Four friends including Jane Glyzwski, of St. Charles, Joyce Sprau, of Batavia, Melanie Hesenflow, of Lily Lake, and Joanna Mroz, of Elburn (left to right ), share a laugh, good food and drinks at the first-ever Food and Wine Fest, on Saturday, November 17, 2012, in St. Charles. The event featured local wineries, craft beers and TV food-related celebrities and chefs. | Michele du Vair~For Sun-Times Media
Greg Mazdra, of Royal Prestige Cookware, shows how easy it is to cook "dinner in 12 minutes", using his company's slicer during The Best of Food Wine Fest, on Saturday, November 17, 2012, in St. Charles. | Michele du Vair~For Sun-Times Media
Geneva Spice House displays an attractive array of spices for The Best of Food and Wine Fest, on Saturday, November 17, 2012, in St. Charles. | Michele du Vair~For Sun-Times Media
Justin Antiorio, celebrity chef and Hell's Kitchen runner up, shares a laugh and a sample with friend, Brian Merel, at The Best of Food and Wine Fest, in St. Charles on Saturday, November 17, 2012. | Michele du Vair~For Sun-Times Media
Isika Wattanatham, of Singha Beer, pours beer into a dispenser for tasting at The Best of Food and Wine Fest, on Saturday, November 17, 2012, in St. Charles. | Michele du Vair~For Sun-Times Media
ST. CHARLES — November. Chicago. Braised meat. You can’t beat it. That’s how Steve LaPino, manager of Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn, summed up the goings-on over the weekend at the first Chicago Food and Wine Festival at Pheasant Run, particularly what his restaurant was …
