Set, serve, go

Ever watch chefs cook under competition lights and wish it wasn't just made-for-TV?

The Culinary Center in Lincoln City hosts its very own "Ready, Set, Cook" from 2-5 p.m. on May 15.

This fundraising event based on the BBC show of the same name sets Scott Newman from ¡OBA! in Portland vs. Sean McCart from The Bay House, and Tre Wilcox of "Top Chef" vs. Justin Wills from Restaurant Beck in one competitive cooking event. Each chef is given a set pantry, a mystery ingredient and a time limit.

Here's where audience participation comes in: members are chosen to serve as sous chefs.

Admission is $50 which also includes appetizers, coffee, and dessert.

On the menu is English toffee popcorn, a seasonal vegetable, a fruit and charcuterie platter with assorted crackers and bread, spicy shrimp on a stick, tomato soup shooters with crab, egg, cheese, bacon, and arugula on focaccia, smoked salmon pinwheels, veggie pinwheels, and a mini tomato pie. Tickets can be reserved by calling 1-800-452-2151.

A token of appreciation

Area wineries are pulling out all the stops: fresh flowers, special menus, and champagne - to impress your mom.

On May 8 and 9 they open their doors to parents and children alike in celebration of Mother's Day.

Dallas' Chateau Bianca Winery hosts its brunch beginning at 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9. On their menu is eggs Benedict, cinnamon French toast sticks, a made-to-order omelet bar, and a dessert bar. A complimentary glass of wine or champagne is also included, and moms also walk away with a free rose. Call 503-623-6181 for reservations.

Willaby's Catering helps Willamette Valley Vineyards host their brunch by catering a full menu that includes seasonal fruit, bread, pastries, domestic and imported cheese, pancakes, scrambled eggs, country potatoes, biscuits and gravy, a carving station with ham and roast beef, a dessert station with cakes, cookies, and other sweets, coffee, juices, and two glasses of Tualatin Estate Sparkling Muscat or Champagne. Their weekend holiday feast is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9. For reservations call 503-371-7815.

Daisies and dessert are on par for the day at Cherry Hill Winery's tasting room event. Included in the special occasion is a complimentary wine tasting, a fresh daisy, dessert, and 10 percent off wine purchases. Their May 8 event begins at noon, and starts at 11 a.m. the following day. Call 503-623-7867 or email office@cherryhillwinery to make reservations.