Wine importer Neal Rosenthal will sign his new book, "Reflections of a Wine Merchant," from 1 to 4 p.m. June 5 at A Southern Season. The book will be for sale at the store. If you would like to dine with Rosenthal, you can do so at a wine dinner that night at Bonne Soiree in Chapel Hill. Chef Chip Smith will prepare a five-course tasting menu to be paired with French wines chosen by Rosenthal. A price hasn't been finalized, but only eight seats were left as of last week. Each diner will receive a copy of Rosenthal's book. To make a reservation, call Tina Vaughn at (919) 928-8388.

Sample Backdoor food

On Saturday, chef Brendan Cordell with Pop's Backdoor, a new pizza, calzone and gelato delivery service connected to Pop's restaurant in Durham, will cook at the Durham Farmers' Market starting at 10 a.m. The farmers' market is at the pavilion at Durham Central Park on Foster Street in downtown Durham. Pop's Backdoor is open from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. To get more information or to place an order, call (919) 956-7437.

Taste of Durham set

Also in Durham this Saturday is Taste of Durham, a food, wine, beer and music festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food vendors include Carmen's Cuban Cafe & Lounge, Blu Seafood and Bar and Parizade among others. The beer garden will feature Carolina Brewing Co. and Foothills Brewing as well as others. The festival will be held at 4309 Emperor Blvd. at Exit 282 off Interstate 40 near the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham.

Tickets cost $4 advance or $6 on the day of the event. Children age 12 and younger get in free. Buy tickets online at www.tasteofdurham.org or at Harris Teeter stores. For more information about the wine vendors and music acts, go to www.tasteofdurham.org

In search of corned ham

Finally, a plea from a reader who is searching for a deli counter that sells corned ham. He wants to buy sliced corned ham, instead of having to make it himself. Please send any leads to andrea.weigl@newsobserver.com

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