Handmade ice cream is thrilling. Even if mental images of turning a hand crank are a bit romantic or outdated in the modern kitchen, what could be more seductive than thick, rich, cold cream and sugar blended with fresh flavors?

On Monday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m., Eva Restaurant & Wine Bar (2227 North 56th Street) will host an "Ice-Cream Social for Grown-Ups" with renowned pastry chef Emily Luchetti, a James Beard Award winner. Eva's pastry chef, Dana Bickford, will craft a dessert tasting with recipes from Luchetti's most recent book, A Passion for Ice Cream. While the final menu is still in the works, Bickford has already planned an amuse sucre of tiny lemon ice cream and gingersnap sandwiches, and miniature chocolate cupcakes stuffed with pistachio ice cream. Plated dishes will include frozen crème caramel and peaches stuffed with blackberry granita. Cost is $36 (excluding tax and gratuity). Reservations are required and can be made by calling Eva at 206-633-3538.

The one-two punch of a local chef preparing the dishes of a talented visiting chef is the formula for a growing popular series, Cooks & Books. Upcoming dinners-cum-book-signings include Giuliano Bugialli at Volterra on August 8, Nina Planck at the Boat Street Kitchen on August 16, and Barbara Fairchild at Cafe Campagne on October 4. For more information, visit kimricketts.com.

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