Spring Food & Wine Events: Mark Bittman at JWU & More

April 27: Wine Down Wednesday at Flemings

You may not know it, but April 27th is World Wish Day, and in honor of the event Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will be hosting a charity drive for The-Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The evening will feature a series of light hors d’oeuvres paired with a variety of boutique wines. 5:30-7:30, $25. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1 W. Exchange St., Providence.

April 29: Shaken, Not Stirred: Martinis to Benefit the Learning Community 

Another fun event to support a great cause: enjoy cocktails and live music while supporting the Learning Community, a vibrant charter school serving students from Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence. The evening will take place in the ever-funky Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, and will feature hors d’oeuvres crafted by chefs from Providence’s critically acclaimed La Laiterie and New Rivers. Friday, April 29, 6:00-9:00, $50. Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street Pawtucket

May 1: Like No Udder First Annual Vegan May Brunch

Providence’s iconic purple truck is finally slowing down and parking itself at DaVinci Center in Providence for its First Annual Vegan May Brunch.  The meal will be served buffet style, and will feature creative vegan delights such as scrambled tofu and tempeh sausage. Even if you can’t make it to the breakfast, be sure to check out the world Vegan Bake Sale, which is popping up just outside the Center from 11:30-3pm.  Tickets must be purchased in advance by this Thursday, April 28th at noon.  Tickets cost $16.50 and can only be purchased online, here. DaVinci Center, 470 Charles St, Providence.

May 5: Rock and Roll Wine Dinner at La Laiterie

Join members of the Qupé Winery for a night of food and drink inspired by some of Rock ‘n Roll’s greatest hits. In honor of his favorite musical genre, Qupé founder Bob Lindquist is sponsoring a wine dinner featuring a menu that is meant to resonate with the spirit of America’s most bold and rebellious music. The haute bistro La Laiterie will host, so you bring the bell-bottoms (they’ll bring the cheese). La Laiterie, 184-188 Wayland Ave. Providence, $75.

May 5: Mark Bittman at JWU

Modern culinary legend Mark Bittman (above), author of the staple kitchen tome, How to Cook Everything, will be making a presentation on food an its role in American culture. Moreover, the evening will feature a series of dishes based on Bittman recipes prepared by Pinelli’s Café at Night.  Bittman comes on behalf of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and proceeds from the event will benefit the organization. Johnson and Wales Culinary Musuem, 315 Harborside Blvd, Providence. 6pm, $100 or $250 with included reception at 5:30 and signed copy of Food Matters.