*Merchant’s Deli was sold to T. Maccarone’s in December 2009.  Since then, the venue has been renovated and reopened with extended hours as Olive Marketplace & Cafe. Changes include a new menu featuring a variety of flatbreads as well as take-away items including cheeses, freshly baked breads, fresh fish and seafood.

*Chris Ainsworth, owner/chef of Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen has been listed as a semifinalist in the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards, Restaurant & Chef Award for Best Chef: Northwest.

*Waterbrook Winery’s Executive Chef Ceil Blaine offers cooking classes on select Wednesdays. Check out her schedule on our website.

*Creektown Cafe opened for brunch on Valentine’s Day weekend. Word is that they plan on opening for brunch most weekends. Stay tuned for that announcement.

*Graze Catering, which opened in the former Cheval location at 5 S. Colville Street, has announced extended hours. Now open from 10-7 PM weekdays and offering paninis, soups, salads and hot and cold sandwiches.  Beer and wine. Word is they are playing with the idea of an occasional (secret) Saturday night dinner. Check back here for that information.

*Someone’s In the Kitchen, known for their cooking classes, opened for lunch last year. They quickly became a favorite lunch spot for really great soups and sandwiches. Now they have added breakfast on weekdays and Sunday brunch.

*There is a growing trend of guerrilla or underground dinners popping up around town at TBA venues. Those in the know get an email with a date — venue and menu to follow.  One such dinner series is offered by Chef Andre Bopp. He has just announced La Porte Brune’s Underground 3rd Dinner on April 10 and a 4th dinner on June 26. See our events page for contact info.

*Whoopemup Hollow Cafe and jimgermanbar are always compelling reasons to visit Waitsburg. However, Mardi Gras is extra special!

*Salumiere Cesario has expanded their menu options and now that the weather has turned pleasant, their patio is open.

*WW Taco wagons always offer great value for terrific food.

*Closings:  Cheese Louise and Carravagios (at the airport) have closed their doors.