April Opportunities

There’s so much going on for food enthusiasts of every all persuasions, from the grow your owners and eaters-for-a-cause to out-to-eaters with a hunger to explore that I decided an event round- up was in order.
Cleveland Independents, an association of locally owned dining establishments, is hosting its first ever spring restaurant week, now through April 14, kicking off their plan to make this popular promotion a twice a year event. Sixty organization members located on the east and west sides, in the suburbs and downtown are offering special three courses prixe menus. Most are priced at $33 person although some places may charge a bit more. No matter which place you choose, you’re guaranteed a bargain, meaning this is a great time to discover what our local restaurants have to offer. Menus and more at www.clevelandrestaurantweek.com . Note- this offer is not available on Easter Sunday, April 8.

More out to eat fun at Dinner in the Dark-Rockefeller's in Cleveland Heights on April 16th. As always, a unique line-up of chefs, a menu full of surprises, a night to remember, and money raised for a worthy charity. Must buy tickets in advance, and they go fast, so don't wait.

The beautiful city of Shaker Heights is celebrating its Centennial this year In keeping with its reputation as home to gorgeous gardens, a couple of free lectures open to the public are aimed at those who like to dig in the dirt. Making the Most - and Least - of Invasive Weeds on Wednesday, April 11 at 7 pm at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, will reveal what delicious surprises lurk in your yard. Learn how to prepare them, and what you can do to keep less desirable weeds from flourishing. Registration required. Adding Edibles to your Elegant Garden will be a tutorial in ways to incorporate food plants that are also ornamental into your garden without traditional rectangular beds of crop rows. It will take place on Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm. (Location to be determined.) Registration required.

Lots more information about how to raise some of what you put on your table at Earthfest 2012, April 22 from 10-5 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. There will be hoop house (a simple, build-it-yourself greenhouse) set up in new Local and Sustainable Food Area, along with exhibits about composting, rain gardens, and urban farming. Details at Earthday Coalition.

Sunday evening April 22 is also the date for Cleveland Foodbank’s annual fundraiser. Formerly called Market Under Glass, it has a new name- Market at the Foodbank- and a new location- the organization’s own facility on Waterloo Road. What hasn’t changed is the array of fine things to eat and drink from fifty northeast Ohio restaurants and beverage purveyors, and the opportunity to contribute to Harvest for Hunger. Ticket are $85 per person until 4/21, $100 at the door. Cleveland.com/marketatfoodbank , 216-738-2046

Star struck foodies should check out the celebrity line up for the spring version Fabulous Food Show, April 28 & 29. If names like Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse aren’t enough to get you excited, then maybe the theme, grilling and outdoor entertaining, will fire you up to visit the IX Center. BBQ master and cookbook author Steve Raichlen will be on hand to share some of his encyclopedic knowledge about cooking over coals and flame. The husband and I have attended his presentations in the past and found them-and him- entertaining and enlightening. Better yet, they inspired my guy to become skilled in the arts of dry rubs, wet mops, and slow smoking. Tickets on sale now.