Thursday Tidbits: Global Eats

LOCAL BITES

Table Travels: A Journey In Pictures
A new exhibit at the Museum of Science invites guests on a world food tour that captures the daily diets of men and women across the world. Photographer Peter Menzel and writer Faith D’Alusio joined together to create portraits of the food consumed in one day with corresponding calorie counts. The photo collection “What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets” catalogues the everyday eats of Indian goatherders, Iranian bakers and American truckers, among many others. The exhibit runs until January 1st.

Thoughtful Drinking: Exploring America’s Bar History
Christine Sismondo, author of “America Walks into a Bar,” is holding a book signing at The Boston Shaker in Somerville on Monday, August 8th, 5-6pm. Guests can meet Christine, brush up on their bar history and snack on treats from Eastern Standard Kitchen.

Seriously Holy Guacamole
On August 9th, 6-8pm, guacamole takes center stage in Boston for Guacaholics Anonymous 2 at Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake. Be forewarned: the event probably won’t cure your addiction since the city’s avocado masters are coming out in droves. Look for ZocaloOleTemazcal Tequila CantinaLa VerdadEl PelonBoloco,Papagayo and Anna’s Taqueria, all of whom are trotting out their guacamole ‘best.’ A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lovin’ Spoonfuls and Community Servings. The $15 tickets go fast.

All Day Tomato
Smolak Farms in North Andover is celebrating the harvest with their First Annual TomatoFest on Saturday, August 13th, 11am-5pm. The event features food and drink demonstrations by local chefs and a “Tomato 101” course (how-to grow ‘em, cook ‘em, keep it local). Admission is free.

A Wine Honor
Newburyport’s Ceia Kitchen + Bar recently received the ‘Award of Excellence’ from Wine Spectator for its stand-out wine list, the only Newburyport restaurant to receive this distintion. Read the Spectator’s article for full details.

Birthday Eats at Blue on Highland
Celebrate the fifth-year anniversary of Blue on Highland in Needham, MA, with a month of dining specials. Guests can also attend a birthday party on August 20th featuring complimentary Island Creek Oysters and beer from Harpoon Brewery. RSVP by emailing press@blueonhighland.com or calling 781-444-7001.

Summer Supper
UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge has released its 2011 Restaurant Week prix fixe menu. Highlights of the $33 three-course feast include Green Zebra Striped Gazpacho, Provincetown scallops and a ginger pavlova. The lunch and dinner menus will be served in the Soirée Dining Room and outside in the restaurant’s garden.

 

NATIONAL BITES

Smarter Snacks: Eat Like an Intellectual
An amusing and informative article from this week’s New York Times chronicles the munchies that inspired and sustained some of the greatest minds in American history. Apparently Walt Whitman couldn’t start the day without oysters, F. Scott Fitzgerald had a thing for canned meat and Emily Dickinson was quite the bread baker.

When Opposites Attract: Wal-Mart and the Local Food Movement
What if local, sustainable food wasn’t just good for you, but good for them, too? You’ve probably heard the news that Wal-Mart Stores has warmed significantly to the idea of carrying local produce, encouraging managers to choose fruits and vegetables within a 450 mile radius. Well, such changes, it turns out, have saved the company money — all while meeting American consumers’ growing preferences for seasonal, sustainable foods. Read more, hold your cynicism at bay.

Food Critics Dish: Stories from a Table near You
A new post from CNN’s Eatocracy blog speaks to”A Day in the Life of A Food Critic,” exploring the blessings and challenges of this coveted job. Longtime critic at Bloomberg News, Ryan Sutton, shares stories about disguises, discovery and the profession’s effect on his health. Maybe he needs a weekly op-ed gig, too?