Restaurant Widow

Get in Line for the North Market's Cooking (and Shopping!) with Chefs Series

Why rephrase?  Here's the press release, hot of the presses.  Or the intertubes, or whatever:

NORTH MARKET CHEF SERIES RETURNS
TO THE DISPATCH KITCHEN

Columbus, Ohio- Based on the overwhelming popularity of the North Market’s first Chef Series cooking classes in the Dispatch Kitchen we have brought three new additions to the franchise! Making its debut is the “Shop with the Chef” sequence to be held on Saturday mornings during the Farmers’ Market season. Class participants will accompany the chef as they shop with North Market farmers and merchants and devise an impromptu menu whose components will include the freshest local ingredients available at the market on that day. Returning is the “Evening Chef Series” sequence with sessions in the summer and the fall. All classes are designed as demonstration classes where participants watch as the chef prepares a special meal and then get to share in the delicious results!

“We are delighted that the first Chef Series cooking classes were so popular that we are able offer another program,” said David Wible, Executive Director for the North Market.  “The classes were so well-liked with the public that we sold them out the first time and we are hoping to do so again. Apparently the chefs enjoyed them too as many of them have returned to teach our upcoming classes.”                                                                                                                                                          

Enrollment begins today for the following classes:

Shop with the Chef Series, Saturdays 10AM-1PM
Limit 20 people, cost $45 per person; $225 series
Saturday, June 7 ~ John Dornback, Basi Italia
Saturday, June 21 ~ Paul Yow, Barcelona
Saturday, July 5 ~ David Tetzloff, G. Michael’s Bistro
Saturday, July19 ~ Matt Langstaff, Bexley’s Monk      
Saturday, August 2 ~ Alana Shock, Alana’s Food + Wine
Saturday, August 16 ~ Robin Davis, The Columbus Dispatch

Summer Evening Chef Series, Wednesdays 6:30-8:30PM
Limit 26 people, cost $60 per person; $300 series
Wednesday, June 4 ~  John Skaggs, Chef at Large
Wednesday, June18 ~ Jason Shelley, Mitchell’s Ocean Club
Wednesday, July 2 ~ Paul Yow, Barcelona
Wednesday, July 16 ~ Chef Rocco, Pastaria
Wednesday, August 6 ~ Matt Prokopchak, Trattoria Roma         
Wednesday, August 20 ~ Matt Langstaff, Bexley’s Monk

Fall Evening Chef Series, Wednesdays 6:30-8:30PM
Limit 26 people, cost $60 per person; $300 series
Wednesday, September 3 ~ Henry Butcher Sr., Creole Kitchen
Wednesday, September 17 ~ Kevin Jones, The Columbus Fish Market
Wednesday, October 1 ~ Paul Yow, Barcelona            
Wednesday, October 15 ~ David Tetzloff, G. Michael’s Bistro
Wednesday, November 5 ~ Matt Prokopchak, Trattoria Roma         
Wednesday, November 19 ~ Matt Langstaff, Bexley’s Monk

The Dispatch Kitchen is located on the second floor of the North Market. Registration is required and enrollment is limited for individual classes. The class fee is $45 per person for the morning series and $60 for the evening series. No more than 20 participants will be accepted for the morning series or 26 for the evening series. The full series may be purchased in advance at a discount.  The morning series is available for $225 and either evening series for $300. To register contact Mary Martineau at the North Market by phone 614-463-9664, by email mmartineau@northmarket.com, or stop by the business office on the second floor of the Market building.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market.  More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items.  The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators.  The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.
Mary Martineau
Director of Marketing
North Market
(614) 463-9664

Things to do in Columbus::May 7th Edition

What a Spring we are having!  The forecast shows nothing but high 60s and low 70s for the next 10 days.  Never mind the rain we're going to have, don't you want green grass?  The asparagus is growing, the morels are up, and strawberries are just around the corner! 

I have so many projects going on right now; it seems as though I went from couch-potato lazy with hours to kill watching Alias reruns to the need to go at almost full speed.  I have finalized the menu for my first RW Sunday Supper, and I think it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.  I am even coming up with a stream of ideas for the coming months! 

There are lots of opportunities to buy plants this weekend, so if your landscaping is looking as bare as mine, you might want to get out there and try your hand at green-thumbing it.  At the very least, get out there and do something!  As always, if you have anything to add, please email me or leave it in the comments.

• I have a confession to make.  I have long wanted to be a comic book writer and/or animator.  Unfortunately, beyond doodling, I am not a very good artist.  So I have to live vicariously through others. Do you know we have the creator of "one of the 10 best graphic novels of all time" living in our midst?  When I discovered that Bone creator Jeff Smith lived in Columbus, I was almost as excited when I realized I lived right around the corner from Charles Vess while I was in college!  (If neither of those names mean anything to you, you clearly aren't a comic book/fantasy dork like I am).  In addition to be highly imaginative and talented, Mr. Smith and his wife are also foodies, which I only know because I have waited on them on a few occassions.  On top of all of that, Smith is also a blogger!  At any rate, I am telling you all of this because the Wexner Center is featuring Jeff Smith and cohorts beginning this weekend and continuing through early August in Jeff Smith:Bone & Beyond, featuring originals by Smith and his biggest influences.  The exhibit starts this Saturday.  I'll be there Sunday, so see you there. 
• This Saturday is the Columbus AIDS Task Force's Art for Life.  This is main fundraising event of the year, and it will feature a silent auction, lots of wine, art, etc.  There are lots of galleries involved, and the event will be held at the Columbus City Center.  CATF is an amazing organization, providing everyday people with everything from assistance in getting their meds to providing counciling and low-cost vet care.  It's a great organization to support.
• This weekend is the Spring plant sale at Franklin Park Conservatory.  Check out their calendar for other events, including summer youth workshops and adult watercolor painting classes.
• Speaking of plant sales, Saturday is the first Worthington Farmer's Market and also the giant plant sale, Plant Fest.  I went last year, and there are tons and tons of plants and planters of all sorts, as well as bird feeders, rain barrels, lawn ornaments, you name it.  I need to plant some herbs this year, so we'll see if I can keep anything alive (except for sage, oregano, and fennel; those are thriving!)  The event takes place on the South greens at the intersection of 23 & 161, in downtown Olde Worthington.
• This Saturday is the Ohioana Book Festival at the State Library of Ohio.  Meet Ohio authors, attend a reading or two, and have your favorite book signed by your favortie Ohio author.  Oh, and another reason for comic book lovers to rejoice - American Splendor writer Harvey Pekar, who you foodies might remember from such Anthony Bourdain No Res. shows as "Cleveland with Ruhlman," will be there!
• Anyone with an interest in shelter farming might be interested in attending an open house this weekend at RainFresh Harvests.   RainFresh is one of the few greenhouses here in Columbus where restaurants and retailers can purchase produce during any time of year - which is still important, because everyone wants lettuce all year, and it's better to get it in Plain City than it would be to ship it from Mexico.  RainFresh is an off-the-grid facility; they produce their own renewable energy.
• Shadowbox is performing Good Vibrations through early June!  The show includes lots of skits and California-themed music.
• This week at Whole Foods, the Friday tasting will be Italy.  Saturday, you can learn how to maximize minimum space when gardening.  Sunday, take Mom to Whole Foods for a great-sounding Sunday Brunch; and Monday, take a Cook's Tour of Whole Foods.  Click over to their calendar for more information.

Things to do in Columbus::April 30th Edition

I think I'm getting really old.  Who can believe it's almost May?!  WE are getting to that time of year when there are more and more events.  Not to mention, the farmer's markets are gradually starting to open over the next few weeks (click here for my "when do they open" column).  I can almost feel summer!

There are so many events coming up, I am certain to miss something.  However, I have learned how to effectively use the "label" feature in Gmail, so hopefully that means I won't forget as many events as I have in the past.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually answer an email or two.

If you have any events to add, please email me or leave them in the comments.

• First up, this Saturday is Cinco d'Ohio at the North Market!  This event will showcase lots of great Ohio Proud products, features cooking demonstrations, and will include salsa and taco contests created by local chefs and amateurs alike!  Events take place throughout the day, from 8a - 4p.  In addition to Cinco d'Ohio on Saturday, Sunday is the first Artisan Sunday at the Market! The spaces occupied by farmers on Saturdays will be overtaken with crafters on Sundays.
• Tonight is another Columbus Underground Movie Happy Hour at Studio 35 (Clintonville).  The double feature is $5 and there will be draft PBR specials.  The Animation Show is one of the featured movies.  I am a huge animation dork and am really hoping I get tomorrow night off work so that I can see the last showing here in Cbus.
• Tomorrow is Taste of the Independents at the Smith Brother's Building in Italian Village.  It's a chance to taste lots of food from Central Ohio's independent chefs (non chain or small chain restaurants).  I worked one of these events a few years ago and it was very fun.  I can't afford to go, but the other food bloggers are covering it for me, fortunately!
• This Saturday is the Gallery Hop in the Short North.  Gallery Hop is a great chance to get to see the artistic side of Columus and is a must-do if you are new to the city.  Find a place to park, stroll through the galleries, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a nice glass of wine. 
• Beginning this Saturday at Rivet Gallery in the Short North (northern end, Garden district) is the "Down the Bunny Hole" custom toy exhibit.  These works look pretty interesting from the pictures, and I can't wait to go down to their gallery to check them out in person, although it will probably make me bitter because I'm not doing anything artistic . . .
• Waterfire on the Mile begins this Saturday; this weekend's festivities will benefit Susan G. Komen foundation; there will be a celebration of breast cancer survivors and music included.
• This Friday, Michael Feinstein will join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
• This weekend is the Central Ohio Folk Festival.  I am guessing there will be lots of tin flutes and fiddles playing.
• The Ohio Historical Society will host an heirloom plant sale this Saturday and Sunday at their location in Columbus.
• Sunday is the Powell Street Market.  Go early, have brunch at the Sedeo Cafe (then email to let me know how it was, because it's a long drive) and stay for all of the street vendors and the like.
• This week at Sur la Table, you can learn: make dinner in Tuscany (well, make a Tuscan dinner), celebrate Cinco de Mayo, make brunch for Mom, learn quick dinners, and Mediterranean grilling.  Click to their calendar for more information.
• Don't forget the Wednesday "Buckeye Bounty" events at Whole Foods Dublin.  This event will celebrate Ohio made goods (and I believe some produce and the like as well) and takes place every Wednesday afternoon 3p - 7p.  I work on Wednesday nights, so I'll have to leave a market report on that to someone else.
• To put on your calendar for next weekend is the Ohioana Liabrary 2nd Annual Book Festival May 10th.  The event features lots of writers - Harvey Pekar will be there for the love of crumb cake!! - there will be book signings, readins, panel discussions - all sorts of good things for the writer or the reader in you!  Who knows, maybe one day I'll be an Ohioana author.  The State Liabrary of Ohio is located in Italian Village (274 E 1st ave).  I might have to cut my market day short to make it to that one.

Things to do in Columbus::April 23rd Edition

First of all, I would like to mentiong that on this day in 2005, when Restaurant Widow was just a baby, we had 2 inches of snow, and I made really yummy brownies.  Seriously, you should try them.  They are the best I've ever had.  But this year, the Lisa the Waitress almanac predicted we would not have snow late in the year, and I think I was right.

At any rate, if you can drag yourself out of the sunshine, here are a few things to spend your time this week.  As always, if you have an event to add, please leave it in the comments!  I will be updating the events later on today.

• First up, this Sunday is another Slow Food Dinner - this time it is at Alana's and features the fabulous wines of importers Patrick & Connie Allen.  Pat & Connie import some of the best wines out there, and they are super cool to boot.  The event is $75 for Slow Food members; nonmembers are asked to make an additional $10 contribution to Slow Food.  It looks as though there are ramps on the menu!  More info.
• There is an Earth Day Fair this Saturday at Goodale Park beginning at noon.  There will be food & education aplenty.
• Beginning this weekend at the Ohio Historical Society, you can see an exhibit of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs.  The OHS is open now Thursdays - Sundays.
• Franklin Park will also be celebrating Earth Day this year with a variety of events, including a ceremonial tree planting.  Don't forget Blooms & Butterflies is ongoing throught the summer as well.
• The Columbus Jazz Arts Group presents New Orleans on Parade this weekend at the Southern Theatre.
• This is the last weekend for Tabloid at Shadowbox Caberet - don't miss their other great shows as well.
• This Friday is the Celebrity Chef Showdown at Lifestyles Pavillion.  The event is an Iron Chef-like event which will pit Columbus chefs against each other to compete for the best dishes surrouding a secret ingredient (at the first Showdown, the secret ingredients were sliders from White Castle).  The event benefits the Columbus Museum of Art.

Things to do in Columbus::April 16th Edition

I hope it's safe to say Spring is here, but I'll say it really quietly, just in case mother nature is listening and is in a bad mood.  But, according to the weather report, there's no more frost in the foreseeable future.  The trees are blooming, some flowers are out, and I'm walking to work today.

So, if your taxes are done and you need to relieve the headache, get outside and get some fresh air!  Sunshine makes everything better!

As always, if there is an event I am missing, please email me or leave it in the comments.

• First up, this Saturday is the CCAD Spring Student Art Sale.  This is one of my favorite events.  I keep saying we are going to have more art in our house, and this is a great opportunity to buy some fabulous art for studen prices.  It's also cool to meet the students, and see the prolific amount of art they produce to take place in this event.  I can't find the event listed anywhere on their website, but it costs $5 and takes place at the Loann Crane Design Center (Cleveland & Long).  $50 gets you early entry (8:30am).  Call 614.224.9101.
• Tomorrow night (Thursday) is Third Thursdays in the Short North!  All of the shops will be open until at least 9pm, giving visitors a chance to shop a few stores which might typically only be open during regular business hours.
• Celebrate Earth Day at the Statehouse this weekend by exploring fossils in the rocks used in the building of the Statehouse.  The tour, guided by a geologist, takes place on Friday at noon.  The Statehouse is also hosting a Student art show from Columbus students in K - 12.
• You can also celebrate Earth Day in the Short North by cleaning out your basement and getting rid of all of that junk you don't know what to do with.  It will be a good opportunity to get rid of some things in a green way - electronics and the like.
• Have a weekend of piano film at the Wexner Center: As part of their Milos Forman retrospective, the Wex will be showing Amadeus on Friday, and on Saturday & Sunday, see Note by Note:The Making of Steinway L1037.  Some of us are piano nerds, and would find that fascinating!
• This weekend is the Glass Axis Spring Art Sale.  You can also make your own pulled glass flower for $35.
• This weekend is another opportunity to mix your Puccini with your popcorn at the Polaris Rave Theatres.  The San Francisco Opera brings us Madama Butterfly this time around.
• This Sunday is the Columbus Toy & Comic Show at Vet's Memorial.  Admission is $3.  Comic Book nerds unite!!
• This Saturday is Agora at Junctionville Studies.  This is one of those fun art events I can never attend because I'm always working on the weekends, but I thing the Junctionville space is really cool, and they've had some great events so far.  Agora starts at 3pm.
• This week in drinking news, Spagio Cellars' tasting this Thursday will feature Spring Wines.
• and in more drinking news, if you have always wanted to create your very own beer list, consider this your chance to become part of the process.  The Columbus Beer Wench has teamed up with Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails for a community-created beer list.  The event is this Sunday at 5pm and costs $15, which includes beer and sweet potato fries.

Now get out there and have some fun!

                                                                                       

Announcing Restaurant Widow Educational Dinners

In an effort to help you navigate the farmer's markets and learn simple dishes to create with your finds, I am planning a series of summer dinners.  Here are my thoughts so far - I look forward to hearing your imput if you have any ideas, including a space for these events. 

• The dinners will (probably) take place on Sunday evenings.
• Unfortunately, because I do not have unlimited resources, I can't offer these dinners for free; however, I will make every attempt to keep them as low-cost as possible by begging some of my favorite restaurant workers to lend their services for free, or at least for food & wine.
• These will not be cooking classes per se, however the recipes for the dinners will be provided at the event.
• I will provide resources for finding the ingredients used.
• It is my plan at this point, to focus on a particular market for each dinner, although because you know me, you can expect them to include items from the North Market, and the Worthington & Clintonville Farmer's Markets.
• These dinners will focus very heavily on seasonal, local ingredients.  At this point, I have translated some traditional recipes to use local ingredients.
• Husband will provide a brief education on each beer or wine selected for each course.
• Dinners are limited to around 16 people.  20 if demand is high and you are willing to wait a few minutes between courses!
• Ideally I would like to limit the dinners to people who I don't hang out with on a regular basis; because you have to listen to me ramble on ad nauseum.
• I would also like to limit these dinners to non-food bloggers, for the same reason as above, and because most of you are already pretty well educated on local foods.
• The basic layout of the evening will be:
  arrive, meet & greet with a cocktail and light canapes
  brief introduction on the season we are in & ingredients used
  each course will have a brief introduction on ingredients, farms, inspiration for dish, and discussion of wine pairing from Husband
• There will be around 4-5 courses.
• I promise you will get your money's worth.
• The first dinner is planned for Sunday, June 8th.  I really wanted to start in May, but with Memorial Day being the last weekend, and being unsure what will be availale earlier than that (with the late start our farmers are getting), June 8th it is.  Expect lots of strawberries and asparagus.
• There will be no free passes for press members, not surprisingly.  I can't afford to bring anyone for free.
• If you have an idea for a location, say an empty loft apartment with a fabulous kitchen and view, for example, please let me know.  Galleries would also work, although room for a kitchen would be good.  Obviously, the cheaper (or free-er!) the rental the better.
• Please let me know any and all of your suggestions/critiques/criticisms/ideas/cost limitations/etc.
• If you have any interest in being the high end of a sliding-scale payment, so that those with more financial restrictions can attend, please let me know; this will be on the honor system, so I'd ask people to not take advantage of the kindness of others.
• If you are a farmer who would like to be featured, please let me know!
• If you would like to attend a dinner, please send me an email.

There will also be a limited number of spots to join me for shopping on Saturday morning; this will include a tour of the farmer's market chosen, which will be very helpful if you are new to farmer's marketing.  Must be willing to get up very early and walk fast!  You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the process I go through when shopping - how to get inspired by the market, the finished dishes I see when looking at raw product, etc.

Okay!  let's see how it goes!

Updates to Things to Do

Every week I keep a running list of things in my head to add to the "Things to do" list, and every week I forget all of them.  Here are a few I remembered or of which I was reminded:

• This Saturday is the "Open Market" at the UU Church in Clintonville.  The Open Market features crafty moms selling their crafty wares.  The Church is located at 93 W. Weisheimer, market from 1p - 3:30p.
• This Saturday is also another Winter farmer's market in Worthington at the Griswold Center.
• OEFFA members & nonmembers alike are invited to learn to make mozzarella this Sunday.  Click for details - you even get to take your mozz home with you!  Fire up the pizza oven!

Things to do in Columbus::April 9th Edition

The joy of sleeping with the windows open, and waking up to hear a light Spring rain and an entire jungle's worth of birds singing - I think Spring is here.

Okay so there are a few cold days in our future, but I think all in all, I thing it's safe to say Spring is here?  (you really hate to say that too loudly around these parts, we could have snow in a New York minute.)

Now that we've discussed the weather, let's discuss the events!  As always, if you have something to add, please leave it in the comments section.

• The Capital Pride Concert Band presents its Spring Concert, Life's a Stage this Saturday at the Capital Theatre.
• This Saturday is another opportunity to see an opera performance without all the fuss of going to the opera: Saturday at Rave Theater (Polaris), you can see the San Francisco Opera perform Don Giavonni.
• To get some culture in your life without being stuffy, Broadway Across American presents the Tony Award Winning puppet adventure Avenue Q, which features full puppet nudity, according to the funny billboard at Goodale & 4th St.
• Bring your little princess to the Princess Tea Party this weekend at the BalletMet performance space and have your picture taken with the heroines from BalletMet performances. 
• Learn about the struggles for freedom and the part the Kelton House played in the Underground Railroad this weekend at Second Sundays:Trails of Hope.
• This weekend is the Health & Fitness Expo at the Hyatt Regency downtown, and also the Cap City half marathon.  Have fun, all of my crazy marathon running friends!  I'm glad I'm here to make you look better!
• Chamber music, anyone?  Chamber Music Columbus presents Artemis String Quartet at the Southern Theatre this Saturday.
• The Wexner Center celebrates the work of filmmaker Milos Forman this week with a screening of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (and next week with Amadeus!).
• Also at the Wexner Center this weekend, a collection of rare film from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
• Vaud-villities, the singing and dancing extravaganza, takes over Vet's Memorial this weekend.
• Next Tuesday is another Columbus Underground Happy Hour at MoJoe in German Village.
• This week at Sur la Table, learn to host a Spring Tapas party, about the global pantry, cooking light, the Mexican kitchen, attend a chocolate workshop, and learn to cook with beer!  Click over to their calendar for more information.
• This week at Whole Foods Dublin, you can learn all about gardening all day Saturday.  You can also learn about natural allergy relief, green spring cleaning, and Monday's Secret Ingredient will feature local products.  Speaking of local products, beginning Wednesday, April 23rd, Whole Foods will have a community market and festival featuring items from local producers.  I'm glad to see they decided not to try to compete with our established farmer's markets this year.  The OSU store still doesn't have a functional calender.

Things to do in Columbus::April 2nd!! Edition

Spring is coming.  This week's forecast has nothing but rain, clouds with a few peeks of sun, and highs in the 50s & 60s.  It's Springish in Central Ohio!  Get out there and enjoy it!

As always, if you have an event to add for this week, please leave them in the comments.  If you would like your event in a future posting, please send me an email with details.

• First of all, it's Gallery Hop this week, and it looks as though the weather is going to be nice for this one, so get out there and shop! and eat!  For those of you who might not know what Gallery Hop is, it is the first Saturday of every month in the Short North (just north of downtown), when all of the shops and galleries stay open until about 10 or 11.  It's a great way to become familiar with Columbus if you're new to town.  Be sure to brush up on Short North parking before you arrive.
• The Kids in the Hall are coming to the Wexner Center on Sunday!  There are still tickets available!  Click for more information.
• Next Thursday is WOSU's annual Spring fundraiser "Chefs in the City."  This year's event features Joanne Weir, PBS cooking show host, as well as food and chefs from Latitude 41, the Granville Inn, The Westin, Jeni's and more.  The dinner and auction will be taped and aired on PBS April 24th.  Tickets are $125 a person (guess they didn't listen to my advice on attracting young, middle class folks instead of just their admitted demographic - old rich white people.  Oh well).  I'm sure the event is very fun and I've wanted to attend in the past; unfortunately, I can't afford it and no one has asked me to be a waitress yet.  The event takes place at the Dispatch Kitchen in the North Market.
• This Sunday is another exciting bout for the Ohio Roller Girls!
• Although there is no winter farmer's market in Worthington this weekend, there is a class Saturday (at the Griswold Center) on starting your garden from seeds - now is the time to get those seeds started for outdoor planting in May.  Click over to Sustainable Worthington for more information.
• This weekend is the Growing to Green conference at Franklin Park Conservatory; learn all about Community Gardens - how to plan one and how to use one, all sorts of great education.  Also, don't forget that it's Blooms & Butterflies, and, did you know that if you have a group of 10 or more, FPC will host classes for your small groups?  What a cool idea.
• Can't get to the Met?  Need a low-key intro to the opera before you go to the full-on live performance?  Want a mega bucket of extra buttered popcorn with your Puccini?  Well, head to Marcus Cinemas this weekend to see a live, streaming HD performance of Puccini's La Boheme performed at the Met.  I've heard these are pretty cool.  And much cheaper than flying to New York and putting on your favorite opera cape.
• If you're in the mood for a little chamber music this weekend, check out ProMusica's "Strictly Chamber" at the Southern Theatre.  Performances are Saturday & Sunday (love those Sunday performances!)
• This weekend, the Columbus Symphony Chorus presents Mahler's Symphony No 2, "Resurrection" featuring soprano Lauren Skuce and mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov.
• This Saturday, how about taking a walk with a cardiologist?  Walk with a Doc is a weekly event for those who are interested in improving their health.  The walk takes place at Highbanks park (north of Worthington) and includes free healthy snack as well as health services (blood pressure tests, pedometers, etc).  Walkers of all levels are encouraged to participate.
• This Friday at the Refectory, you can enjoy the cuisine of Cyprien Ragueneau in this month's installment of First Fridays, which celebrate the cuisine of famous French chefs.  There are sweetbreads!  And, for those of you who have always wanted to try the Refectory but are scared of the price tag (it's not as expensive as its reputation), be sure to enjoy the April tax relief menu, which features a 3 course menu from a selection of regular menu items (vs. the bistro menu) for only $35. 
• This week at Sur la Table, you can learn Sushi, Spring Dinner Party, Festive Spring Desserts, Date Night, Napa Style, Basic Bread Baking, Moroccan Cooking, and all about Salmon.  Click over to their calendar for more information.

Things to do in Columbus::March 26th Edition

Good news, fellow Central Ohioans - according to the weather report, we are in for 10 days of weather in the 50s!  Coming out of winter, it's like saying we're in for sunshine & 80s.  It's finally time to start walking to work again!  I know, I know, some of you will brave anything to get to work without a car, but, well, I'm not quite so hardy. 

At any rate, it's time to get outside and start enjoying the Spring - because here in Central Ohio, you never know when winter will make another show.

As always, if you have any events to add, please be sure to let me know.  I am really forgetful and, although I know I should be writing things down to remind myself, it doesn't always happen.

• Speaking of getting out of doors, if you need some inspiration to do so, Tuesday is the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which celebrates the best of outdoor & adventure films - snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, etc.  Of course, there are tons of other things happening at the Wex, including a lot of the Out @ Wex films which were rescheduled due to the blizzard.  Check out their website for the full list of events.
• This Saturday, Due Amici is shutting off the lights to celebrate Earth Hour - enjoy dinner or drinks entirely by candlelight from 8pm - midnight.
• Proving Spring is on its way, this weekend is the first Crew game, for all of you soccor peeps.
• This weekend is the Aladdin Shriners' Circus at the Ohio Expo Center.  Tickets are $8 - $15.
• I know a lot of you out there are crafty folks - this weekend is the Memories Scrapbook Expo at the Ohio Expo Center.  I can't imagine how many reams of specialty paper I might stock up on if I ventured over there.  I am a complete sucker for paper products, even though I don't scrapbook.
• Speaking of things happening at the Expo Center, this weekend is also the Scott Antique Market.
• Through April 6th, the Riffe Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Ohio artists who are participating in residency programs abroad.  Bring the kids by the gallery on Sunday so they can creat their very own artist's journal while touring the galleries.
• Don't forget about Blooms & Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory!  Butterflies are released daily at 1 & 3pm.  If you go this weekend (29th & 20th), you can even see & buy orchids from the Central Ohio Orchid Society.
• This Saturday is Spark Columbus!  Spark is an art event where artists can hang their own work without going through all of the rigamarole of getting their own gallery space. 
• This week at Sur la Table, you can learn: International appetizers, the Perfect French Dinner Party, Cooking Light, Knife Skills, how to make risotto and sushi basics.  I keep meaning to take one of their sushi classes and I keep not doing it!  Click over to their calendar for more detailed information.
• And this week at Whole Foods, the kids can learn the science of cakes tomorrow, Friday's tasting will feature wines from New Zealand, Saturday morning, moms-to-be can learn about pregnancy health & fitness, and Monday's tasting will features customer favorites.  Click over to their calendar for more detailed information.  The OSU location still doesn't appear to have a calendar of events.