Thursday Tidbits: A Doggy Drink

Photo: JSF/Flickr

Alexandra Dimodica 

LOCAL BITES 

Lots on the menu in Newport…
Spend a day (or three) on the water August 20th through 22nd at the Newport Yachting Center and indulge at the Newport Winefest. Enjoy the scenery, local chefs’ dishes, wine, beer and other spirits.  

Cold War
Beat the heat with a sweet treat at the Ice Cream Showdown in Somerville and Boston on August 21st & 22nd. 

(Fish) Farm to Table
On August 24th dine at the New England Aquarium as part of its Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series, featuring a “fish farm to table” dinner guest-hosted by chef Jeffrey Fournier of 51 Lincoln in Newton. Say hello to the well-dressed penguins while you’re there. 

Fresh fare for free
Visit Smolak Farms on August 25th for the Final 2010 Summer Chef Series Event. Edible Boston and the Wine ConneXtion are in on the free fun. And Executive Chef Samuel Hunt of 15 Walnut will show you the ins and outs of his recipe for Grilled Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad. 

A dog’s happiest hour
For those of you who love to go out but hate to leave your four-legged friend behind, Boston has the event for you. Visit The Beehive on August 29th for K9 & Cocktails II, where your dog will taste broth ‘cocktails’ like “the tail wagger” and eat martini-glass-shaped doggie treats from Polkadog Bakery.

Hoedown on the farm
Mosey anew to Smolak Farms on August 29th and join how2heroes for Hoedown 2010. BBQ, bluegrass, line dancing and a “howdown throwdown baking contest” will ensue. Need I say more? 

Sail (and sip) away
All aboard the Spirit of Boston on September 23rd for Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors’ farewell to summer – VinoVoyageIII. Live Jazz, diverse cuisine and over 250 wines will be there to welcome you. 

Fine living, Newport Mansion style
Yes, it’s another good reason to visit Newport. From September 24th through 26th the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival will bring celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations and, of course, 500 international wines to one beautiful location. 
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NATIONAL TREATS 
Eat, pray, love and drink tea
Inspired by the newly released film (and the book that came before it), The Republic of Tea has created an Eat Pray Love blood orange cinnamon tea

Celebrate local foods, wherever you are
Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods by Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian shares stories and recipes straight from the farmers and sheds light upon six of America’s distinct culinary regions. Dig in!