A 'Splendid' visitor comes to our table

Fans of Lynne Rossetto Kasper can see the face behind one of their favorite foodie voices when the public radio host comes to the Triangle to promote her new book, "The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper." Kasper, host of American Public Media's "The Splendid Table," will sign books from 3 to 5 p.m. April 9 at A Southern Season, the gourmet food store at University Mall in Chapel Hill. The event is free.

From 3 to 5 p.m. April 10, Kasper will read from her book at McIntyre's Fine Books & Bookends in Fearrington Village, south of Chapel Hill. To reserve a seat and pre-order the book, call (919) 542-3030.

Learn about herbs

Herb lovers, mark your calendars! A 10-day herb-packed festival is coming to Wake Forest next month. From April 18 until April 27, you can learn how to grow herbs, cook with them and buy enough herbs to fill a Subaru station wagon and then some. There also will be live music, storytellers and duck parades. For more information, go to www.herbfest.net.

Eat well in the East

More than 20 Eastern North Carolina restaurants from The Chef & The Farmer in Kinston to Pia's of Washington will be featured at the Crab Ball Gala & Auction on April 12. The event at the Washington Civic Center, is the finale to the Crabs on the Move public art project. The event includes food tastings, music and the auction of 18 giant crabs to benefit local charities. Black tie optional. Tickets cost $60 each. To get more information or to order tickets, call (800) 546-0162 or visit www.originalwashington.com.

Cranberry creations

If you have an original cranberry recipe in the family cookbook, it could win you $25,000. Ocean Spray is sponsoring the Ultimate Cranberry Recipe Contest. Recipes must be original, use Ocean Spray products and can be from beverages to baked goods. Home cooks can submit their recipes from now until May 30 at www.oceanspray.com. Food service professionals can submit their creations at www.oceansprayfoodservice.com.

Andrea Weigl