Food briefs: Utahn wins national 'Best Bagger' title

Andrew Hadlock, a bagger from the Sandy Macey's, was named the national Best Bagger Champion during the National Grocer Association's annual show last week in Las Vegas. Hadlock earned the title after defeating 26 competitors from other states. Baggers were judged on speed, proper bag-building techniques, distribution of weight between bags, style, attitude and appearance.

Hadlock is not new to the bagging competition. He won the state award in 2009 and 2010. This is the first time he has won the $10,000 grand prize and "Golden Grocery Bag" trophy. A golden checkout stand also will be installed in the Sandy Macey's.

"This year I wanted to improve in any way that I could," Hadlock said. "I practiced all the time and tried to think of all the different scenarios the judges might throw my way."

Small plates to clean the air at Cucina Deli

Walk, ride the bus or hop on your bike. Because customers who arrive at Salt Lake City's Cucina Deli, 1026 E. 2nd Ave., without driving a car can get a free small plate from the menu. The offer is available through April 1 and is just one small way to help Utah clean the air, said owner Dean Pierose. The deli offers a variety of small plates including caviar-topped deviled eggs, lobster corn dogs, artichoke frites, duck fried rice and crab cakes. The offer is good every night beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, call 801-322-3055.

Rent a plot in new Avenues garden

Plots are available for rent in the new Avenues community garden in Popperton Park, 360 N. 1400 East, Salt Lake City. Before the official groundbreaking of Popperton Plots in April, three planning meetings are scheduled at the Sweet Branch Library, 9th Avenue and F Street. Interested gardeners are invited to attend. To rent a plot, contact James Woolf (james.woolf@comcast.net) or Michael Hughes (hesmichael@hotmail.com) or visit www.slc-avenues.org/garden.htm.

Thursday, Feb. 20 • 7 p.m. Planning the garden's design.

Thursday, March 6 • 7 p.m. Site design and garden rules.

Thursday, March 20 • 7 p.m. Site prep planning.

'Foodie Friday' with King Arthur Flour

Enjoy an evening of baking demonstrations, sweet and savory treats and door prizes during the "Foodie Friday with King Arthur Flour" event at Salt Lake Culinary Center. Owner Diane Sheya and baking specialist, chef Katy Monti, along with King Arthur chefs Jessica Meyer and Amber Eisler, will demonstrate how to make pizza dough, creme puffs and palmiers. Guests also will enjoy a menu of homemade crackers and spreads, savory pancakes, fresh bread and desserts.

When • Friday, Feb. 21, 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where • Salt Lake Culinary Center, 2233 S. 300 East, South Salt Lake

Cost • $25. Pre-register at 801-464-0113 or saltlakeculinarycenter.com.

Cooking class for cancer patients

The Good Life Kitchen, a new cooking series offered by the Wellness and Survivorship Center at The Huntsman Cancer Institute, kicks off this week with a class on healthful eating. The semi-monthly classes will address a variety of nutritional needs for cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caretakers. Local food expert and breast cancer survivor Susan Massey is the instructor.

When • Saturday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.

Where • Salt Lake Culinary Center, 2233 S. 300 East, South Salt Lake

Cost • $5 per person. Call 801-587-4585 to make a required reservation.

Upcoming classes • April, breakfast; June, comfort foods; August, fruits and vegetables; October, high-protein meals.

Garden planning and design workshop

Learn the basics of vegetable garden planning including bed design, placement and creation.

When • Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon

Where • Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City

Cost • $10