National Restaurant Show offers a glimpse at dining trends

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining 63,000 other attendees at the annual National Restaurant Association show in Chicago at McCormick Place. The largest event of its kind, the show gave hospitality industry professionals from every state and 100 countries an opportunity to taste, test products, shop and network.

Many show attendees expressed optimism about the economy, and stayed in Chicago for all four days of the show, according to a report by the National Restaurant Association. This year's top nutrition trends included: gluten free menu items, vegan and vegetarian entrees, lean beef breakfast alternatives like Schmacon, a lower-sodium beef alternative to bacon, soups, and child-friendly nutritional items like Tofurky Pockets. Bar trends included pepper-flavored spirits, South African wines and fruit infusions. The craft beer market continues to grow.

Despite eating my way through the mind-boggling array of food samples offered at the restaurant show, I still enjoyed some delightful post-show dining experiences with family.

These included delicious sushi at Arami.

And, a Peking duck feast with whole roast duck sliced tableside and served with fried rice and duck soup.

Sunday brunch at Revolution Brewing in Logan Square offered innovative options like the fried chicken and egg pizza. We wrapped up our visit to Chicago with a homemade pasta dinner at Eataly.

Stamper's in Fairview Park announces plans to close

A Fairview Park landmark, Stamper's Bar on Lorain Road, will be closing its doors at the end of this month.

Owners Jim and Mary Stamper released a statement saying that their establishment's last day of business will be May 31. They noted that their reason for closing is that they are exhausted from 42 years in the bar business. "We will miss everyone dearly and hope to cross paths somehow, somewhere," they said. "We cannot thank everyone enough for all of your support over our 16 years here at Stamper's Bar."

In the meantime, fans of Stamper's live entertainment can enjoy a performance by The Sunrise Jones band on May 22, beginning at 9 p.m. Monica Robins and The Whiskey Kings with George Sipl on keyboards takes the stage on May 23. Motown band Cruisin' is featured on May 29. A massive jam night is planned for May 30, featuring many longtime musician friends of the venue. Jeff Varga will perform the last show at Stamper's on May 31.

Great Lakes rocks the block to celebrate brand refresh


Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) has been working for more than a year to perfect a new look. Now, it is ready to celebrate.

Visit the Ohio City brewery on May 21, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., for "Rock the Block," a free, beer-themed public party in Market Square Park.

Enjoy a Great Lakes beer in the park, along with live music by These Knees, Tom Evanchuck and The Old Money, and Welshly Arms. Visit the photo booth to get your face put on a GLBC beer "Label."

Stop by one of five neighborhood restaurants to order a special small plate, created to perfectly pair with one of five year-round GLBC brews. Restaurants include Flying Fig, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Market Avenue Wine Bar, The Sweet Spot food truck and the Touch Supper Club food truck.

Great Lakes Brewing is kicking off its, "Great Lakes. Great Stories," campaign at Rock the Block. Pose with one of the new bottles and share a GLBC memory using #FriendsofGLBC for a chance to win a steel-banded Coleman cooler.

Get a first look at the new GLBC Beer Symposium and visitor's center, which features a bar and interactive exhibits on GLBC beers, history and culture. Preview the new and improved brewery tour and meet Darren Booth, the artist behind the new labels.

This event is free and open to the public. Phone 216-771-4404 for information. Great Lakes Brewing Company is at 2516 Market Ave.

Copper Cup is hosting a wine and food pairing event

The Copper Cup in Westlake is hosting a seasonal wine and food pairing event on May 14, 7 p.m.

The evening's bill of fare begins with a glass of Moletto Prosecco paired with assorted salumi and an artisan cheese board. St. Verny le Pinot Noir Rose will accompany a sugar snap pea salad with shaved watermelon radish, feta cheese and stone fruit vinaigrette.

Main courses are chimichurri grilled salmon with avocado salad and crisp plantains served with St. Verny Chardonnay, and roasted red pepper pappardelle pasta tossed with lamb shank ragu, roasted shiitake mushrooms and goat cheese served with St. Verny Pinot Noir. Dessert is Lucifer chocolate cake and chantilly cream accompanied by Indomita Single Signature Zardoz.

The cost is $40 per person, plus tax and tip. Phone 440-835-9900 for reservations. The Copper Cup is at 680 Dover Center Rd.

"Speakeasy Spectacular" to take place at Mahall's 20 Lanes

An old-time wrestling event, "Speakeasy Spectacular!," takes place at Mahall's 20 Lanes on May 8, 7 p.m.

Wrestling makes its return to Mahall's for a night of rough 'n tumble, elbow-smashing, rip-roaring fun. Guests will witness world-champion wrestling, bare knuckle brawlers, strong men, grizzled vets, a lion tamer and the long-awaited debut of The Bearded Lady. There will also be an appearance by the dynamic vaudeville duo Pinch and Squeal. Attendees are encouraged to wear feather boas and flapper dresses, boater hats and high-waisted trousers.

The evening is presented by El Carnicero restaurant with support from Beardology, Yelp Cleveland, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Live Kayfabe. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Mahall's 20 Lanes is at 13200 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. The show is open to all ages.