The Countryside Conservancy in Peninsula is launching Countryside Food Swaps.
Food swaps are a new trend in which producers of locally made and locally grown foods meet to trade items and network.
The format of the swaps is similar to a silent auction, in which participants display their items while browsing and sampling others, and offering trades.
Those taking part can accept or pass on any offer. Swappers often leave with a variety of goods for their pantries.
Countryside Food Swaps will be the third Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m., beginning Jan. 15. Locations will vary from month to month. The first swap will be at the Uncorked Wine Bar, 22 N. High St., downtown.
There is no cost for participating, but registration is required.
The conservancy is hosting the swaps as part of a larger initiative to encourage the development of a community of engaged eaters and food producers.
For more information about the swaps, contact Erin Molnar at emolnar@cvcountryside.org.
Another Countryside event
The Countryside Conservancy will be sponsoring its first monthly mixer at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, at Crave, 57 E. Market St., downtown Akron.
The mixers are a chance for local food enthusiasts to get together to network and share ideas. They will be held on the first Monday night of every month at 7 p.m. at Crave.
They are free to the public. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Participants also may order from the dinner menu or bar at their own expense.
Todaro’s selling gourmet
Todaro’s Party Center has begun an online Italian gourmet store, Todaro’s Imported Foods.
All the products are imported from Italy, including a variety of olive oils, cured meats, pasta, olives and other speciality products.
Customers can have their orders shipped or can pick them up at Todaro’s, 1820 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron.
Visit www.italianfoodmarket.us to shop and also check out the food blog, where you’ll find information on Italian cooking and recipes.
Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com. Find me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @akronfoodie or visit my blog at www.ohio.com/blogs/lisa.
