We have a great new line up of cooking classes from now through early fall. Chef Fredy is back with great menus for the grill and alfresco dining. If you haven't taken a class with Fredy, you are missing out on one of the most talented chef educators. Check out the Northshore article featuring a Chef Fredy's class on our website. Cookbook author and veteran restaurant chef Mary Jo McMillan returns with several classes based upon her own recipes. Everything in her menu is prepared from scratch with ease and talent. She takes us, whatever our level of expertise, back to the best of basics in cooking. Pastry master Gail Douf returns to inspire us with the flavors of summer with classes featuring fruit tarts and bright lemon. Chef Amy Pendry will guide us in several fun summer hands-on menus for the grill and summer appetizers. I will teach my class on "Persian Party Foods" in September when we can use the bounty of the fall harvest.

In the store, we have many wonderful new lines produced in Chicago. We introduced the Snow & Graham paper goods line this past winter. These beautifully designed paper note cards, sticky note pads, wrapping paper, and more are designed by Chicago women. Their line is also manufactured here! We are also selling Crash scented soy candles designed and made in Chicago which feature Snow & Graham artwork. We also have the Cocoa Room and Voges Chocolate lines, two gourmet chocolates produced in Chicago. I love being able to sell outstanding locally produced and designed lines. These products make great gifts whose purchase supports innovative business development in our area.

We are stocked to the brim on a wide variety of linens and summer entertaining products from all our favorite companies-Mariposa, Juliska, Casafina, Kim Seybert, Couleur Nature, Xochi, and more.

As many of you know, Dinner at Eight has often been recognized for its innovative and beautiful table setting design work. Most recently, the Chicago Tribune featured our napkins and napkin rings in the Sunday home section Worldly Goods, and our beautiful practical placemats and pottery will be featured in separate upcoming articles. My staff and I are always available to help you design a beautiful table, incorporating your dinnerware, décor and personal style. So whether you are purchasing linens or dinnerware, we at Dinner at Eight are there to be your design team. Making sure that your purchase helps you to create a beautiful and unique table has been our passion from day one.

We are also happy to help you select the perfect gift for any occasion. We can help you combine a few different items to create a more personal and creative gift. In addition, we will happily wrap, pack and ship your gift. Don't forget that gift certificates for cooking classes make for great gifts and great memories. If you wish to host a private event, just give us a call.

This year spring seems especially sweet! We want to embrace it and our lives with great appreciation for each other and this time we can share together! As you plan another great season of celebrations with family and friends, we are very happy to welcome you back!

Sincerely,

Candace Mirza, owner