Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are two choice dining events going on around the city:
Home of the Innocents Big Ol' Backyard BBQ
When: Saturday, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Home of the Innocents (1100 E. Market St.)
What: Chefs Laurent Géroli from The Brown Hotel's English Grill, , Tony Lusaik from Eddie Merlot's and Dallas McGarity from Marketplace Restaurant at Theater Square are manning the smoker at the Home of the Innocents Big Ol' Backyard BBQ. Everything at the event is donated and all proceeds benefit the Home of the Innocents, a private, non-profit agency that served almost 2,000 children last year who've been abused, abandoned, or neglected; are medically fragile; or have autism. The BBQ has a Western motif this year and also features hayrides, a wild wild activity zone for kids and a Western wear costume contest. Tickets are $50 for adults and can be purchased online.
Cochon 555
When: Sunday, 5:55 p.m.
Where: 21c Museum Hotel (700 W. Main St.)
What: Five teams of Louisville star chefs will be competing by preparing one plate showcasing an entire heritage hog in six distinct dishes at Cochon 555. Also, there'll be bourbon. Cochon 555 founder Brady Lowe explained the competition's past and future last week in an interview. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased online.
OFFstage: Noises Off
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Actors Theatre (316 W. Main St.)
What: Before Michael Fray's Noises Off, Dish on Market, Hillbilly Tea and MilkWood will be in the lobby selling "cheap (but oh-so-delicious) eats." Kyle James Hauser will provide the music. Tickets to the play are $20 and can be purchased online.
[Photos: Courtesy Home of the Innocents, Cochon 555 and Facebook/Actors Theatre]