Yali Sauvignon Blanc, Chile- soft tangy flavors of grapefruit and soft citrus in this easy drinking dry white.

Columbelle, France- Interesting blend of Ugni Blanc and Columbard grapes makes an off dry white with inviting floral nose and soft, tropical flavors.

Both tasty pairings with grilled chicken, shrimp scampi, Indian vegetarian dishes, slow ripening cheeses.

Chef Thom England is THE man to know when it comes to finding fresh, local food in Indiana or anywhere else on the globe. He teaches that philosophy to his culinary students at Ivy Tech College and leads the Slow Food movement as president of the Indiana association. He does bakers dozen of donated time/talent for events and organizations as well. Here are his recommendations for a few up and coming Great Eating events--

On September 1, 2008, Neal Brown will be doing a Farm-to-Table Dinner at L'Exploreteur in conjunction with Eat Local Week Indiana. Check out dinelex.com for details and reservations.

On September 14th, 2008, the best chefs of Central Indiana will converge on Apple Family Farm to produce a meal that will be talked about for generations. Ragina Mehallick of R Bistro, Greg Hardesty, Aaron Butts of Joseph Decuis, Chris Eley of Goose the Market, Brian Guntz of Oakley's Bistro and Myself will each produce a course of the meal. To find out more, go to: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/40077

If you are interested in learning more about local, whole foods, check out:

Slow Foods - www.slowfoodusa.org

Indiana Foodways Alliance - www.indianafoodways.com

Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance - www.greatermidwestfoodways.com

Friday Sept 5, 2008

5-9pm

Mass Ave- Downtown Indy

Take the 10-minute drive down College to Massachusetts Avenue. Turn LEFT and experience food, wine, art and chocolate in the Edgy, Elegant 800 Block.

Turn RIGHT and get your self to this Broad Ripple artists exhibition---and don't forget to enjoy more FREE food, wine and amazing art and great shopping at the exceptional selection of owner operated businesses/galleries on Mass Ave.