Aluminum foil is best wrap for celery
If you are trying to keep a bunch of celery as fresh as possible in the refrigerator, wrap it in aluminum foil.
In its July/August issue, Cook's Illustrated magazine tested five bunches of celery to see what method would work the best. One bunch was put into a paper bag, another wrapped in aluminum foil, another in plastic wrap and one returned to its original perforated plastic sleeve. The last was placed upright in a container holding about 2 inches of water.
The plastic- and foil-wrapped celery remained "amazingly firm" for a week. The staff says that the other methods allowed too much moisture to escape, and the celery became limp as it dehydrated.
After another week, only the celery wrapped in foil was still mostly green and crisp. The reason: celery continues to respire after harvest and produces small amount of the ripening hormone ethylene. This gas activates enzymes that break down and soften the cell walls in the vegetable, creating moisture loss. Plastic wrap traps ethylene, while aluminum foil is not "gas tight."
Summer festival features daily meals
Specialty food booths, a bake sale, ice cream shop and full-course dinners are part of the Church of the Resurrection's Summer Festival, from Monday through July 16 in Brookline.
Each evening features a different kind of dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. -- served in the church hall at 1100 Creedmoor Ave. -- including chicken, roast beef, spaghetti, Lebanese dishes, fish and ham. Festival hours are from 7 to 11 p.m.
Admission is free.
Details: 412-563-4400
Welsh celebration has focus on foods
The St. David's Society will be on hand at McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores, 4311 Northern Pike, Monroeville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 16 to help celebrate "Welsh Day" and to promoted the proposed Welsh addition to the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms. Welsh cheese will be sampled, along with breads, tea cakes and potato leek soup.
The program is free and open to the public.
Details: Karen Novak, 412-858-7000, extension 7
Free ice cream at Nakama
Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is offering summer diners free ice cream treats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Becky Gomes, the restaurant's owner, says the event is to reward regular customers and introduce Nakama to people who aren't familiar with the South Side eatery, 17th and Carson streets. Several varieties of ice cream will be served, and free appetizer coupons will be available.
Details: 412-381-6000
Girasole highlights Italian winery
Terre Dora, a "rising star" winery in Southern Italy, is the focus of a tasting and sampling at Girasole restaurant in Shadyside at 1 p.m. July 17. Gino Girasole will track the origins of the aglianico grape from its birthplace to the Terre Dora estate today and present typical foods of the region of Campania. The afternoon includes four wines and a four-course meal.
The cost is $65 per person, and reservations are required. Girasole is at 733 Copeland St.
Details: 412-682-2130
Food perks offered to Rotelli patrons
Patrons of Rotelli Restaurants can enjoy food perks, thanks to what's called the "Mangia Card" available at the Brentwood, Collier Town Square, Fox Chapel, Harmarville, Mt. Lebanon, Robinson, Uniontown and Pine locations.
When diners spend $25 on food and nonalcoholic beverages, they will receive a $5 Mangia Card. If the check is $50, the Mangia Card will be worth $10; $75, a $15 card.
Rotelli owners say the card is their way of thanking regular diners and inviting new customers to give their Italian-style food a taste.
Details: www.rotellipizzapasta.com
