• Chef Blandine Brutel of The French Kitchen recently announced a guided, two-week culinary trip to France set for May 2014. It's costly, but looks super thorough if you're looking for a true view of the scene that's so instrumental in almost all world cuisines today. Here's all the details:"Wedgie Salad"
Iceberg, micro greens, blue cheese whiz, pork belly crackling, ketchup vinaigrette"Frito Pie"
Cauliflower chili, corn chip, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, queso fresco"Beanie Weenie, Mac 'n Cheesy"
Smoked sausage, red beans, cheddar cheese orzo"Beef Flavor Ramen"
Callicrate Beef brisket, quail egg, mushroom, nori, red pepper sauce"RC Cola & Moon Pie"
Your Choice of a Ham (5lbs) or Turkey (8-10lb) plus all 10 items below
3 lbs Yellow Onions
5 lbs Potatoes
2 lbs Green Beans
1 lb Yellow Corn
20oz Candied Yams
1 lb Frozen Cranberries
1 Stuffing Mix
1 Gravy Mix
1 Dozen Rolls
1 Pumpkin Pie
Holiday deadlines are approaching to order boxes, and info is at the above website. I emailed founder Wayne Pendleton to inquire more about the organization and food, and he first noted that Food For All Nations is not directly tied to a religious organization, though "It is based upon Christian values and principles, open to anyone who wants to buy a box of food."
He has partnered with various vendors, and some of the vegetables are locally grown, he says. Major brands are used as well, such as Farmland Hams. Here's more info:
• The Joseph Coleman empire announced a return of its Tres Bites program. Here's the details:
Leading up to Thanksgiving, the three Blue Star Group restaurants will each feature exclusive specials: $5 for a set of the Hawaiian-style Tilapia tacos and a side of tortilla chips at La’au’s; $36 for three courses for two and two pints of Bristol Brewing Co. craft beer at Nosh; and $50 for a four-course meal at The Blue Star. Plus, guests are offered a chance to receive a $10 gift card to the Ivywild School valid at The Old School Bakery, The Principal’s Office and The Meat Locker by visiting all three local restaurant locations during the Tres Bites promotion between Nov. 18 and Nov. 27.