Marching Into Spring! Foodie Events

Have you been laying low since the holidays? With spring on the doorstep, it’s time to get out and have dinner at a favorite restaurant (Lancaster City Restaurant Week is coming up), sample some wine (while you work on a craft), attend a fundraising event (one is coming up in Ephrata), take a cooking class (with Valerie Garcia in E-town) or simply indulge in something tasty (Fasnacht Day is around the corner!).   

Valosh Baking Classes

March

Valosh Patisserie

• March 1: Croissants. Participants will learn how to make the croissant détrempé, as well as skills for laminating and shaping an outstanding croissant. Each participant will take home three croissants.
• March 8: Eclairs. Participants will learn how to make choux pastry, craquelin and pastry cream for assembling outstanding éclairs.

Classes begin with a demo presented by pastry chef, Valerie Garcia, who will take you through a recipe step by step. Ingredients and equipment will be provided. As this is an interactive class, participants are welcome to ask questions and be proactively involved. BYOB permitted. 2:30 p.m. 23 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Tastevalosh.com

Philadelphia Flower Show

March 1-9

Pennsylvania Convention Center

Just in time to get you inspired for a new season of gardening, the theme for 2024’s show is Gardens of Tomorrow, which will take you into a new world of imaginative designs and boundless inspiration. Visitors will explore the future through the eyes of visionary designers, expert gardeners and passionate green enthusiasts as they merge nature’s brilliance with human ingenuity. The show will also feature the world’s biggest plant competition, unique shopping experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, activities for all ages and the Know to Grow speaker series.

Now in its 196th year, the award-winning show is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and serves as its main fundraiser to support impactful greening work that advances health and well-being in the region. General hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (closing at 6 p.m. on March 9). 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia. Foodies take note, the Reading Terminal Market is nearby. Information: phsonline.org

Fasnacht Day!

March 4

Lancaster County

It’s time to indulge in that Lancaster County puff of dough that pays homage to the German tradition of using up items like lard, sugar and butter ahead of the Lenten season. Today, these delectable treats can be eaten plain or covered in a glaze, cinnamon or powdered sugar. Churches and fire companies make and sell fasnachts as fundraisers. For example, the parishioners at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia, have been making their signature fasnachts for more than 100 years (visit holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/shop to check on availability). Stores, bakeries and markets are also sources for the treats. Oregon Dairy, which bakes an average of 15,000 fasnachts for the big day, will open their store at 6 a.m. that day. They will also operate a drive-thru service from 5:30-10 a.m. Visit Oregondairy.com for details.

Daddy Daughter Dance

March 7

Cameron Estate

The owners and staff at Cameron Estate had so much fun hosting this magical event last year, that they are bringing it back again. Ticket price includes buffet dinner, beverages, dessert and, of course, plenty of dancing! Tickets must be purchased in advance. 6-8 p.m. 1855 Mansion Lane, Mount Joy. Information: Facebook.com

Ephrata Eats

March 11

Pour Man’s Brewing

What’s the perfect recipe for a spectacular evening? Taste-tempting food and drink, fun games and a great cause! After last year’s sold-out inaugural event, Ephrata Eats is back by popular demand for its second year. Local restaurants, bakeries and caterers will be serving samples of their best bites with beverages provided by Pour Man’s Brewing Company. The theme this year is the 1950s, so wear your best vintage attire and participate in the costume contest. Proceeds benefit Good Samaritan Services. 6-8:30 p.m. (with a VIP Happy Hour at 5 p.m.). 24 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Goodsamservices.org

Sip & Clip Bonsai Workshop

March 13

Nissley Vineyards/Tanger Outlets

Explore the Japanese art form known as bonsai with your hosts Steven and Nate, who together have been studying bonsai for 20 years. Following a brief discussion of styles and design, you will select your tree, prune, pot and then shape your very own masterpiece to take home. The workshop includes a complimentary wine tasting (age 21+), a tree, a pot, soil, chopstick, wire (if needed), a small pair of pruners and a how-to-care-for guide. Wine by the glass/bottle, as well as light snacks, will be available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own food and outside non-alcoholic beverages. 5:30 p.m. 301 Stanley K. Tanger Dr., Lancaster. Information: Nissleywine.com

Shamrocked Beer Fest

March 15

Lancaster Stormers Stadium

Get a jump start on your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations and attend this event that features beer sampling (and a commemorative glass) and live music provided by the Celtic band, Ogham Stones. Irish-themed food will be available for purchase. Ticket options available. 21+ only and no dogs. 2-6 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterstormers.com

Lititz History & Whiskey Tours

March 15 & 22

Lititz

Sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the guided tours are designed to acquaint participants with the history of Main Street, which is lined with buildings that date as far back as the 1700s and include America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, Lancaster County’s first pharmacy, Lititz’s first bank and a Revolutionary War hospital. Guests will then visit Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, where they will enjoy a guided tasting of three local whiskeys and learn about the whiskey and distilling history of the Lititz area. Tours are limited to 16 participants, ages 21+. 4-6 p.m. Tours depart from the Square in Lititz. Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com

Celebrate Spring With Ice Cream

March 23

Lickity Split

Lickity Split is welcoming spring by giving out free ice cream! Visitors will be gifted with a free small dish of ice cream (Note: restaurant service not available). 2-5 p.m. 209 E. Main St., New Holland. Information: Facebook.com 

Themed Dinner/Mardi Gras & Bourbon Street

March 27

John Wright Restaurant

John Wright Restaurant takes you to New Orleans via a menu that features Cajun favorites such as Shrimp & Grits, Gator Sausage, Shrimp Jambalaya, Dirty Rice and more. 6 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwpa.com

Lancaster City Restaurant Week  

March 31-April 6

Dozens of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars and pubs will be participating in this spring edition of the event that celebrates the city’s culinary diversity, with most offering promotions throughout the week. Here’s your chance to support a favorite eatery or discover a new one. Information: Lancastercityrestaurantweek.com