Meet chef Rocco Whalen at the I-X Center

CLEVELAND - Local chef, Rocco Whalen, says he’s looking forward to meeting his food-loving fans this weekend at The Great Big Home & Garden Expo.

Saturday and Sunday, he’ll be at the I-X Center grilling quail and whipping up chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon on the main stage.

Whalen will also serve as a judge for The Loretta Paganini cooking challenge, which involves local students.

“It’s a good way for me to give back to the community, but also give back to some young, aspiring chefs and either Gordon Ramsay on them, or go easy on them,” Whalen said.

For many, it’s a chance to meet the famous foodie who recently slimmed down after appearing on The Food Network show “Fat Chef,” where he lost 85 pounds in 103 days. All together, Whalen is now 130 pounds lighter. He’s now inspiring many others to eat healthier.

The Great Big Home & Garden Expo runs Feb. 4 to 12. You can get discounted tickets online or by visiting AAA or Home Depot locations.

If you can’t make it to the expo, you can still sample Whalen’s food at his Fahrenheit restaurant or food truck, as well as at Rocco's Nachos & Tacos inside Quicken Loans Arena.