Table Talk + This Week's Edible Events


photo by Michael Diskin

We can’t think of a more fitting (or lovable) name for chef Tiffani Faison’s forthcoming restaurant: Sweet Cheeks. Says Faison, “it’s one of those nicknames I give out, usually to my line cooks but it’s what I call my friends, even my mom sometimes. It’s feminine and playful. It just fits.”

So too does the concept: Southern-style barbecue was a huge part of the former Rocca chef’s childhood. She spent most of her youth moving — she had family in the military — and traveling throughout the south. “Barbecue has pulled at my heart for decades,” reads her quote in a press release. Opening in the former Cambridge 1 space on Boylston Street near Fenway Park, the casual, airy space will have a patio as well as a solid take-out program. Faison is still tweaking and researching the menu but explains, “it’ll be my take on barbecue so it’s not going to be ‘cheffy.’ Just really, really good ingredients and techniques.”

Look for a late-summer opening.

This Week’s Edible Events

Tuesday, 6/14 – Progressive dinner with Boston magazine food editor Donna Garlough
Dine around the South End with our very own Donna Garlough to help demystify the restaurant menu with stops at Coppa, Gaslight, and Petit Robert Bistro. ($30, 5:30-9 pm. Register through the Boston Center for Adult Education website.)

Wednesday, 6/15 – Central Bottle’s WineEd Workshops
Snag one of twelve spots in this casual, ten-class series at the Central Square wine shop. Moving from the elemental to the elaborate, classes are comprehensive and take place weekly. ($30 per student/per class, 6-7 pm Wednesdays, starting 6/15. 196 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617.225.0040 or email info@centralbottle.com.)

Saturday, 6/18 – Whole Hog Butchery at KitchenWares
The Newbury Street shop hosts Savenor’s butcher Tom Daly for a pig butchering demo and grilled pork tasting. Bring dad in for some grilling tips and get discounts at both KitchenWares and Savenor’s. (Free but there is a suggested $10 donation which will go to Rosie’s Place; 11:30 am-1 pm. 215 Newbury St., Boston, 857-366-4237, kitchenwaresboston.com.)

Sunday, 6/19 – Boston Bacon Takedown
Home cooks compete to see who can do their best with 15 pounds of bacon. Ticketed guests get samples; winners take home prizes. ($15, 3 pm. Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Tickets available online.)