Y'all Come!

I know I always brag about how many cool things are going on in Columbus. Tell me if it's getting old. But seriously, one can never be bored here! Here are a few events coming up for those who enjoy life, food, and gardening:

Nurtur the Salon Makeover Contest - Nominate someone deserving to receive a full makeover at Aveda salon Nurtur in Upper Arlington. I am a judge so I can't nominate or be nominated but I can think of tons of people who deserve special treatment. Entries are low and you only have until January 25th to nominate.

Central Ohio Food Forum meets again on this Monday at Wild Goose Creative for eat by Sassafras Bakery at 5:30 and discussion at 6:30 pm.

Trio of Trucks class - Hills Market is holding a class with cooks from Hot Pita, Pitabilities, and Kolache Republic this coming Tuesday at 6:30 pm. An hour of instruction plus 3 courses and beer for just $25? I secured my ticket today! Call 614.846.3220 to do the same. Fresh Street Festival pop-up - FreshStreet and Section 8 Yakitorium are two of my favorite restaurants in town because they serve absolutely unique food. James Beard chef Jonathon Sawyer agrees and he invited the Fresh Street team to come up to Cleveland for a one-night-only restaurant. I am thrilled to be heading up there to work the yakitori grill with them on February 2. Tickets to the event, which include Thunderkiss coffee, crepes, yakitori, and more, are only $42 and selling fast. Find all the details and order tickets online. Art in the Garden - Local Matters is hosting an amazing series of gardening workshops starting with Art in the Garden Jan. 21st from 12-2pm at Godman Guild. Are you interested in adding some art to your gardens? Join talented local artists, Melissa Vogley Woods and Elena Harvey Collins and start your projects, meet other growers/artists and share a delicious lunch. RSVP to these free events to Trish@local-matters.org.

What other awesome events are going on in January and February?

Friday Five: Sweet Things for Your Valentine

Five gift ideas for the food lover in your life: 1) Cooking class for two - I'm loving the vegetable centric class at Hills Market February 23 or check out North Market, Franklin Park Conservatory or Sur Le Table for something that suits your sweetheart's interest.

2) Iced vegan sugar cookie from Pattycake Bakery - Choose from their nice or naughty messages or create one of your own. Budget friendly at only $3 each.

3) Hand painted coffee mug, cereal bowl, or serving plate from Grandview Clay Cafe

4) Food or Dessert Tour from Columbus Food Adventures

5) Fruit tree - We love our Meyer lemon tree for giving us a dozen lemons this year. The fig tree we gave Alex for father's day is just starting to send out new leaves and our lime tree rescued from the clearance cart is looking good too. We keep them indoors in winter and move outside in summer.

My valentine Alex is receiving one of these gift ideas. Can you guess which one?