we'd like to celebrate and congratulate jeanne, who has created a cultural institution, actually just a list serve. 
A nice compilation of NYC foodie events.  Read more & sign up at http://localgourmands.com/
Dear Local Gourmands,
I'm writing from a cafe in downtown Astoria, OR where I've been on vacation for the past week visiting my long-time travel buddy, Stephanie. Over the weekend we camped along the Nehalem River where we fished for crawdads (just like little lobsters) and then took them back to our campsite to cook on an open fire.  Back in town, trips to the Rogue and Fort George breweries have reminded me yet again of my passion for craft beer-- always such a great reflection of local flavor. Almost as soon as I landed I found a copy of Edible Portland, and it seems nearly every story has worked its way into my trip-- from canning the peaches we bought at the Sunday market, to imagining the local hero, James Beard, happily munching away on razor clams and sipping Oregon brews. In between meals we've been dangling our toes in the river, watching the boats come and go from the harbor, and gathering vegetables from Steph's garden. Last night's harvest dinner featured gigantic zucchinis and squash blossoms, potatoes, tomatoes, new onions, and sweet little carrots with mint dressing. Best of all, of course, is getting to see this place with a good old friend who I've shared meals with in India, Morocco, Brooklyn, and now her new home on this stunning left coast.
Jeanne
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Of note a few weeks down the road...
Wednesday, August 12, 11am-1:30pm
*Free* Japanese Knife Skills Class
The Brooklyn Kitchen
Kikuichi Knives is sponsoring a visit from Mr. Ohe, Master Craftsman, to the U.S. to demonstrate water stone sharpening techniques, hand-engraving of knives, and provide background and cultural information. Don't miss him when he's in Brooklyn, visiting our local kitchen supply shop. Buy a Kikuichi knife that day and The Master Craftsman will personalize it by employing his unique chisel and hammer technique to sharpen the blade. Or just wait to see if you get lucky and win one of two knives in the raffle. While you're at it, catch a sushi demonstration, and learn all you ever wanted to know about making your own. Of course this will be followed by a taste test. Make sure to RSVP to this event, so the Brooklyn Kitchen knows to save you a seat!

Saturday, August 15, 10am-2pm
Mas Masumoto and Chef Jacques Gautier at Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Author Mas Masumoto (Epitaph for a Peach) is coming to town to promote his new work, Wisdom of the Last Farmer, and lucky for us, he'll be stopping by Grand Army Plaza to sign books and do a demo with chef Jacques Gautier of Palo Santo at the market on Saturday. Put your bags of produce down to take a minute and mingle with these fellows who will surely be spinning some great food stories, and serving up something small, spicy, and memorable for market-goers to sample.
Saturday, August 15, 9:45am-12:30pm
Urban Foraging with Leda Meredith
Prospect Park, meet at the Grand Army Entrance
Tickets, $15
"Food from the park? What!? Yes, indeed you can find food right in the city's playground. Take a guided tour of the urban forest, also known as Prospect Park, with forager, committed locavore and botanist, Leda Meredith. Leda will be sharing her wisdom and teaching us how to identify edibles in the urban terrain. At the end of the foraging walk, we will spend some time sitting in the shade while Leda takes Q& A and we taste treats made with wild edible ingredients."
Monday, August 17
www.theBrooklynKitchen.net
September means back to school, or at the very least back to class at the Brooklyn Kitchen. On Monday, August 17th your favorite local hub for culinary tricks will put up its list for September classes. Get your fingers ready by the keyboard and your credit card at your side to sign up fast! These courses always sell out lickety-split.
Tuesday, August 18, 12-2pm
Wisdom of the Last Farmer
CENYC
92Y Tribeca
Renowned organic California peach farmer Mas Masumoto visits New York to read from his new book, WISDOM OF THE LAST FARMER. Make your way to the 92Y to hear him and a panel of some of Greenmarket's long-time farmers on Tuesday, August 18th from 12 - 2pm at the 92Y Tribeca, which will explore the connections between families and farming, fathers and their children, and the pleasures and challenges they face as multi-generational farmers.