TV Food Network food junkies have a rare opportunity to see and maybe meet some celebrity chiefs next weekend at the 2008 edition of the Fabulous Food Show. Held at Cleveland Ohio’s International Exposition the show starts on Friday, Nov. 14, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 16. This year’s event boasts big personalities and big flavors.

Headliner Paula Deen brings her brand of deep–fried fun to the Main Kitchen Theater at 11 a.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. Saturday. It’s her second appearance at the Cleveland show, following a series of sellout appearances in 2006.

This year other members of the Deen gang have a main stage show. “Bobby Deen and Friends” features Paula’s younger son partnered with her husband, Michael Groover (show times are 2 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday).

Three rising stars who happen to be among the best–humored TV chefs also make their Cleveland debuts this year.

Guy Fieri who was the winner of the second season of “The Next Food Network Star,” and now hosts “Diners, Drive–ins and Dives,” “Guy’s Big Bite” and “Ultimate Recipe Showdown” brings his humor to seven cooking demonstrations. If you don’t watch Food Network, you’ll recognize him as the guy who hosts commercials for TGI Friday’s restaurants.

Curtis Stone, author and host of TLC’s “Take Home Chef,” is a Melbourne, Australia, native. He worked in some of London’s top kitchens before moving to Los Angeles and a career in America. Stone makes two appearances Saturday and three Sunday.

Restaurateur Michael Symon needs no fanfare in his hometown. The winner of the 2007 “The Next Iron Chef” and host of Food Network’s “Dinner Impossible” heads up his own cooking sessions at 4:45 p.m. Friday and Sunday.

Also on the menu this year is:

4 The Culinary Celebration Theatre spotlights regional and international food celebrities. Among the chefs who’ll appear is Andrew Carmellini, a Seven Hills native and New York City restaurateur who has a new book, “Urban Italian” (Knopf). He will appear at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

4 Taste of the Neighborhood, presented by The Plain Dealer, features some of Northeast Ohio’s most popular chefs. Saturday’s lineup is packed with holiday–worthy dinners, including the popular all–star chefs segment. This year it’s “A Fresh and Local Thanksgiving” from 1 to 3 p.m. Novice cooks won’t want to miss the Sunday afternoon program, Cooking 101, featuring four instructors and assistants teaching basic skills and techniques.

4 The Chocolate Bar spotlights demonstrations, displays and samplings of all things rich, suave and sweet. Chocolate experts including Ann Blackwood of Norwalk, Bev Shaffer of Mustard Seed Market and the owners of White Flower Cake Shoppe will lead sessions.

4 Wine lovers and learners will find an array of opportunities at the Wine Theater (seating limited) and the Grand Tasting Pavilion.

4 Rounding out the weekend are the main show floor and Market Place booths and cooking demonstrations; the Celebrity Autograph Pavilion (opportunities to meet some of your favorite culinary stars); and other diversions and edible options.

Whether you’re taking the pulse of the culinary scene, want to learn more about cooking, like to shop for the latest flavors, enjoy sampling food and wine or simply collect recipes, the 2008 Fabulous Food Show is a good opportunity to see, sip and savor.

The 2008 Fabulous Food Show is a three–day exposition featuring an array of culinary celebrities, chefs, food and wine educators, as well as sampling and shopping stations, autograph opportunities and more.

The festivities run Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14–16. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

It is being held at The International Exposition Center, 6200 Riverside Drive, Cleveland. The center is adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

All tickets include general admission and all–day access to the exhibits and most presentations, plus one admission to a celebrity chef performance (while supplies last). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.fabulousfoodshow.com. Day of the show tickets will be also available at the I–X Center. General admission to the 2008 Fabulous Food Show is $25 or $27.50 on the day of the show (all–day admission and a seat for a celebrity chef performance while supplies last). Reserved Gourmet Floor Seating tickets (better proximity to the stage) are $40 and are available as advance–purchase tickets only. Paula Deen performances are $55 and up.

It’s a five to six hour journey with plenty of opportunities to pull off the road and see local attractions en route. Call 800.BUCKEYE or visit www.discoverohio.com for destination information along your route.

Once you arrive on the north coast there is plenty more to see and do in the greater Cleveland. Explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; catch a Broadway performance in the Theater District or browse the collections at the Cleveland Museum of Art. For more information call 888.815.4506 or visit www.positivelycleveland.com.