This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Tuesday, November 17
Kellogg's cereal food safety director Mark Moorman is giving a seminar on "The Science of Food Allergens: Thresholds, Detection, and Verification. Microbial Sciences Bldg., Rm. 6201, 1551 Linden Dr., 11 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, November 18
The humble cranberry is about to get its once-a-year star turn on Thanksgiving. Learn far more about this tart treat, which also happens to be an important Wisconsin crop, at a Wisconsin's Best: Cranberries, the latest in a Ebling Symposium Center, Microbial Sciences Bldg, 1551 Linden Dr., 4:45-5:45 p.m.
The Slow Food movement started in Italy, which makes this evening's Tuscan-themed celebration of local foods all the more fitting. three-course prix fix meal, prepared by Chef Francesco Mangano, inspired by foods described in the book Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town by Douglas Gayeton. Osteria Papavero, 128 E. Wilson St., 6 p.m., $65/single and $100/couple. Make reservations at reservations@slowfoodwisconsin.org.
are hosting a , a 2009 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. As described in promotional materials, the film "is the unflinching look at the struggle between these Latino urban farmers, the City of Los Angles and a powerful developer who wants to evict them to build warehouses." Bradley Memorial Bldg., Rm. 175, 1225 Linden Dr., 7 p.m., free.
Thursday, November 19
The new book The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin by James Norton and Becca Dilley is a welcome entrant into the growing body of cheese literature. Dilley's striking photos accompany a look at the state's certified master cheesemakers, based on dozens of a series of lucid, down-to-earth interviews. The duo will read from their book, just out from UW Press, in a discussion accompanied by wine and cheese. UW Memorial Union, 2nd Floor Main Lounge, 5:30 p.m., free.
Whole Foods, 3313 University Ave., 10 a.m., $5. Call 233-9566 for more info.
Friday, November 20
Holiday Art Fair, a three-day festival of fine arts and food. Along with more than 90 exhibitors offering visual artwork, jewelry, textiles, and other crafts, the fair also includes the Gourmet Gallery, its vendors selling cheeses, chocolates, and other seasonal treats. The weekend brings live music and food from Catering a Fresco, which will sell light lunches and snacks through the day in the Promenade Lounge in the Overture Center. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St., noon-5 p.m. on Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat., and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sun., $4. Call 257-0158 for more info.
James Norton and Becca Dilley are back with reading and cheese tasting that's doubling as a launch party. Fromagination, 12 S. Carroll St., 5 p.m., free. Call 263-0734 for more info.
Saturday, November 21
tasting party marking the release of Ruby Nouveau 2009 in its annual Beaujolais nouveau celebration. This latest vintage and other Wollersheim wines will be paired with various specialty Wisconsin cheeses provided by Wollersheim Winery, 7876 Hwy. 188, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free. Call 608-643-6515 for more info.
Gingerbread Casas for CASA, a gingerbread house decorating contest benefit for its work to provide a voice for abused and neglected children. Participants will also get to decorate cookies, and view the official measuring of the "World's Tallest Gingerbread Man" as part of the festivities. Hilldale Shopping Center, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., 11 a.m., free. Call 238-6640 for more info.
Sunday, November 22
The weekend brings another church fall bazaar, with this one in Monona featuring a bake sale, a cake walk, and a barbecue supper. How can you go wrong? St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., 4-8 p.m., free. Call 575-3870 for more info.
One of several sustainable-themed fairs around town this shopping season, the International Fair Trade Holiday Sale features gifts from developing regions around the world, including artisan crafts, coffee, and food. Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Rd., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., free. Call 271-7212 for more info.
