Week of Foodie-Focused Events...

Some great events this week - check it out!

Monday, March 29th, 2010

• Dine-Out St. Albans - The Franklin County Business and Professional Women's Organization and the St. Albans Historical Museum have joined with eight local restaurants to offer Vermonters an opportunity to enjoy familiar restaurants, try new ones and support local nonprofit programs. FCBPW will use its portion of the proceeds of this program to support its high school and adult scholarships, which are given annually. The museum will use its portion of the proceeds to develop the research room at the Historical Society. Dine Out-St. Albans cards are sold at all participating restaurants, by members of sponsoring organizations and can be ordered by telephone from Pearl Gilbert at 527-1988. The cost is $20 and is good for an unlimited number of visits at all participating restaurants during the month of April. It entitles the bearer to 20 percent off all food purchases for up to four people per visit. Alcohol, gratuity and sales tax are not included. The participating restaurants are Chow Bella!, Cosmic Bakery, Jeff's Maine Seafood, Katie's Restaurant, KJ's, Mimmo's, One Federal Street and the Park Cafe.

Tuesday, March 31st, 2010

• Green Drinks - Activists and professionals for a cleaner environment raise a glass over networking and discussion.Tuesday, March 30, 6–8PM at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. Free.
• 'Smart About Solar' - Renewable energy experts cover the green benefits of grid-connected photovoltaics, as well as incentives for implementing sun-powered energy solutions in homes and businesses. Tuesday, March 30, 7–8:30PM atYestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren. Free.
• Italian Easter Pastries - As a young girl growing up in an extended Italian Family in South Philadelphia, Adele Dienno learned to cook alongside her Italian grand mother, her mother and four aunts. Now the president of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association (VICA), Adele is passionate about sharing her knowledge of traditional Italian food and spreading the joy of Italian cooking through cooking classes. In this class Adele will walk you through the steps to create delicious Easter pastries passed down to her from her own Italian family. In Italy, at Easter time, many families make their own version of ricotta cheese pie; Adele will demonstrate her favorite recipe using citrus. Second you will learn to make a unique Italian pastry called Sfogliatelle, a sea shell shaped pastry filled with slightly sweet ricotta. Lastly you will learn to make fresh homemade cannoli shells; amazingly easy if you know the right tricks! This class is a combination of hands-on cooking and demonstration. There will be plenty of eating (as always!) and students will take home their own hand made cannoli. On the Menu: Ricotta Cheese Pie, Sfogliatelle and Cannoli. This class costs $35 and is hands-on and demonstration style. To reserve your place in class, please register and pay below or call us at Healthy Living, 802.863.2569 ext 1.
  
• Ben Hewitt - In his new book, The Town That Food Saved, this native Vermonter captures a community that created a functional and vibrant local food system. Tuesday, March 30, 7PM at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier. Free.
• Spring Beer Dinner with Tigris - Rocket Salad served with Schneider Aventinus, Crab cakes or Seafood Chowder served with Tripel Karmeliet, Beef Wellington served with Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, or Free Range Statler Chicken served with Saison Dupont. Also Chocolate Molten Cake served with Sinebrychoff Porter, and Cheese Plate served with Scaldis. $65 per person. For reservations call Ye Old England Inne's Mr. Pickwick's Gastropub on the Mountain Road in Stowe, 253-7558.

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

• 'Smart About Solar' - Renewable energy experts cover the green benefits of grid-connected photovoltaics, as well as incentives for implementing sun-powered energy solutions in homes and businesses. Demeritt Conference Room, Building 9. Wednesday, March 31, 7–8:30PM at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in Waterbury. Free.
• 'Lunch & Learn' - Greenhouse supervisor Ann Whitman gets green thumbs set up to grow under glass in "Creating Terrariums and Bottle Gardens." Wednesday, March 31, 12–12:45PM at Gardener's Supply in Williston. Free.
• Lamoille Valley Year-Round Farmers Artisan Market - Farmers and food producers fill Vermonters' totes with local and organic dining options, including eggs, cider, seeds and cow cheeses. Wednesday, March 31, 3–7PM atRiver Arts Center in Morrisville. Free.
• John Elder - Middlebury College's professor of English and environmental studies examines how climate change affects maple sugaring in "A Party in the Woods." Reception begins at 4:30 p.m.; lecture starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 5:30PM at Bailey/Howe Library, UVM in Burlington. Free.
• Kevin Kelley & Karen Amirault - Vermonters engage in armchair traveling as these avid cyclists recall "Bike Touring in the Baltics." Wednesday, March 31, 6–8PM atThe Spot in Burlington. Free; cost of food.
• The Art of Stuffing Meat and Poultry - Take an everyday cut of meat or poultry, stuff it with something wonderful and you’ll turn that everyday cut into something really special. In this class you will learn the art of cutting, pounding, stuffing and tying roasts and ballotines. There’s a lot to learn here, so join me as I prepare three innovative dishes that all utilize different techniques for stuffing meat. Learn why different cuts of meat are better suited for stuffing than others. We’ll prepare dishes using pork, beef and chicken to show the versatility of this classic technique. Stuffed roasts are not only beautiful, but delicious as well, so come see (AND TASTE) for yourself! On the Menu: Chicken Thighs Stuffed with Swiss Chard, Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins, Pork Loin Saltimbocca and Herb Stuffed Beef Tenderloin. This demonstration costs $15. To reserve your place in class, please register and pay below or call us at Healthy Living, 802.863.2569 ext 1

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

• Vermont Organics Recycling Summit - Got compost? Environmentalists, waste-management pros and others gather to examine how organic trash can build soil and community. Thursday, April 1, 8:30AM–4PM at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. $40.
• Spaghetti Dinner - Plates of stringy, sauce-smothered pasta raise funds for a middle school trip to Boston.Thursday, April 1, 5–7PM at Milton Middle/High School in Milton. $5-7 donation, or $20 per family.
• Leif Richardson - A Vermont Fish & Wildlife land ecologist gives "The Buzz on Native Bumblebees" in a talk addressing their declining population — and what can be done about it. Orchard Room, Franklin Environmental Center.Thursday, April 1, 6:30PM at Middlebury College in Middlebury. Free.
• Meet the Farmer: Jericho Settlers Farm, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Healthy Living Market. Mark and Christa from Jericho Settlers Farm will be in our produce department promoting their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Learn more about CSAs, sample some carrots and sausage from their farm and maybe decide to sign up!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

• Haygrove Hoophouse Skinning at Half Pint Farm - 7am - 11am at Burlington's Intervale. Ever put plastic on a 1/2 acre hoophouse? Wanna come see how it's done and get a little early morning exercise in the process? Many hands will make very light work of this big job and help us to officially get our season underway. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided - please email Mara & Spencer Welton at info@halfpintfarm.com if you are interested in helping.
• Family Night: Quiche to Go - Join us at King Arthur Flour to make a tender crust and fill it with your family's favorites, then go home with dinner for four, including salad and dessert. $60. Register at 800-652-3334 or www.kingarthurflour.com.
• Community Fish Fry and Dance - Hosted by the Men’s Auxiliary at VFW Post 6689 at 73 Pearl Street, Essex Junction. Dinner served 6-7 p.m., followed by dancing to DR E’s Dancing Machine until 10 p.m. Dinner includes baked or fried haddock, mashed potatoes or french fries, cole slaw, dessert and coffee/tea. 878-0700.
• David Pimentel - As part of the Plant and Soil Science Seminar Series, this Cornell University speaker mulls over "Food, Biofuels and the Environment." Room 411. Friday, April 2, 12:45–1:45PM at Lafayette Hall, UVM in Burlington. Free.
• Ernesto Méndez - The local author of Confronting the Coffee Crisis: Fair Trade, Sustaining Livelihoods and Ecosystems in Mexico and Central America puts that morning cup in perspective. Friday, April 2, 7–8:30PM atUnitarian Church in Montpelier. Donations accepted.
• Book Party - Food and drinks mark the release of Vermonter Creston Lea's collection of short stories, Wild Punch. Friday, April 2, 6–8PM at Penny Cluse Café in Burlington. Free.

Saturday, April 2nd, 2010

• Spring Maple Events at Dakin Farm - March 20-21, 27-28, and April 3, three fun-filled weekends at both locations: Route 7 in Ferrisburgh and 100 Dorset St., South Burlington. Fun for everyone: See boiling sap, all you can eat pancake breakfast, live Bluegrass music, free balloons, dozens of free samples, sugar on snow. www.dakinfarm.com or 425-3971.
• Easter Pancake Breakfast - Moose Lodge 1090, 43 Lake Street, St. Albans. $3 adults, children under 12 eat free. Join us before the Easter Egg Hunt in the Park.
• It's All Arthur's Fault: Italian Cooking - Discover the variety of foods available beyond spaghetti or lasagna. Experience the difference from northern, southern and regional cuisines. We’ll use a variety of ingredients to demonstrate the simple, but incredible combinations that can be achieved. The menu may include: Crostini, Asparagi di Campo, Carpaccio, Linguini tutu Mare, Mitili Cotti a Vapore, Minestra di Ovoli, Bucatini all’Amatriciana and Risotto di Scampi. $110 per student. The classes include dinner for the student and a guest. www.itsarthursfault.com, 4 John Davis Drive, Jericho, VT.
• Mud Season Gala - At a West African-themed occasion, chef David Hale serves native cuisine, and Movement of the People perform the music of late Nigerian artist-activist Fela Kuti. Saturday, April 3, 7PM at Old Labor Hall in Barre. $7-20; cash bar.
• 'Prepping Beds for Seedlings' - First-time sowers smarten up on sprouting healthy, vibrant plants. Preregister.Saturday, April 3, 9:30–11:30AM at Gardener’s Supply in Burlington. $10.
• 'Pruning Workshop' - Fruit-tree fanatics take note of taming and shaping techniques demonstrated by Dave Wilcox of the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–1PM at Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. Free.
• 'Art of Fermentation' - Executive chef and brewer John Kimmich breaks down the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohols in a class benefiting Revitalizing Waterbury and the Waterbury-Duxbury Food Council. Participants sample kombucha, kimchee, beer and bread. Saturday, April 3, 2–3PM at The Alchemist Pub & Brewery in Waterbury. $5.
• Caledonia Winter Farmers Market - Freshly baked goods, stored veggies, beef and maple syrup feature prominently in displays of "shop local" options. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–1PM at Welcome Center in St. Johnsbury. Free.
• Champlain Islands Winter Farmers Market - Shoppers' totes fill with jellies and preserves, artisan cheeses and baked goods, and cold-weather produce. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–2PM at South Hero Congregational Church in South Hero. Free.
• 'Kombucha & Fermented Drinks' - Folks learn to make the healing tonic beverage — which boasts benefits such as increased energy and better skin — and take home some starter. Saturday, April 3, 12:30–2PM at City Market in Burlington. Free.
• Maple Syrup Celebration - Tours of the brand-new sugarhouse are chased by an 11 a.m. brunch of things on which to drizzle the end product. Preregister. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–12PM at Rock Point School in Burlington. $3-5.
• Montpelier Winter Farmers Market - Root veggies, honey, cheese and prepared international foods change hands at a biweekly, off-season celebration of area edibles, accompanied by a seed-starting demo and Celtic music by Sheefra. Alumni Hall Gymnasium. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–2PM at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. Free.
• Rutland Winter Farmers Market - Wintertime produce joins handcrafted soaps, wood creations and other novelties at this weekly local bazaar. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–2PM atOld Strand Theater in Rutland. Free.
• Shelburne Winter Farmers Market - Twenty-five vendors peddle fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, eggs and meat, along with baked goods and unique Vermont crafts. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–2PM at Shelburne Town Gym in Shelburne. Free.
• Sugar on Snow - Hardened maple syrup edibles usher in spring at an outdoor party. Saturday, April 3, 12–4PM at Palmer's Sugarhouse in Shelburne. $4; free to watch.
• 'Springtime at the Farm' - Farm babies have arrived! Families meet the new lambs, chicks and calves, while horticulturalists take in a discussion of heirloom vegetables grown on site. Saturday, April 3, 10AM–3PM at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. $4-8.
• Ben Hewitt - In his new book, The Town That Food Saved, this native Vermonter captures a community that created a functional and vibrant local food system. Saturday, April 3, 7PM at Phoenix Books in Essex. Free.

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

• Church Breakfast - Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast with family and friends between 8:00 am and 10:30 am. There will be drawings for free breakfasts and a raffle. Adults $8, seniors over 60 and kids 6-12 $6, children under 6 years free. families with five or more $27. St. Peter's Church, Parish Hall, King Street, Vergennes, VT.
• Easter Brunch at Topnotch Resort in Stowe - Starting at 10:30 a.m., we will be hosting an all all-out egg hunt in our Living Room with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself! Following the Egg Hunt, come and feast on our unique, custom, Easter Brunch served up by Chef Mark Timms and his staff in Norma's. The menu will be fresh and different, with drink specials as well. $38/person, $19 children under 12, not including tax and an 18% gratuity will be added to all checks. 400 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT. 802-253-8585.
• Easter in the Ballroom - Doubletree Burlington is offering our annual Easter in the Ballroom buffet with seatings at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m. Serving a scrumptious menu including items such as carved baron of beef, carved maple glazed ham, scallop scampi, chicken stuffed with Swiss cheese and artichoke, waffles with assorted toppings, Vermont cheese display, and more. $23.95 adults, $11.95 children 12 and under, $5 children 5 and under. Call 660-7523 for details and reservations.
• Burlington Cohousing Potluck - Community members bring a dish to share as they meet, mingle and learn about collaborative living. Sunday, April 4, 6PM at East Village Cohousing in Burlington. Free.
• Sugar on Snow - Hardened maple syrup edibles usher in spring at an outdoor party. Sunday, April 4, 12–4PM atPalmer's Sugarhouse in Shelburne. $4; free to watch.