The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH — The Taste of Home Cooking School is back by popular demand.
Denton Publications and other fine sponsors will bring the Taste of Home Cooking School back to the Crete Memorial Civic Center this Saturday, Nov. 5, once again giving people an opportunity to learn helpful tips and techniques through informative cooking demonstrations.

Ed Coats, associate publisher of Denton Publications and New Market Press, has been organizing Taste of Home locally since first offering it in Burlington, Vt., six years ago. Last year exceeded Coats’ expectations, with more than 1,100 in attendance. “Last year was great,” said Coats. “The show was completely sold out. Unfortunately, we had to turn people away at the door because we had no more space or goodie bags.” Coats anticipates a similar level of interest in this year’s event. 

The event will center around demonstrations from Taste of Home culinary specialist Eric Villegas, who has conducted Taste of Home shows across the country. According to the Taste of Home website, Villegas has had a love for the culinary arts since he was a child. He earned his bachelor’s degree in from Michigan State University before moving to Paris where he attended LaVarenne Ecole de Cuisine and Academie du Vin. Villegas returned to the States to continue his studies at the New England Culinary Institute.

Villegas has also owned two restaurants, written two cookbooks, and earned two regional Emmy awards for his popular television show, “Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas.”  Coats said he’s excited to have Villegas bring his expertise to the North Country, following in the footsteps of last year’s featured chef, Michael Barna. “Michael did a great job last year. He really wowed the crowd,” said Coats. “And, that’s what makes the show interesting is that we get a new chef every year, so you never know what to expect and what new things you’ll learn.”

Taste of Home will also feature booths hosted by more than 30 local vendors, featuring cooking utensils, home furnishings, bakeries and representatives from companies like Pampered Chef, Celebrating Home and Mary Kay.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Coats. “This is going to be another great event thanks to our vendors, our sponsors and the City of Plattsburgh Recreation Department for all they do to get the Crete Center ready, particularly Steve Peters. Steve has been extremely helpful to help us get this event back here again this year.”

The cost of admission is $15. Advance tickets are available, which Coats encourages people purchase to avoid not being turned away at the door if the event sells out again. Doors will open for the event at 10:30 a.m., with the show to begin at 2 p.m. Attendees get free goodie bags. Door prizes will be awarded.

Tickets may be purchased at Price Chopper in Plattsburgh, Champlain and Lake Placid. Tickets are also available at Wilson’s Appliance Center in Plattsburgh and the Plattsburgh office of Denton Publications.
Taste of Home Cooking School is sponsored locally by Denton Publications, Price Chopper, Wilson’s Appliance Center, Kool 105, WOKO 98.9, and WJOY AM1230. The event is sponsored nationally by Bird’s Eye Voila, Chex, Domino Foods, C & H Sugar, Eggland’s Best Eggs, Gallo Family Vineyards, King Arthur Flour, Kitchen Basics, National Pork Board, Success, West Bend Appliance, and the Mushroom Council.

For more information about the Taste of Home Cooking School, including purchasing tickets or hosting a booth at the show, contact Denton Publications at 873-6368, ext. 105.