tickets are $75.

The March of Dimes' mission is to stamp out birth defects,premature births and infant mortality.

The Kaleidoscope is at 800 W. Superior. Call (312) 596-4717. Formore information on the event, visit: www.marchofdimes.com or theSpanish-language site www.nacersano.org.

BY THE SEA

Diners can set sail for a Mediterranean culinary adventure whenChicaGourmets! teams with the Greek Islands for a special dinner at5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Seafood of the Mediterranean is the theme of the evening and willfeature seafood flown in fresh for the occasion.

The evening also will include a tour of the Hellenic Museum, whichis adjacent to the restaurant.

Among the entrees will be shrimp baked with a garlicky tomatosauce and topped with feta cheese as well as a Mediterranean seabass. Wines for the meal include a Maliatis white, which is similarto a Sauvignon Blanc. The cost is $50.

Greek Islands is at 200 S. Halsted. Call (708) 383-7543 forreservations.

GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD

Stonewood Ale House Wood Fire Grill is the site of anotherChicaGourmets! event taking place at noon Saturday.

The family-owned business will host a lunch of grilled specialtyitems representing various Chicago neighborhoods. The cost is $39.

Stonwood Ale House is at 601 Mall Drive, Schaumburg. Call (815)276-8441.

DESSERT PLATES

Pastry Chef Kate Milashus of Dine will share tips and recipesecrets with visitors during a series of dessert workshops.

Classes include Ice Cream/Sorbet (vanilla, mocha, caramel/coconut, lime, raspberry), Saturday and Cheesecakes (creme fraiche,key lime and chocolate almond), on Aug. 26.

Other class sessions will feature chocolate (Sept. 2), quick partydesserts (Sept. 9) and diner desserts (Sept. 16.)

All classes begin at 1 p.m. and are $15 a session.

Dine is at 733 W. Madison. Call (312) 602-2100.

ABOVE THE TOP

The Signature Room is offering a round of dessert treats duringthe 48th Annual Air and Water Show this weekend.

The dessert sampler will feature an airplane-shaped cookie filledwith dark chocolate mousse and homemade ice cream as well as a cookieboat with white chocolate mousse and pistachio foam. The cost of thedessert special, which will be available during dinner hours Saturdayand Sunday, is $10.

For reservations, call (312) 787-9596.

COOKIE COUNTERS

Calling all cookie lovers. Dancing Deer is hosting a poetrycontest for kids and the grand prize is a supply of cookies for theschool year.

The baked goods company is looking to help develop creative mindsof the young, asking contestants to compose a poem centered aroundthe the theme "love in the lunchbox."

Poems can appear in any form, including sonnet, epic, haiku orlimerick. Details for the contest will be listed atwww.dancingdeer.com beginning Tuesday.

The deadline for entering is Oct. 1.

If you have or know of classes or events open to the public,please send information to: Food News, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N.Orleans, 9th Floor, Chicago 60654.