The coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Tuesday, August 18
The latest History Sandwiched In brown-bag lunch program put on by the Wisconsin Historical Society features Bob Kann discussing his book A Recipe for Success: Lizzie Kander and Her Cookbook. As detailed in Topics in Wisconsin History, this influential collection of recipes known as the Settlement Cookbook was compiled by Lizzie Black Kander, and taught Jewish immigrants to cook "American-style" dishes, and also contained information about cooking skills, food storage, and housekeeping. Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St., 12:15-1 p.m., $2 donation.
Slow Food UW has issued an . The land on which the gardens sit has been slated for development, as detailed in an Isthmus cover story published last January. Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Rd., 7 p.m.
A few seats remain for the Peruvian-Style Roasted Chicken meal in the Second Tuesdays family-style comfort food series. "You'll love this flavor-packed chicken rubbed with lime, garlic and spices" created by Chef Tory Miller, promises the restaurant. L'Etoile, 25 N. Pinckney St. Call 251-0500 for reservations.
Wednesday, August 19
Participants in the inaugural book discussion about In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. This is one of several such discussions held at libraries around Dane County, which culminates in a visit by the writer in late September. Madison Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 20
The Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival marks the opening of the autumn harvest season in southern Wisconsin, complete with a carnival, live music, and vat upon vat of mouthwatering hot buttered ears. Attracting 100,000 people every August, the festival kicks opens with a parade tonight, and continues through the weekend, serving 70 odd tons of corn. Single ears are $1.50, a tote is $6, and uncooked ears can be purchased for $5/bag. The corn is only available from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds will go to benefit a variety of Sun Prairie civic organizations. Angell Park Pavilion, Sun Prairie, opening at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $1/day, $1.50 for the weekend, or $5 with parking. More information is provided by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, August 21
Another dose of seasonal fun can be found at the Taste of Portage Summer Fair. The community festival includes a car cruise and show, a kids' pedal tractor pull, live music, arts and crafts booths, and food court featuring dishes from Portage restaurants and non-profit groups. Market Square Parking Lot, Portage, opening at 12 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
The old fashioned ice cream social as a fundraiser for its youth group. The menu includes BBQ, hot dogs, pies, and of course, ice cream and root beer floats. Monona United Methodist Church, 606 Nichols Rd., Monona, 4:30-7 p.m. More info at 222-1633.
Graduates of the Meals & Memories Workshop. They have shared their essays and recipes in a memoir/recipe, which will be available for ordering at this gathering. South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., 6 p.m., free.
Saturday, August 22
back to school picnic today, complete with 1,600 free backpacks filled with school supplies for needy elementary and middle school students. The giveaway is first-come, first-served, and the student must be present in order to receive the backpack. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages will be served at the picnic, which will also feature visits by UW athletes, a MPD K-9 crew, fire engines, and diabetes screenings. Demetral Park, 601 N. Sixth Street, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., free.
Free samples of treats from Bad Dog Frida, 2094 Atwood Ave, 1-3 p.m., free.
The Port of Potosi Brew Fest hosted by the inaugural festival include Capital, New Glarus, Ale Asylum, Lake Louie, the Grumpy Troll, Brewery Creek, Sand River, Berghoff, and others, including home brewers from Platteville and Prairie du Chien. Learn more about the brewery and adjoining museum in a recent Isthmus article that details its background and history. Potosi Brewing Co., 209 S. Main St., Potosi, 1-8:30 p.m., $25 donation in advance/$35 at the door. RSVP 608-763-4002 ext. 106 for more information.
Sunday, August 23
Dane County chefs will team up with local farmers to create sample dishes for Madison Locals 2009 and celebrate the late summer bounty. Held as a fundraiser for the program, which helps to build sustainable food purchasing relationships by connecting local farmers with restaurants, grocery stores, and institutional food providers. Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St., 4-7 p.m., $35. RSVP: 255-4861
