The 2008 Fabulous Food Show promises three days of food, fun and information

by Joe Crea/Plain Dealer Food and Restaurants Editor

Thursday November 13, 2008, 12:00 AM

Rock stars are in the eye of the beholder. One man's Elvis is another's Emeril. Which is why the 2008 Fabulous Food Show this weekend at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland is one of the most coveted tickets around for foodies.

The weekend promises its share of star power, with a lineup that features the nation's most familiar Southern cook, Cleveland's own Iron Chef and some of the most popular rising stars on food television. Plus three main stages featuring culinary talent from across Cleveland, the region, the nation and the world. Not to mention the Cleveland Wine School's seminars and Grand Tasting Pavilion, a chocolate bar and plenty of opportunities to find gifts for friends or your own home.

With so much talent, it's tough naming only a few. Here's a cross-section of presenters.

Friday

Seven Hills meets Manhattan: Chef Andrew Carmellini, a Seven Hills native who has wowed diners with his work at some of Manhattan's top restaurants. He spotlights dishes from his just-published book, "Urban Italian." (12:30 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage) Certified delicious: Chef Scott Popovic of Certified Angus Beef recently prepared a meal at the James Beard House in New York City. He showcases beef during a pair of appearances. (2 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage; 5 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage)

Culinary creativity: One of Cleveland's most inventive chefs, Steve Schimoler of Crop Bistro & Bar works some magic in "Pumpkin: Not Just for Pie." (2 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage)

The art of teatime: Though it may seem quaint, the peaceful ritual of enjoying tea with friends is a timeless escape. Writer and historian Eve Hill of Strongsville creates a teatime brunch. (5 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Sushi-making at home: Creating artful rolled sushi such as Spicy Crab Roll With Watercress is easy, once you master the basics. Catherine St. John, owner of the Western Reserve School of Cooking, shows how. (6 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Best Sous-Chef Competition Finale: Since September, about a dozen of the area's most creative sous-chefs have competed in a series of weekly cook-offs at the Trevarrow Living Kitchen Showroom in Parma. Today's the final showdown, between Jack Ahern of Pier W and Justin Herl of Momocho. Iron Chef Michael Symon emcees. (6:30 p.m., Main Kitchen Theater Stage)

Saturday
Authentic Mexican: Forget those Tex-Mex knockoffs. Aaron Sanchez, consulting chef for Zocalo restaurant in Cleveland and Paladar and Centrico in New York City, demonstrates his prowess for True-Mex cuisine. (11:30 a.m., Culinary Celebration Stage; 4 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Starters and finales: Great appetizers and desserts needn't be terribly expensive. The new culinary team from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (including Truman Jones, Tim Maxim and Roger Smith) shows how to produce stylish starters and show-stopping sweets for your holiday table or buffet. (11:30 a.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

A fresh and local Thanksgiving: This year's all-star chef lineup (among them, Karen Small of Flying Fig, Rocco Whelan of Fahrenheit and Dante Boccuzzi of Dante) highlights the wonderful bounty of Northeast Ohio in dishes perfect for your holiday table. (1 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Entertaining, easily: Culinary instructor Marilou Suszko, author of "Farms and Foods of Ohio," shows how to make an easy dinner for six using local foods. (3 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Side dishes deluxe: Brandt Evans of Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern can help solve the perennial question of what fixings to serve alongside your holiday turkey. (6 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage; 4 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage)

Sunday
Grand cooking: One of Cleveland's most popular teaching chefs, Matt Swingos of Swingos Grand Tavern, shares some of his favorite dishes. (12:30 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage)

Cooking 101: Craving home cooking but don't have the skills? Sit in on any (or all) of the classes that can help you learn basic techniques. (noon to 4:30 p.m., Taste of the Neighborhood Stage)

Chef Bob Sferra of Trevarrow Showroom kicks off the lineup with lessons on mis en place, the technique of organizing everything for easy cooking. (noon)

Next, master instructor Loretta Paganini of the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking shows how to make favorite basics: a simple bread, soup and pasta sauces. (1 p.m.)

Just because your budget's tight doesn't mean you can't celebrate that special occasion with a dressy cake. Jan Bolman of Jan's Confectionary Supplies shows how to make tiered cakes inexpensively. (2:30 p.m.)

Holiday baking is easy when you know a couple of secrets -- such as how to make three types of cookies from a single dough. Matthew Anderson of Sapore restaurant makes it easy. (3:30 p.m.)

Healthy for the holidays: Good food done with an eye for smart eating is one of Judy Dodd's specialties. The registered dietitian and spokeswoman for Giant Eagle supermarkets has plenty of ideas to share. (3 p.m., Culinary Celebration Stage)

For a complete schedule for each of the three main Fabulous Food Show stages, go to fabulousfoodshow.com.