It’s not often you find a chef who whips up French classics and baby purees with equal gusto.

But Roger Herring does. In fact, the chef/owner of Lakeview’s French- and Italian-inspired Socca restaurant is teaching monthly baby food-making classes at Kenmore Live Studio. Herring discovered this passion when he began creating all-natural fruit, veggie, and meat blends for his girlfriend’s daughter, who has restrictive dietary needs.

Classes — all of them free and first-come, first-serve — cover everything from buying ingredients to preparing food to safely freezing it for later. Herring demos recipes (ask him about his chicken-spinach blend) and has rotating experts (dietitians, nutritionists, pediatricians) on hand to field questions.

For those who can’t make classes, videos are streamed live through Kenmore Live Studio’s Facebook page.

Roger Herring’s next baby food class will be December 6 at noon, at Kenmore Live Studio, 678 North Wells Street, between Huron and Erie Streets. Other classes take place on the first Monday of each month, through April 4, 2011. For information, call 312-265-0871 or go to facebook.com/kenmore.

PLAY
Chicago Toy & Game Fair
What: Tinker with the latest amusements from shops and manufacturers large (Hasbro) and indie (Teetersaw).
Why: The giant interactive Wobble board game, in which you throw your body weight around to advance big balls.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., at Lake Shore Dr. (312-595-7437). Adults, $10; children, $5.

GLIDE
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink Opens
What: Millennium Park gives us the big freeze for yet another year, inviting skaters of all ages for a spin.
Why: Ease the chill afterward in front of the fireplace at neighboring Park Grill.
When: Wed.-Mar. 13, 2011.
Where: Michigan Ave., b/t Randolph & Monroe Sts. (312-742-1168). Skate rental is $10.

JUMP
Pump It Up Carnival
What: The drop-off event for kids ages 4 to 9 has old-fashioned funfair games, prizes, and food, plus free range of bounce houses and inflatable slides.
Why: Tucker them out for bedtime.
When: Wed., 3:30-5:30 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.
Where: 821 W. Eastman St., at Dayton St. Tickets at 312-664-7867 or online at pumpitupchicago.com. Adults and children, $20 when ordered online in advance; $25 at the door.

Photo: Courtesy of Kenmore Live Studio