R.I.'s 52nd ANNUAL ROBERT BURNS SUPPER AND DANCE

Email burnssupper@cox.net by tomorrow, January 29, to reserve your place at the February 7th (Saturday) celebration of Scotland's beloved 18th century poet, Robert Burns, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet (60 Rhodes Place, Cranston). There is a traditional haggis ceremony, dinner (your choice, prime ribs or vegetarian), and music by the Rhode Island Highlanders Pipe Band and Sean Connors and the Irish Express (which Ireland are we talking about here?).

A Burns supper (usually near or on the poet's birthday, January 25) is not a random event. The ceremony includes The Selkirk Grace, a piping-in of the haggis (savory pudding which people tend to love or loathe), recitation of Burns' Address to a Haggis, scotch, dinner, a talk about the poet, salutations to the "lassies",  and replies to the "laddies". Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper#Address_To_a_Haggis

The tickets are $55 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Email the above address to see what's included. Reserve by tomorrow.

RHODE ISLAND COOKING: CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP AT OCEAN HOUSE

Bill Collins, author of How to Make Chocolate Candies, gives a hands-on lesson at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Saturday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon. $95 price includes his book. Call 401-584-7000 to reserve.  oceanhouseevents.com

RHODE ISLAND COOKING: JANUARY 26, 2015 AT SIMONE'S

Sign up for class and tour Simone's new kitchen, hear about the design and the equipment, sip wine and sample the cooking while you learn to prepare carmelized cauliflower dip, roasted squash and onion salad, and chicken thighs with rosemary.  Monday, January 26 at Simone's (275 Child Street, Warren). $50 per person. Call 401-247-1200.  simonesri.com

2015 PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS

First off, Providence Winter Restaurant Week(s) begins Sunday, January 18 and runs through Saturday, January 24. And, as usual, many restaurants in East Greenwich, Bristol, Barrington and other non-Prov locations are participating. Matunuck Oyster Bar offers a delicious deal (bring a serious appetite) and what better on a cold, sunny day in winter than a cozy lunch in Matunuck? Most downtown and East Side Providence restaurants (Cook & Brown, Gracie's, Hemenway's, Bacaro, New Rivers, Parkside, Mill's Tavern, etc. etc.) offer specials and again, per usual, Al Forno does not. Nor do the popular West Side (as in hip  west side, not Federal Hill) locations like Nick's, Broadway Bistro, etc. Eat out, it's January. Double the a.m. workout.

SIGN UP NOW: AL FORNO 2015 COOKING CLASSES

Instructors for winter 2015 classes at Al Forno (577 South Main, Providence  401-273-9760) are Chefs David Reynoso, Phil Niosi and Neil Temkin. Classes are all on Saturdays, noon to 3:00 p.m. and include a multi-course meal. $75.

January 17: Winter Braises
January 24: Secrets to Success with Hand-Formed Pizza
January 31: Italian Frying
February 14: Decadent Desserts
February 28: Simple Techniques and Recipes for Preparing Chicken
March 7: Antipasto Abbondanza
March 14: What to do with Less Common Types of Meat
March 21: Pasta Three Ways

Call Suzette or Rob: 401-273-9767
www.alforno.com

NEW YEAR'S WISH: MACARON CLASSES AT ELLIE'S BAKERY

The demise of French pastry classes at The French Tarte in Pawtucket (actually, the demise of the whole business) caused me to look around and see who else is cooking in Rhode Island. Cooks know the Al Forno site for classes so enough about them. Some other offerings you hear about are tough to assess - chefs/bakers are unknown or restaurants not impressive - but if you spend anytime downtown or at Gracie's (graciesprovidence.com) you will know about Ellie's Bakery (61 Washington Street, Providence  401-228-8118).

bryan ochalla

Here's your opportunity to work hands-on with Melissa Denmark and Allison Hertz, discovering how to create macarons or, if you are experienced, how to hone your skill with decorating techniques and more exotic flavors. Not obsessed with macarons? Learn to make pâte à choux and go on an éclair binge. Or learn basic cake-decorating, bread-baking, pie-making, and more.

Classes are mostly $85 a session except for Macaron classes which are $100. Some are two hours long, most are three.

Check out Ellie's website  and make  plans now for 2015. elliesbakery.com

CHEFS COLLABORATIVE BARBEQUE AT SCHARTNER FARMS 10/19

Here's a barbeque where you relax and let Jake Rojas, (Tallulah on Thames), Derek Wagner (Nicks on Broadway), David Reynoso (Al Forno), Matt Gennuso (Chez Pascal), Champe Speidel (Persimmon) and a big etc. of chegs do the cooking. Of course, there will be ample Rhode Island wine, beer, cocktails and soda (if you need tea and juices bring them along). Lots of music provided by: Smith & Weeden, Haunt the House, Honkytonk Nights and kitchen band, Turn for the Wurst.

All on the pond at Schartner Farms (www.schartnerfarms.com) in Exeter

Come with chairs and/or blankets

Saturday   October 19  4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Adults $68    Youth 11-17 $25     Little kids free