RHODE ISLAND

These weekly food tours give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample the wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine of the Blackstone River Valley through live demonstrations and meals. Information: http://www.blackstoneculinaria.com/. Schedule: May 16. Basil and Peppercorns, 877 Central Avenue, Pawtucket. Greek spanikopita May 23. Bob and Timmy’s Grilled Pizza, 621 Pound Hill Road, North Smithfield. Oven-grilled pizza May 30. Sullivan’s Publick House, 572 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket. Irish corned beef and sauerkraut June 6. Andrew's Bistro, 3755 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Chicken Florentine June 13. A & W Root Beer, 460 Putnam Pike, Greenville. How A & W Root Beer is made June 20. Blackstone Valley Outfitters, 25 Carrington Street, Lincoln. Chicken cooked in a Dutch oven and reflector oven June 27. Blackstone Valley Explorer Sunset Cruise, 45 Madeira Avenue, Central Falls. Clam cakes, chowder.

With a wide spread from national to regional competitors, festival-goers will taste a myriad of traditional and exotic chowders from all kitchens, then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative. The largest and longest running chowder championships in the country, the event features all-you-can-eat chowda from the nation's best chefs who serve unlimited samples of their sumptuous creations to the thousands of chowder loving festival attendees who also act as judges. The competition is thick, as chefs vie for coveted titles in various categories as well as prize money and bragging rights. Live bands, cooking demonstrations and kidSTOPs are all part of the fun for all ages. Information: www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/great-chowder-cook-off

Vote for your favorite chowder. Come and taste Block Island’s own oysters. Part of the Taste of Block Island Festival June 1-3. Information: www.blockislandchamber.com/TasteBIEvents.htm

Working from the first American cookbook, Amelia Simmons' American Cookery (1796), guests will prepare several receipts at the hearth using produce raised on the farm before sitting down to enjoy dinner by candlelight. Limited to eight participants; intended for ages 16 and up; reservations required. Dates: March 24; April 7, 21; May 5, June 23.Information: http://www.coggeshallfarm.org/