Good deeds, a beer dinner, and afternoon tea this week in food

Food Day arrives at Coffman Union

​In the lead-up to everyone's favorite candy-laden holiday it can't hurt to embrace some healthier activities before you go full-on gut-rot. Thankfully this week in food brings both the first Food Day at Coffman Union and a great charitable opportunity at Solera with the Farm in the City fundraiser.

10/24
You don't have to be a student to check out the first Food Day at Coffman Memorial Union on the U of MN campus. This comprehensive food expo will showcase University-affiliated and community-led programs and offer presentations like "Locavore 101" and a session on sustainable food system advocacy. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is free and open to all. For more information on what's taking place all day check out the Facebook page.

10/25
You probably don't celebrate your own anniversary this lavishly: Town Hall invites you to a beer dinner in honor of the brewery's anniversary. The six-course extravaganza will pair Town Hall creations like Twisted Reality Barley Wine and Wee Heavy Scotch Ale with crab-and-pepper-stuffed mushroom caps and braised venison. There's even a dessert course of caramelized plantain custard with Town Hall Weizenbock. It can all be yours for just $65, no reservation necessary.

10/27
If you've always wanted to learn about pairing pastry from a James Beard finalist, this is your chance. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum welcomes pastry chef Michelle Gayer of Salty Tart to teach Magical Pastry with your pinot, which pairs savory and sweet pastries with wine. We can't think of a better way to spend a Thursday evening. Class runs 6:30-8 p.m. and costs $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers. To sign up call the Arboretum at 952.443.1422.

10/29
The St. Paul Hotel has the ideal way to relax on a Saturday with its Lobby Tea. The five-course tea is fashioned after England's afternoon tea. Adding to the upscale vibe, the tea is served in an assortment of antique cups and saucers, collected over the years just for the hotel teas. Seating is at 2 p.m. and costs $30. To reserve your spot call 651.228.3860.

Farm in the City takes over Solera on October 30

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10/30
Head to Solera on Sunday for Farm in the City, a fundraising event to benefit Second Harvest Heartland that highlights local farmers and the restaurants that serve them. The event aims to educate the public on how to source and prepare farm-fresh food by highlighting locally grown products and the restaurants that use them in their menus. Farmers and chefs will demonstrate how to buy and prepare the foods, and samples will be passed around. A cash bar will be available, with proceeds from the bar (as well as a small cash donation or canned food item) going to Second Harvest Heartland. The second portion of the event will feature a seven-course dinner and wine or beer paired with the courses. The dinner will be prepared by the participating chefs using local products grown and provided primarily by Six Rivers Cooperative and its members. The list of confirmed chefs is long and includes Mike Phillips of Green Ox, George Lohk of French Meadow, and Steven Brown of Tilia to name a few. The dinner is $125, and reservations can be made by calling Solera's Jay Viskocil at 612.338.0062 or emailing jayviskocil@Solera-restaurant.com.