Free Samples
compiled July 2009 by Terri Nighswonger

ICASI STUDENT CAFÉ LUNCHES: Join the culinary and pastry students at the International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute in Chesterland for a five-course lunch. Lunch includes culinary dishes and pastries and you’ll even get to play food critic. Lunch will be served Sept. 19 and 26; Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31; Nov. 7 and 21; and Dec. 5. Diners can choose from two seatings: 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. $25 per person. They sell out fast, so call 440-729-1110 soon or visit www.lpscinc.com and click on classes.

BUY LOCAL: Farmers markets across Lake County are now open, serving the best and freshest of the early harvest. The Main Street Farmers Market at 177 Main St. in Painesville is open from 2-6 p.m. every Thursday. The Willoughby Outdoor Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and the Lake Metroparks Farmers Market at Farmpark in Kirtland is open from 3-6:30 p.m.

ON TAP: Hooley House Sports Bar on Ohio 306 in Mentor is selling Ratzberry Porter, Rat Cellar Brewery’s newest brew. The first batch is almost gone so get there to try it while supplies last. Beer maker Brian Burns says it smells more like raspberry than it tastes – the flavor is mostly in the aroma. “I didn’t want to overdo it so I kept the flavor very subtle; it still has a chocolaty traditional porter flavor to it,” said Burns, brewer for Debonné Vineyard’s microbrewery located at the Madison winery. Burns’ next brews are an India Pale Ale due out in late July and an Oktoberfest, to be ready for September.