This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Basque Club's annual dinner and dance is set for Saturday, Feb. 12 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City. Social hour starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner of leek soup, salad, roast lamb, Basque-style chicken, parsley potatoes, bread and dessert. Cost is $20 per person; $10 for children younger than 12. The Utah 'ko Triskalariak Basque dancers will perform, followed by dancing to live music by Jean Flesher. Reservations are required. E-mail Mary Gaztambide at mtgaz@accessld.net or call 801-262-7673.
Jaden and the giant cabbage
Jaden Webster, of Oquirrh Elementary in West Jordan, is the Utah winner in a national third-grade cabbage growing contest. He received a $1,000 college savings bond from Bonnie Plants, the contest sponsor. Students who participate receive a seedling, of a certain variety of cabbage that grows bigger than a basketball and can weigh up to 50 pounds. At the end of the season, teachers from each class select the student who has grown the best cabbage, based on size and appearance. A random drawing determines each state winner. Bonnie Plants is now recruiting third-grade cabbage kids for its 2011 contest. Visit http://www.bonnieplants.com for more information.
Harmon's blooms
Besides steak, baked potatoes and chocolate desserts, Utah's Harmons' Grocery stores will sell 51,000 long-stemmed roses this week for Valentine's Day. Harmons is the only Utah grocer to build and operate a 9,000 square-foot state-of -the art Floral Design and Distribution Center (located at 3143 West Parkway Blvd., West Valley) to supply its 13 stores. The Floral Design center employs 15 full-time experienced designers year-round; this week, the company hires an additional 34-50 employees to keep up with the demand of supplying Valentine's Day flowers.
Chinese New Year
Ring in the Year of the Rabbit during the Chinese New Year celebration at The Mandarin, 348 E. 900 North, Bountiful. The celebration continues through Feb. 17, and offers a special menu for parties of four or more. Cost is $20 per person. The Chinese New Year menu includes orange sesame shrimp, beef with asparagus, and satay pork with Chinese sausage. A traditional Lion Dance will be performed at 6 p.m. Feb. 16, by a costumed 8-person troupe, which winds its way through the restaurant to chase away evil spirits and welcomes the New Year. Reservations accepted for 8 or more people; smaller parties can call ahead and have their name placed on a waiting list. For more information, call 801-298-2406 or visit: mandarinutah.com
Roses 101
Learn what roses are best suited for Utah soils, where to buy them and how to plant and care for them on Feb. 17, during The Utah Rose Society's monthly meeting. Rose growers from novice to advanced levels are invited to attend the presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sugar House Garden Club, 1602 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City. There also will be a discussion about rose categories, including Hybrid Teas, Minis, Minifloras and Floribundas. There also will be experts on hand to discuss how to exhibit roses during the Rocky Mountain District Rose Show, which the society is hosting in June. For more information, contact Sharon Fotheringham at 801-756-4544, or go to http://www.utah-rose.com.
Wine, chocolate and cheese
Three favorites come together Feb. 19 during the "port wine, chocolate and bleu cheese" class offered at Harmon's Culinary Institute, 125 E. 13800 South, Draper. The instructor will be Sheral Schowe, owner of Wasatch Academy of Wine. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $55. For information or to register, call 801-414-7895 or visit harmonsgrocery.com