By Charlene Arsenault

• Pasta pride: The Worcester Pride Association is welcoming Ron Loconsolo, former owner of Rage Nightclub, to cook a big and yummy spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the Association. This annual event started years ago to kick off the New Year, and was intended as a means to build excitement and the core team necessary to plan the September Pride Block Party (Sept. 13 this year). "We take time to recognize all our volunteers for their hard work," says AJ Leto, one of the organizers, "as well as many supporters, sponsors and advertisers who stop in for a great meal and even better times socializing." The dinner, which includes pasta, meatballs, salad and fresh bread, is 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Blü Ultralounge (with support from 86 Winter), 103 Water St. It costs $10.

Dave Reilly

• Laughing with Greek food: On Friday, Dave Reilly's putting on his funny show at The Manor Restaurant in West Boylston as part of a comedy dinner presentation. This nationally touring comedian's performance is described as a "One-Man Broadway Comedy Production." A buffet dinner accompanies the show (and there are two shows) from 6-10 p.m. It's $45 for dinner and the show, and $30 for the show only. Call 508-835-4722.

• How sweet: On Saturdays and Sundays through March, learn the role maple sugar played in the lives and diets of early New Englanders at Old Sturbridge Village. Interpreters explain why at one time maple sugar was more common than maple syrup. Venture to the outdoor sugar camp to check out the tools of the trade and see them in action, and also watch these interpreters cook food of that day made with maple sugar and other maple products. Admission for the Village these days is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $6 for kids 3-17. Visit www.osv.org.

• Drink and eat for financial scholarships: The Worcester Wine and Food Festival, the sixth annual, in fact, hits the DCU Center on Thursday, Feb. 28. Taste fine wines from domestic and international winemakers and taste signature dishes from some of the finest area restaurants. The event is $40 and benefits the JCC's Tuition Scholarship Program. More than 30 restaurants and caterers take part, including Palma's Bakery, Rovezzi's, The Bean Counter, Tribeca, Castellana's, 86 Winter, Peppercorn's, Mezcal, Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace, the Publick House and Polar Beverages. Call 508-756-7109 for more information. o

Wine tastings? New chef? New menu items? Opening a new place? Expanding? Eat something good? Eat something bad? Did your mom win a pie recipe contest? If it's directly or indirectly related to food and drink, we want to hear about it. Direct any and all of your juicy foodish news and tidbits to Charlene at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 508-749-3166, ext. 245.