Weekend Planner: Rib Fest, Bike Tour and Fireside Chats

Red Bones will be at the Smoke This Rib Fest this weekend.

By Naomi Kooker

This weekend, we have you covered for some indoor and outdoor food fun.

On Saturday, join chef Jim Solomon at The Fireplace's in Brookline for a fireside chat. The afternoon will see farmers, vintners and other experts chat on the topic du jour, which will involve pinot noir and the grape. It’s educational, fun and delicious (3-4:15 PM; costs run $25-$30; 617-975-1900 to reserve a spot). If you can’t make it this weekend, heads up for the following Saturday, November 3, when “red wine blends” is the discussion topic.



Two picks for Sunday. If it’s a nice day (looks so far, so good), grab your wheels (bicycle) and head to Tryst in Arlington in the morning to take a 35-mile spin through the country roads of MetroWest, making stops at Verrill Farms in Concord and Walden Pond. Tryst chef Paul Turano will lead the way. After the scenic ride, you’ll go back to Tryst for a two-course dinner (11 AM meet at Quad Cycles in Arlington; $40 per person, excluding drinks and tip; click here for more info and to get a ticket). If you don’t have a bike, no worries. You can rent one for $17.

Get on board for the Smoke This Rib Fest 2012 in Cambridge, where you can get your finger-lickin’ fill of bites from area restaurants, including Area Four, Bambara, Catalyst, Dante, Red Bones and more. It’s a party with cooking demos, live music, family fun activities and plenty to sample. The event is free, though you’ll need taste tickets to eat (noon-4 PM; click here for tickets and more details).