This week and weekend

The Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts’ 2009 Mardi Gras Celebration is Saturday at the Father Marot CYO Center, 53 Federal St., Woonsocket. Fine Catering by Russell Morin of North Attleboro will serve a Cajun buffet featuring andouille and Tasso jambalaya, Louisiana meat pie, chicken big mamou on fettucine and corn macaque choux. Music by JJ Caillier and the Zydeco Knockout of Louisiana, with Slippery Sneakers opening. Tickets are $25 and should be purchased today, as only a limited number will be available at the door for $30. Call (401) 762-9072 or visit the Web site, nrica.org.

Wakefield Liquors, 667 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield, (401) 783-4555, hosts Italian winemaker Lionello Marchesi, the owner of three estates in the heart of Tuscany today from 3 to 5 p.m. Sample Marchesi wines from each of his vineyards, including his Brunello Di Montalcino and hear his stories. This wine event will include a selection of Italian foods from Store Four.

Chabot Fine Art Gallery, 379 Atwells Ave., Providence, (401) 432-7783, chabotgallery.com, hosts A Taste of Romance with Decadent Catering and Mionetto Prosecco on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists — Jeffrey M. Sparr, Jacqui Faye, Carolyn Latanision, Lenny Rumpler, Neal Drobnis and Lee Chabot — and eat and drink.

Chef Amy Smith, culinary concepts director for Whole Foods Market, demonstrates simple and seasonal One-Pot Meals tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at University Heights, 601 North Main St., Providence, (401) 621-5990. Dishes include Pasta with Ricotta and Peas, Chicken Tortellini Stew, Potato Leek Soup and Shrimp and Noodles. The demonstration is part of a new monthly program “Seasonal Kitchen,” a mini “how-to” cooking magazine that offers a variety of recipes, tips and tricks ranging from chef’s shortcuts, seasonal pantry additions, tips on healthy and seasonal snacks, recipes and kitchen gadget advice. All recipes have five to nine ingredients.

For Valentine’s Day

Blueberry Cove Inn, 75 Kingstown Rd., Narragansett, (800) 478-1426, blueberrycoveinn.com, hosts “Morning, Noon and Night Chocolate Weekend,” Feb. 13 to 15, with 20 to 30 different treats like raspberry mousse cake, coconut-macadamia nut fudge cake, orange-chocolate torte, endangered turtle pie, chocolate cannoli, caramel praline cakes, cream puffs and éclairs, chocolate chip cheesecakes and and some breakfast items that include chocolate. Also featured are a late afternoon chocolate snack buffet, 4 to 6 p.m., and an after-dinner dessert buffet, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. A Chocolate Slumber Party weekend package is also available.

Carrabba’s Italian Grille, 1350 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, (401) 827-8880, offers Dal Cuore (From the Heart) Nights, a pre-Valentine’s Day event, Feb. 11 and 12, featuring a fixed price menu and $10 off any bottle of wine including Ruffino’s Dal Cuore di Carrabba wine, a limited-edition baby Super Tuscan created exclusively for Carrabba’s. The menu includes an appetizer, entrée (including sirloin Marsala, chicken Bryan, chicken Marsala, pollo Rosa Maria and grilled salmon with the sauce of the day) and a mini-dessert for less than $20.

Carrie’s Seafood, 1035 Douglas Ave., Providence, (401) 831-0066, carrieslobstersand

seafood.com, will be serving 3-pound lobsters, preparing them in a variety of ways and also available for takeout. Reservations suggested.

Cater to You Bakery, 233 Child St., Warren, (401) 245-3055, has Valentine’s Day treats including chocolate-dipped strawberries, gourmet apples, chocolates, truffles, cookie arrangements and fresh roses. They are also taking orders for their special, six chocolate-dipped strawberries and one dozen roses.

The Chocolate Delicacy, 219 Main St., East Greenwich, dips strawberries for Valentine’s Feb. 12-14. Advance orders can be placed by calling (401) 884-4949. Also available are chocolate hearts and heart boxes filled with chocolates, truffles, buttercrunch, nonpariels and more.

Cucina Mista, 455 Main St., East Greenwich, (401) 398-2900, cucinamista.com, accepts reservations and their menu includes steaks, pasta, seafood and grilled pizzas.

Edgewood Café, 1864 Broad St., Cranston, 383-5550, accepts reservations for a fixed price dinner including appetizer, soup or salad, entrée and dessert for $39 per person (includes corking fee), with seatings at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Gregg’s Restaurants & Pubs is offering cherry pie and the return of their Valentine desserts for two, including a giant éclair, a heart-shaped cheesecake and chocolate heart cake. The items will be available Feb. 12 to 15 for dine-in or take-out at all Gregg’s locations: 1359 Post Rd., Warwick, (401) 467-5700; 1940 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, (401) 438-5700; 1303 North Main St., Providence, (401) 831-5700; 4120 Quaker Lane (Route 2) North Kingstown, (401) 294-5700.

The Grille on Main, 50 Main St., East Greenwich, (401) 885-2200, celebrates with a fixed price menu from Feb. 9 to 13. The four-course meal is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Heritage Tap, 264 Grand Ave., Pawtucket, (401) 725-8245, features seafood bisque; eggplant Neapolitan (roasted red peppers, artichokes, portabella mushrooms), $12.95; apple and pear rolled baked pork with an apple/pear cilantro gravy, $14.95; mini beef Wellington, $15.95; surf and turf with stuffed shrimp, $17.95, and a homemade Valentine dessert trio of chocolate mousse, mini éclair and truffles served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence, (401) 453-6500, thehihat.com, that offers two appetizers (mushroom ravioli or baked clams and oysters), house greens, six entrées (pistachio crusted lamb rack, roasted chicken breast, sweet potato crusted salmon, seafood penne, stuffed Portobello or steak ), and two desserts (chocolate wontons or crepes). The cost is $55 per person. Entertainment by the Tony Cipolla Trio from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and by Brass Attack from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

IL Fornello, 16 Josephine St., North Providence, (401) 722-5599; ilfornellori.com, accepts reservations and will be serving Italian cuisine.

Langworthy Farm Winery, 308 Shore Rd. (Route 1A), Westerly, (401) 322-7791, langworthyfarm.com, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a wine tasting pairing wines with chocolate truffles from Hauser Chocolates, Feb. 14 and 15, noon to 5 p.m. The cost is $7.50 and includes a special logo glass to take home.

Laurel Lane Country Club, 309 Laurel Lane, West Kingston, (401) 783-3844, laurellanecountryclub.com, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a Spanish wine dinner featuring hors d’oeuvres with Cava sparkling wine, a five-course dinner and wine pairing, and DJ entertainment. 6:30 p.m. $50, including tax. Reservations only. Call Aggie Clifford (401) 965-8388 or e-mail aggie@laurellane

countryclub.com.

Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. (exit 79A off Route 395), Uncasville, Conn. (888) 226-7711, mohegansun.com, offers Valentine’s Day menu specials at some of its restaurants including Big Bubba’s BBQ, Feb. 14; Geno’s Pub, Feb. 14; Michael Jordan’s Steak House, Feb. 9 to 12; Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe, Feb. 9 to 12, and the Sol Toro Tequila Grill, Feb. 14.

Pinelli’s Café at Night, 701 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, (401) 821-8828, offers a trio of sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach-bacon-bleu cheese salad, pork tenderloin stuffed with proscuitto and mozzarella, Panko-crusted tilapia and dark chocolate-covered fresh fruit lollipops with a chocolate mousse shooter. The Valentine’s fixed price menu is offered Feb. 9 to 13 and is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Pinelli’s Cucina Grille, 900 Victory Highway, North Smithfield, (401) 767-2444, celebrates Valentine’s Day, Feb. 9 to 13, with a fixed price menu of sole Française or maple brined pork tenderloin, oysters Rockefeller, sweet potato bisque or roasted red beet goat cheese salad and bananas Foster bread pudding. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Pinelli’s Cucina Twist, 2095 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, (401) 789-5300, features a Valentine’s Day fixed price menu Feb. 9 to 13 with grilled salmon fillet over watercress with strawberry walnut champagne vinaigrette, basil pesto pan-seared chicken with provolone ravioli, Panko crusted portobellos, baby spinach salad and strawberry and chocolate mousse. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Post Office Café, 11 Main St., East Greenwich, (401) 885-4444, offers a Valentine’s Day fixed price menu Feb. 10 to 13. Selections include braised short ribs, roasted garlic shrimp, soup or café salad and chocolate creme brulee with fresh strawberries along with the café’s selection of half-priced wines. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

The Providence Courtyard by Marriott, 32 Exchange Terrace, 272-1991, courtyard.com/pvddt, has teamed up with the Capital Grille for “Wine, Dine and Rest Easy” Valentine’s Day special Feb. 13. The package includes a $100 gift certificate for the Capital Grille where guests receive a free pan-fried calamari appetizer and a special tasting of Stoli Doli as well as overnight accommodations at the Marriott, which includes a breakfast buffet. The cost is $249 per couple. For online reservations, use promo code p42.

Rasoi Restaurant, 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, (401) 728-5500, offers fixed price Thali for Valentine’s Day. The meal will be served in little bowls on a large round platter called Thali and features corn almond and walnut tikki, honey chicken tikka, plantain kofta (banana croquettes stuffed with dried figs, raisins and fresh mint and cooked in a creamy paste of melon seeds and cashews), dalcha (boneless lamb cooked with lentils, subtly soured with tamarind and southern spices), rogni naan, basmati rice pilaf and strawberry phirni for dessert. The cost is $20.

State Lounge, 1 Throop Alley, Providence, offers a $35 per couple “Let Us Win Your Heart” Valentine’s weekend menu, Feb. 13 and 14, from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring three courses with two glasses of Chandon Rose Champagne. State’s menu ranges from salads, such as the cranberry walnut, social fare like the crab fondue, the chicken raisin panini and proscuitto and fig-grilled pizza. Reserve as space is limited; call (401) 854-6464.

Sweet Twist, 5707 Post Rd., East Greenwich, (401) 885-7579, sweettwist.com, features a lineup that includes red velvet heart boxes filled with dipped strawberries, truffles and chocolate covered cherries, caramel, peanut butter and raspberry-filled chocolate hearts, chocolate lips, kisses and long stem roses, as well as signature products (chocolate and caramel-dipped apples, pretzel rods, potato chips and popcorn).

Troup House Restaurant at the Italo American Club, 477 Broadway, Providence. (401) 228-8500, trouphouserestaurant.com, will offer a full menu and specials dedicated to the day including panko crusted oysters with salsa verde, tenderloin tips braised in Chianti wine served over Neapolitan fusili, chicken Cleopatra with artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, pan-seared beef tenderloin with lobster cream sauce and red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Valentine’s specials will be available on Feb. 13 and 14.

Twist on Angell, 500 Angell St., Providence, (401) 831-4500, will feature oven roasted Statler chicken, pan-seared New England crabcakes, baby greens and house-made tiramisu on their Valentine’s fixed price menu Feb. 9 to 13. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Twist Restaurant, 336 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, (401) 734-4440, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a fixed price menu Feb. 9 to 13. The price for a four-course meal is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast.

Via Roma, 308 Atwells Ave., Providence. (401) 331-1717; viaromaprov.com, will host a Valentine Eve dinner dance Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. featuring appetizers, a three-course dinner, dessert and coffee, and music for dancing by Steve Smith and the Nakeds. There will be a $7 cover charge for those who wish to just see the band at 10:30 p.m. Complimentary valet is available. Reserve.

Waterplace, 1 Finance Way, Providence, (401) 272-1040, waterplaceri.com, has a Valentine’s fixed price menu Feb. 10 to 13. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple and includes a champagne toast. There will also be a half-price special off any bottle of wine special on Feb. 10. The menu features pan-seared tandoori buttered crispy scallop, lobster Rangoon, tastings of San Marzan and heirloom tournedos of beef tenderloin and Valhrona chocolate panna cotta, macadamia and white chocolate baklava or warm strawberry toffee.

Windward Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, 1 Goat Island, Newport, (401) 851-3325, hyattnewport.com, offers dinner for two for $98 that includes one selection from each course. Appetizer choices include grilled sweet jumbo shrimp, pan-fried lobster pierogies or gingered coq au vin; salads include chopped lolla rosa, avocado and heirloom tomato salad or grilled asparagus and baby artichoke salad; entrées choice are Miso poached salmon, spice rubbed beef tenderloin or pan seared duck breast and for dessert, poached peaches in champagne, fondue for two or vanilla semifreddo.

Coming Up

The Providence Ronald McDonald House will be hosted Gracie’s, 194 Washington St., Providence, for the Hearts of Gold Wine and Chocolate event Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. In addition to local wine and chocolates, there will be passed hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and an auction. The cost is $50 per couple; $30 per person. Valet parking is free.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s “Taste of the Flower Show” Preview Party kicks off the 2009 Spring Flower and Garden Show, Feb. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. The evening combines the flower show with the food of some of Rhode Island’s chefs. More than 20 restaurants will be featured in the gardens of the flower show, serving samples of their delicacies for guests. Some of this year’s participating restaurants include 3 Steeple Street, Bluefin Grille, Diamond Hill Vineyard, India, New Rivers, Just Ellen’s Catering, Temple Downtown, Post Office Café, Atomic Catering, Cabot Creamery, Gregg’s, Mill’s Tavern, Nicks on Broadway, Local 121, Narragansett Brewing, Waterplace, Blackstone Catering, Eleven Forty Nine, Guy Abelson Events, Napa Valley Grille, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Sakonnet Vineyards, Newport Storm and Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Community Kitchen. Tickets are $75. Call Liza Gentile at the Food Bank at (401) 942-6325, ext. 214.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 1 West Exchange St., Providence, (401) 533-9000, flemingssteakhouse.com, will host a special Wine Down Wednesday on Feb. 11 to also benefit Go Red for Women. The evening will feature light hors d’oeuvres and a selection of red and white wines presented by Fleming’s wine manager, Christopher Watson, and will be held in Fleming’s Rosecliff room. Tickets are $25 and are available by calling (401) 330-1707. Fleming’s honors Go Red For Women by featuring a Franciscan, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2005 during February. The restaurant donates all proceeds to the American Heart Association for each bottle or glass sold.

The Salsa Soul Food Benefit is set for Feb. 21 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Tickets are $50. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Web site at gbgm- umc.org/mathewsonstumc or call (401) 331-8900.

Dana Farber’s 11th annual Chefs Cooking for Hope takes place March 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 125 High St., Boston, featuring chefs from Boston restaurants serving their signature specialties. More than 50 chefs, restaurants and caterers participate. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at dana-farber.org/friends-chefs, by calling (617) 632-3909 or by mailing a check to the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02215.

Classes

Chris Brown of Natural Choice, a whole foods cook and educator, will hold vegetarian cooking classes in Warren. All classes include recipes and instruction. The format includes a short presentation on the day’s topic, cooking demonstration and eating what is prepared. The classes run Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. and are $50 each. Warming Winter Vegetable Creations, recipes that provide warmth and energy during the cold months, will be held Feb. 22. Going Nuts!–Dinner Class, is the topic for this class that demonstrates how a variety of nuts can be an integral part of any dish, March 8. Comfort Food –– A New Twist on Old Favorites, discusses updated vegetarian versions of some old-time favorite foods, March 22. Spring Celebration Dinner, focuses on lighter fare and cleansing foods, April 5. The Food and Mood Connection is the topic for April 19. Gourmet-On-The-Go is the subject for May 3. A Happy Ending –– Vegan Sweet Treats, conclude the series May 17. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required by calling Brown at (401) 245-8443.

News

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council will have monthly themed family holiday breakfast buffets to celebrate Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Easter and May Breakfasts. Each breakfast, at The Ground Round, next to the Comfort Inn, 2 George St., Pawtucket, includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, English muffins, pancakes, sausage and bacon, cereal, assorted muffins, juice and coffee, with open seating from 8 to 11 a.m., Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day), March 14 (St. Patrick’s Day), April 4 (Breakfast with the Easter Bunny), and May 9 (May Breakfast). The cost is $10.95 for adults and $7.95 for children. Reservations strongly suggested at (401) 724-2200. Visit tourblackstone.com for more information.

Pearl Restaurant & Lounge, 393 Charles St., Providence, (401) 331-3000, pearlrestaurant.net, named Nick Miele executive chef. A self-taught culinary enthusiast, Miele has been sous chef at the Pearl since March 2008 and was previously sous chef at 242 Restaurant in Providence. In the next few weeks he will create a new fixed price menu that will be offered Tuesday through Thursday.

HP Hood is voluntarily recalling two products initiated in response to an expanded recall by Peanut Corporation of America. The FDA is investigating an outbreak of salmonella linked to that manufacturing facility. The company has not received any illness complaints about these products — Hood Nutty Cone – 6 pack (UPC No. 44100-23160) and Brigham’s Dice Kream Quarts – 6 pack(UPC No. 24011-60346) manufactured before Jan. 30, 2009. Return these items to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Anyone requiring more information is advised to call Hood Consumer Affairs at (800) 726-6455.

The Pinelli-Marra Restaurant Group has named Russell Kerman, executive chef of The Grille on Main in East Greenwich, as executive chef of Twist Restaurant in Warwick as well. Kerman will participate in the 2009 College of Culinary Arts Day during Alumni Leaders Week at Johnson & Wales University, today. Also, Angie Armenise of Waterplace Restaurant in Providence is now also executive chef of Twist on Angell in Providence, and is now working on a new menu for the East Side restaurant.

On the menu

Trio, 15 Kingstown Rd., Narragansett. (401) 792-4333; trio-ri.com, celebrates Black History Month with a selection of menu specials created by executive chef Maria Evans, Friday and Saturday through February, culminating with a three-course Black Heritage Dinner Feb. 27. On Friday and Saturday she offers seafood gumbo with shrimp, lump crab, andouille sausage, and creole sauce served over white rice. On Feb. 13-14, the special is smothered pork chops with candied sweet potatoes and fried cabbage. On Feb. 20-21, barbecued short ribs with buttery mashed potatoes and collard greens will be served. For the Black Heritage Dinner, a three-course menu includes hors d’oeuvres Oyster Po’ Boy Fritters with tomato aioli, mini hog wings with pineapple glaze and bourbon shrimp; entrées include cornmeal-

crusted catfish with braised cabbage and red bean gravy, country fried chicken thighs with baked mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens or braised oxtail with rosemary grits and green bean casserole. Dessert is sweet potato pie served with candied pecan ice cream.

The Cozy Corner, 2131 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, (401) 943-9986, offers breakfast specials including homemade hash, whole wheat pancakes, stuffed apple crisp French toast and omelet specials. Luncheon choices include the Cozy Salad with homemade white balsamic fig dressing, baby greens, goat cheese, candied pecans and sun dried cherries; a 10-ounce Angus burger and specialty sandwiches.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 1 West Exchange St., Providence, (401) 533-9000, flemingssteakhouse.com, offers a winter fixed price menu through March 19. For $35.95 per person, patrons can choose from three entries, a Caesar salad or New England clam chowder, one side dish and dessert. Director of wine Marian Jansen op de Haar provides suggested wine parings for each course: Cabernet braised New Zealand lamb shank with pan jus and cannelloni beans, with suggested wine pairing, Spellbound, Petite Sirah Lodi, 2005; spicy grilled shrimp with tomato pesto cream sauce and crispy risotto cake, with suggested wine pairing Luna, Freakout Napa Valley, 2006; filet mignon with suggested wine pairing Chelsea Goldschmidt, Merlot Dry Creek Valley, 2006; and dessert of milk and warm cookies.

NYLO, 400 Knight St., Warwick. (401) 734-4460, nylohotels.com/Warwick, offers a beer and wine pairing menu in The Loft through March. The “winter four-play menu” features select small dishes, flatbreads, appetizers and just-a-little-more food items paired with a selection of specialty beers and wines. Highlights include Point Judith calamari paired with Samuel Adams Winter Lager of Placido Pinot Grigio for $10; macaroni and cheese paired with Harpoon IPA or Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon for $8; roast asparagus and foraged mushroom risotto paired with Magic Hat Circus Boy or Two Tone Farms Merlo for $10, and pan-fried eggplant flatbread paired with Newport Storm Amber Ale or Hob Nob Pinot Noir for $8.

On TV

Cooking with Class features chef Frank Terranova, an associate instructor at Johnson & Wales University, cooking Valentine’s Day recipes next week during the noon and 5 p.m. newscasts on Channel 10.

gciampa@projo.com