Thursday Tidbits: A Week to Eat

Photo: 1la/Flickr

LOCAL BITES

Salad with your Pancakes
Whoever said breakfast is the most important meal of the day missed the mark. What they meant was brunch is the most important meal of the week. Correct this generations-perpetuated misconception while supporting a fanstastic cause this Saturday, 1/29 and Sunday, 1/30 at the Greater Boston Food Bank Super Hunger Brunch. Purchase a $25, $30 or $50 certificate for an “exclusive” brunch of donated time, food and service. Each restaurant participates one day. Find participants and their coordinating price and date of brunch here and make a reservation!

Sustainable Seafood
How often do you get to eat crayfish this side of the Mason-Dixon? Chef Stephan Oxaal of B & G Oysters and New England Aquarium Executive Chef Mukesh Ranmarine will prepare line-caught cod, plus farm-raised scallops and crayfish on February 15th as part of the sustainable seafood series at The New England Aquarium. The three-course dinner is $75 for non-members. Two more events are scheduled for 2011. Call (617) 973-5206 for reservations or buy tickets online.

Three Course Meal Deal
Nine participating restaurants in Dorchester and Milton will be serving a $30.10 three-course prix fixe dinner menu Sundays through Thursdays through January 31st for Dorchester-Milton restaurant week. Here’s your chance to try some new places on the (relatively) cheap.

White, Red and Greenmarket
Legislation passed this summer now allows sales and tastings of state-produced wines at farmers markets and other agricultural events. Take advantage this weekend when six farm wineries are scheduled to attend the Wayland Farmers Market Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chocolate in the Dark
Head to Cambridge this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the Chocolate festival at Harvard Square. It seems every business from L.A. Burdick chocolate to TD Bank is offering some sort of chocolate-themed deal for the event. Also, try the chocolate treasure hunt Saturday or dine in the dark at Upstairs on the Square Sunday.

Raw Milk
Massachusetts has introduced legislation deciding whether or not licensed raw milk producers should be allowed to deliver their milk to customers. As it stands, these producers are not allowed to take the milk off the property where it is produced, the Massuchusetts Raw Milk Network said in an email. Voice your opinion by contacting your local representatives.

NATIONAL TREATS

Minimalist Says Goodbye
Mark Bittman has announced that his popular, weekly New York Times column “The Minimalist” is no longer, except for occasional future appearances. To keep us well-fed, he revisits his top 25 favorite recipes, including stir-fried chicken with ketchup. This common condiment has a stigma, but surely style as well.

With a Twist
All Things Considered” reported on the problems citrus groves in Florida are facing due to abandonment. Disease is a major issue, which Bob Adair, a citrus researcher, says is due to introduction of non-native strains through globalization.

What’s that, Flava?
Never before have the words “winner, winner chicken dinner” ever rung so true. Dig out your giant clock necklaces, ladies, and dress up for someplace nice. Flava Flav, former rapper from Public Enemy, has opened his first fried chicken restaurant and says the flavor will “blow up your taste buds, man.” The new place is in Clinton, Iowa. Carpool anyone?

Thirty Minutes or Less
The Denver Post writes how big pizza chains are adding pasta to their menus. Fear not a lack of carbs: one restaurant will even serve it to you in a bread bowl.

Name Dropping
Ever wonder how house brand food compares to a name brand? CHOW looks at Trader Joe’s products and compares them to similar name brand options. It says some of the items are most definitely produced by the same manufacturer.