Way before Spring actually sets in, I find myself working on Spring menu proposals, attending tastings, assisting with planning Spring fundraising events and other signs of a new season. Today is a rather dreary day with a light rain over snow covered gound, but I sit with glowing coals, dancing in the fireplace and thoughts of grilling outside, soon to be commonplace. I am excited for what is going on in our food world and goals for the upcoming season. Our local chapter of Chefs is gathering steam having recently enjoyed the cuisine and demonstration by Chef Paul and a Cheeky menu items such as pork cheeks and veal cheeks. Our next meeting will be held at Assabet High School and a program designed by their Chef Instructors. It is amazing what is going on at the progressive vocational high school culinary programs and along with Assabet, Chef Mike Banks and his Montichusett High School are most inspiring.

Another couple of exciting Spring Events that the Pepper’s Culinary Team are actively involved in will be the 2'nd Annual Tastefully Tower Hill on March 27th with area Chef’s offering a “lemon’ inspired menu to celebrate the upcoming groundbreaking expansion at Tower Hill,and a new one, and that I and Pepper’s is quite personally involved, with “Barbara’s Bash”. This event will celebrate the over 30 years of the career of Barbara Houle, Food Editor of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Barbara is steping down from her full time activities at the T & G and will still write a column and persue other writing opportunities. Watch for Barbara in the Editable Boston magazine & others. Pepper’s had the good fortune to cater Barbara’s charming daughter Amy’s wedding a few years back and have been the recipient of numerous articles written by Barbara.

A few other aspects of the celebration of all things Barbara are that all funds recieved will directly benefit the Worcester Food Bank. Another point to not be missed, for the cost of 35.00, guests will have a unique opportunity to taste a number of dishes from local Chef’s who will naturally look to “show off” for a Barbara Event. Expect an enticing Martini Bar. Last but not least, the evening will cap with an award we are calling “:The Houley”. Barbara will be the first recipient and there after, the award will be gited annually to the person who is voted to be most supportive to the local hospitallity industry. Fellow members of the planning committee are Bill Brady; www.sonoma-princeton.com, Alina Eisenhauer;www.sweetworcester.com, Christene Zecker; http://www.theeducatedgrape.com and Audrey Kurlan-Marcy who was one of the founders of the tremendously successful Taste of the Nation, Worcester. Taste of the Nation Event will be held once again at the Crown Plaza in Worcester on April 27th. This one of the best tastes of local chefs you can experience.

Ah Spring, more fun & more great dining !