Visual Feasting exhibition to benefit Fine Arts Center

Ponder food as art at the Visual Feasting exhibition and fund-raiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Suburban Fine Arts Center, 1913Sheridan, Highland Park.

Several area chefs, including Michael Beltran of Carlos; Beth Dunnof Mantuano's Mediterranean Table, and Margaret Lastick of Le RoyaleIcing will create edible works of art for display.

Food tastings, a silent auction and napkin-folding demonstrationare among the other events at the exhibition. Tickets are $10 inadvance, $12 at the door, and will benefit the Fine Arts Center.Call (847) 432-1888.PINK POWER: Several Chicago eateries will offer "pink platespecials" throughout the month of May, giving part of the proceeds toY-Me National Breast Cancer Organization.Among the pink possibilities are Fog City Diner's pink angel foodcake; the tomato bisque soup at Zoop; the strawberry bavarian atVivere, and the pink cupcakes at Dinkel's Bakery. For morerestaurants and specials, call Y-Me at (312) 986-8338.The pink plate specials are part of Y-Me's 1999 Paint the TownPink campaign, with a month of activities and events, including theY-Me RACE Against Breast Cancer on Mother's Day, May 9.WHERE THERE'S SMOKE: Learn the secrets of great barbecue at thesmoke-cooking classes from 2 to 4:30 p.m. May 8, 15 and 22 atHoxie's, 1801 W. Lawrence.Hoxie's was recently voted one of the city's best new restaurants.Co-owner and chef Kathy Webb will discuss the history of barbecue,woods to use, pros and cons of dry rubs and marinades, the differencebetween smoking and grilling and which cuts of meat are best forsmoking.Classes are free of charge and open to the public, butreservations are required. Call Hoxie's at (773) 989-4800.BELIEVE IT: Chicago may be known for its tall buildings, sportsteams and trendy shopping districts, but did you know we have great-tasting water? Chicago 2001, the city's Millennium celebrationprogram, is bottling and selling Chicago artesian water and LakeMichigan water.A 1,600-foot-deep protected well located at Schoenhofen Brewery,500 W. 18th St., is the source of the artesian water.A 16.9-ounce bottle sells for 75 cents and is available at theCity of Chicago Store in the Water Works Visitor Information Center,163 E. Pearson, and at the gift shop at the Chicago Cultural Center,77 E. Randolph.If you have news about food events open to the public, send it atleast two weeks in advance to: Food News, Chicago Sun-Times FoodSection, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago 60611.