ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN PICKS DAVIO'S FOR COCKTAILS IN THE GARDEN . . . BEFORE RESTAURANT OPENS IN PHIPPS

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse is coming to Phipps Plaza later this month, but first it's blooming Italian cuisine at Cocktails in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden the night of Thursday, August 12.  Guests at this month's event, themed "Tropicals and Tipsy Teas," will enjoy a taste of Davio's first fruits, courtesy of Davio's Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg.  The event starts at 6 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m.  That's plenty of time to have a tea-inspired cocktail from the cash bar and complimentary Northern Italian treats in the Edible Garden outdoor kitchen as well as to cruise through the tropical Cascades Garden and take in the skyline from the Canopy Walk.  DJ Swivel provides smooth background beats.  Guests $15; Garden members free.  Guest passes accepted. 

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse:  Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

DOES THIS COUNT AS NIGHT SCHOOL?  KEVIN GILLESPIE DEMOS AT EAST ATLANTA VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET

Even though area school buses are rolling again, the farmers are still busy planting, picking and bringing their produce to area farmers markets -- including the Thursday night East Atlanta Village Farmers Market (1231 Glenwood Avenue).  Take a foodie field trip to the 4-8 p.m. market and learn a few food tricks from Woodfire Grill Executive Chef and Co-owner Kevin Gillespie at 6:30 p.m. on August 19.  It's not purely educational.  Demo-watchers get to sample a bite, and there's plenty of time left for shopping at vendors such as Love is Love Farm, Gaia Gardens, Scharko Farms, Decimal Place Farms, H & F Bread and Hidden Springs Honey.

MOVE OVER BEN & JERRY -- JCT. CHEF FORD FRY IS HEADING TO VERMONT FOR THE STAR CHEF FOOD & WINE SHOW

Hey Ford, bring back some of that cool Vermont air from the Star Chef Food & Wine Show!  JCT. Kitchen & Bar Executive Chef Ford Fry has the "Killer Tomato" attack under control on the home front and is setting off for this round up of top American chefs, national and international winemakers and cheesemakers at the Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vt. on Saturday, August 21.  Ford's Southern-regional creations are knock-outs here in Atlanta, and we know he'll definitely be a stand out up North.  Amid a bevy of New England chefs, Fry will be one of only four chefs from below the Mason-Dixon Line sharing signature dishes with the lucky guests.  The event starts at noon and runs through 5 p.m.  Go ahead, fly on up.  You know you want to.  Event net proceeds benefit Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.

PACCI CHEF KEIRA MORITZ IS ONE OF THE HOT CHEFS HEATING UP THE KITCHEN AT THE ATLANTA FOOD RAVE EXPERIENCE TO BENEFIT THE ATLANTA FOOD BANK

Did you know Pacci Ristorante Executive Chef Keira Moritz, a Valdosta, Ga. native, can drive a backhoe and a tractor...but not a stick shift?  Minor trivia.  More importantly, this Georgia gal wields a mean knife, spoon and spatula -- and will be putting her strengths to good work as one of the hot chefs participating in The Atlanta Food Rave Experience on Friday, August 27 at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery.  Don't ask us what's for dinner because the menu is being kept secret until guests arrive (vegetarians, there are options for you).  We can tell you that your $55-per-person ticket purchases a feast prepared by some of the ATL's hottest chefs at the Rave Review Culinary Extravaganza and Challenge, an open bar with a collection of signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages, plus complimentary valet parking.  Must be over age 21 to attend.  Tickets are available for purchase online only and will not be sold at the door.  The event benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank and its mission to fight hunger by educating, empowering and engaging Metro Atlanta and North Georgia communities.