SLM contributor Joe Bonwich weighs in on local food events, happenings, and dining news of note. Look for his observations every other week in On the Burner, SLM's dining e-newsletter.
Get Your Freekeh On
SLM dining contributor Pat Eby will switch from writer to lecturer when she hosts “Great Grains!” at 10 a.m. next Saturday, July 29, at the Carondelet Branch of the St. Louis Public Library. Learn about cooking with whole grains quinoa, kamut, millet, amaranth, barley, buckwheat, and freekeh—and leave with a home-grain mix and recipe. It’s free, but advance registration is required.
Smokin’ Hot
Collinsville’s own Code 3 Spices hosts the inaugural Smokin' on Main BBQ Competition and Festival next Saturday and Sunday, July 29–30, on the town’s Main Street, which will be shut down for the occasion. All of the usual BBQ suspects will be there, including professional and backyard teams, as well as commercial barbecue vendors. Code 3 will donate a portion of the proceeds to organizations that support first responders and the military—in this case, the U.S. Veterans Foundation, which will share the proceeds with the Collinsville Food Pantry.
Meringue Bang
During Craft Beer Week, July 28–August 5, 2nd Shift Brewing will host a macaron and beer pairing at 5 p.m. on August 4. These aren't just any macarons: Local specialty bakery The Tipsy Goat is creating cookies made with 2nd Shift’s Unicorn Killer Saison, barrel-aged Cat Spit Stout, and Art of Neurosis IPA. It’s a great opportunity to sample the products of The Tipsy Goat, which are often available at Local Harvest Grocery but otherwise only at special events.
