Lunch and Judy — An event called Bread, Puppets and Fromage wraps up French month at Detroit's Avalon International Breads. Their July celebration of French cuisine culminates in a daylong event combining a bread and cheese tasting with music and puppet theater. On Saturday, July 22, the bakery will present The Little Prince by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, with puppets and puppeteering by local artist Bec Young. Show times are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the Syreens, an all-female acoustic string band, entertaining between shows. At 422 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-832-0008.
Great whites — Michael Korn of Wines of Distinction will come to Emily's Restaurant in Northville at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, to host the Summer White Wine Dinner, also known as the "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay) dinner. The dinner promises a selection of great white wines for summer. The menu will feature lighter fare, such as fish, seafood and poultry. Reservations required. At 505 N. Center, Northville; 248-349-0505; $130 per person inclusive.
Home style — Appliance manufacturer Jenn-Air and Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to end hunger in America, have teamed up to find Detroit's Top Home Chef. Interested home chefs should submit a signature recipe and a 250-word essay explaining why they deserve the title of Detroit's Top Home Chef at tasteofthenation.org/detroit, or mail their recipe and essay to Detroit's Top Home Chef, c/o Carmichael Lynch Spong, 999 18th St., Ste. 3000, Denver, CO 80202. Entries must be received by Monday, July 31.
Eat the Page
Lyrics of an old song recently came to mind, "Save the bones for Henry Jones, 'cause Henry don't eat no meat." What better book to celebrate Henry than Bones: Recipes, History, and Lore by Jennifer McLagan (Morrow Cookbooks, $34.95) Bones is about meat on the bone, be it beef or veal, lamb or game, poultry or fish. Regardless of the cooking method, the results will be better if the meat is cooked on the bone, which is every bit as crucial to depth of flavor as the fat that many eschew for its cholesterol and calories. This book is about cooking slowly, allowing the flavors to develop.
A Tasty Beverage
Yes, we've mentioned Bolt-house Farms before, but some of their new drinks are worthy of another visit. The Cranberry Lemonade is as great-tasting as it is healthful. Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappuccino is a blend of Arabica coffee, premium cocoa and pure Madagascar vanilla extract. Loaded with vitamins B6, C and B12 as well as magnesium, zinc and potassium, anything this healthful should not taste this good. These drinks are all natural, no sugar added. Whole Foods has the best selection that we have found, but they are widely available all over town for about $4 a quart.
It Works
Kingsford Charcoal claims that their new grooved briquettes are easier to light, reach cooking temperature faster and will burn longer. Have they built a better mousetrap? We cannot say for sure, but we are enjoying the empirical studies that we are conducting. One testimonial even says that they burn hotter, thus they are better for grilling a steak. If you can figure out how to control the heat, smoking a slab of ribs will be within your reach too. We can't guarantee your success, but we urge you to try.
Know of any new restaurants, special dinners or food events? Let us know. Send info two weeks in advance to [email protected].