Audio Journal benefit at Cyprian Keyes

Audio Journal’s first Dining in the Dark benefit was such a huge success last year that the nonprofit will host another on May 19 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston.

Cost of the three-course meal, plus appetizers, is $85 per person; two for $160; table of eight, $600. Guests will put on blindfolds when seated for dinner. Cocktail hour, without blindfolds, begins at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.audiojournal.net. You also can call Audio Journal at (508) 797-1117 or email info@audiojournal.net.

Audio Journal is a nonprofit radio and online service that broadcasts news and information to Worcester County residents who are blind or otherwise unable to access visual information. The Worcester affiliate celebrated its 30th anniversary last November.

Dining in the Dark provides a peek into an unfamiliar world where guests discover a new, deeper understanding of vision loss. “We are not saying that now folks will know what it’s like to be blind, but we are giving them a ‘taste’ of some of the daily challenges our listeners face,” said Audio Journal Executive Director Vince Lombardi.

The event is “a great time for a great cause,” according to Edward J. Connor Jr., board president of Audio Journal.

Paul Wilson is the executive chef at Cyprian Keyes who has created the Dining in the Dark menu, which will be kept under wraps until after diners are served and then try to figure out what they’re eating.

“This is a first for me for sure,” said Wilson about the event. “It was a bit of a challenge to write the menu. I found myself sitting with my eyes closed thinking about what would be easier to put on a fork or spoon and then into my mouth. Something like wedged potatoes, a small cut potato, mashed potato, rice pilaf? Not something a lot of us have to think about, but some people have to,” said Wilson.

The chef said he also thought about dessert, not wanting it to be messy with frosting or dessert sauce. Detailed plating or complementary colors on the plate might not be considered a high priority for some people, he said, but why shouldn’t it be? These are just a few of the things we thought about while planning the event, which should be a great experience for everyone, said Wilson.

Don’t expect any clues from this foodie about the menu!

Guests should notify Cyprian Keyes of any dietary restrictions before the event. The chef’s menu has vegetarian options.

The evening promises not only to be a great dining experience but also lots of fun.

Ante up!

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Basil n’ Spice Thai Cuisine, 299 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Mother’s Day with a special menu and drinks.

On May 13, Mom will get a complimentary dessert at the restaurant, according to owner Bator Lachmann. Police officers and firefighters will get 10 percent discounts, she said.

Visit www.basilnspice.com for more information.

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The Good Food Media Network and EVOO Restaurant will present Eat. Drink. Think., a food-and-drink experience on June 1 in Cambridge. The event will feature leaders, experts and chefs dedicated to building a more sustainable food system.

The event, with a sustainable fish and seafood-focused menu, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in EVOO, 350 Third St., Cambridge. Tickets are $65 per person, including tax and tip. Visit www.eventbrite.com for more information.

Participants will include Peter McCarthy, owner and executive chef of EVOO Restaurant; Sean Dimin of Sea to Table, a leading fish and seafood purveyor that sells directly to consumers and restaurants; Joel Southall of the New England Aquarium; Michael Leviton, a member of Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force; and Sara Brito, co-founder of Good Food Media Network.

Good Food Media Network is publisher of the Good Food 100 Restaurants, an annual list of restaurants that educates eaters and celebrates restaurants for being transparent with their purchasing practices.

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The Jenkins Inn & Restaurant, 7 West St., Barre, is reopening on Thursday nights, beginning June 7.

The summer special, a three-course dinner for $22, will be featured from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays in June, July and August, by reservation only. The regular menu also will be available. For more information or to reserve, call (978) 355-6444.

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Julio’s Liquors, 140 Turnpike Road, Westboro, will have a Tequila & Rose festival from 2 to 4 p.m. May 12 in the store.

Julio’s wine and liquor departments have teamed up for the event, which will feature more than 75 producers.

The store has scheduled “Loopy for Lupulin” Beer Festival from 2 to 4 p.m. May 20. The event will showcase “all things hoppy” from breweries throughout the United States.

Registration is required for this event. Purchase a $10 Julio’s gift card to register and reserve a spot. The first 100 people to register will get a “Julio’s branded” tasting glass and a six-bottle tote. For more information, call (508) 366-1942.

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Friendly Discount Liquors, 1167 Providence Road, Whitinsville, will hold Beerfest! from 1 to 4 p.m. May 19. The event is free.

The annual event will feature more than 20 tables featuring beer, cider and mead. Call (508) 234-7951 for information about vendors.

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The Island at Living Earth, 232 Chandler St., Worcester, recently opened, serving breakfast sandwiches, waffle bowls, burrito bowls (gluten free), hot soups and beverages.

The Island beverages include Nitro Brew Coffee on draft (hot and cold available); Living Earth fresh-brewed coffee; teas; Katalyst Kombucha on Draft, seasonal flavors.

Pizza by the slice is $1.79; whole, $6.99.

Executive chef Albert (Al) Maykel III and his sister, Celeste Maykel-Zack, introduced a new Gourmet Grab and Go expansion at Living Earth in January. The Island is included in the new changes at the store.

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Denny’s restaurant chain has launched the “Denny’s Smuggler’s Dice” sweepstakes.

Sweepstakes players have the chance to win instant prizes, such as free pancakes from Denny’s and Fandango Movie Codes. Fans who play also will be entered into a grand prize sweepstakes and could win a “Solo: A Star Wars Story” movie poster signed by Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover.

Fans can try their hand at “Smuggler’s Dice” on www.dennys.com, where they also will find more information about Denny’s new menu and exclusive “Solo: A Star Wars Story” trading cards that benefit No Kid Hungry.

The promotional campaign, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, will continue through June 26.

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Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge will have a beer-tasting event from 1 to 3 p.m. May 12. There will be “beers only a mother could love,” in addition to sparkling dry ciders and a variety of rose ciders.

— If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.