Edible art: Though summer still lingers, it may be time to start thinking about the holidays — especially if you want to take part in the Grove Park Inn’s 13th Annual Gingerbread House Competition on Nov. 7. Last year, the event drew more than 300 entries from around the country, and organizers expect even more this year. To participate, contestants must produce an entirely edible masterpiece to be judged on a variety of points, including difficulty level and creativity. The contest is open to culinary artistes of all ages: There are separate categories for adults, teens and children. More than $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The GPI’s executive pastry chef, Aaron Morgan, will conduct a gingerbread house workshop on Monday, Oct. 24 to help participants get started. For entry forms and official rules, visit www.groveparkinn.com.
Summer farewell: Asheville’s Earth Fare grocery is gearing up to celebrate a summer staple. The Tomato Harvest Time Celebration Weekend, Sept. 15-17, will feature samples of savory fresh tomatoes and tomato products, as well as goods from local farms. Among the events will be a free culinary class featuring Cathy Stewart — and tomatoes, of course — in the Community Room at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. For more information, visit www.earthfare.com or call 253-7656.
Through the grapevine: It seems like everyone wants to throw summer a goodbye party. La Caterina Trattoria, one of Asheville’s finest Italian restaurants, will host a Last Day of Summer Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The dinner will begin with summery selections — a seafood trio with assorted pesto accompaniments — and slowly transition through the season to finish on a distinctly autumnal note: slow-roasted pork with walnut sauce, butternut squash and escarole. A dessert of chocolate apricot cake follows the meal for a sweet ending. Each course will be paired with Italian wines from Fine Wine Trading Company. The dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $60 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. For more information or reservations, call 254-1148.
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