A lot is going on in Roanoke under the radar, including excellent eateries to enjoy. Taste of Roanoke is a chance to dip your toes in, or for that matter dive right into, the town’s stellar culinary scene. 

The 10-day showcase of the best the community has to offer, and in many cases at special prices, begins Friday, March 1.

The Discover Roanoke initiative offers plenty of options at all price points and tastes. 

There will be 14 participants, including Joseph Decuis, Moose & Mollie’s Café and Gelato, Roanoke Village Inn, The Copper Still, The Local Saloon, and Two-EE’s Winery.

Among the menus will be:

Grab a 14-inch pizza, wings, and dessert for $25 at Elmo’s Pizza and Subs

Jebi’s Ice Cream Shoppe will offer buy one, get one free ice cream and $5 shakes. 

195 Cuisines offers discount charcuterie boards with cured meats, cheese, crackers, breads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and more. 

At Joseph Decuis, there will be three-course meals with soup or salad, pasta, and dessert. Meanwhile, Joseph Decuis Emporium is offering three tacos for $12. 

Two-EE’s Winery is giving a complimentary souvenir glass for any wine-tasting experience.

You can investigate participating restaurants and special menus at discoverroanoke.org.

Enjoy Warren eateries at fundraiser

Another Huntington County community will show off what they have to offer, but in a different format.

On Saturday, March 2, the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will host Taste of Warren from 7-9 p.m. at Dogwood Glen Golf Course, 753 East 900 South.

Rylie Lynn & The Acoustic Trio will provide music while you enjoy offerings from East of Chicago Pizza, Esmeralda’s 2, Son-Rise Bakery, and Wagon Wheel. There will also be wine and slushies from Dash 90 Wines and beer provided by Wagon Wheel. 

Tickets are available at Bippus State Bank in Warren and via EventbriteZ. The ticket includes food, wine slushies, and soft drinks. It is the only fundraiser hosted by the chamber of commerce, and its proceeds go toward Riverside Park maintenance, downtown beautification, and other community events.

Happy Hour deals could return

A bill that would significantly loosen restrictions on Happy Hour promotions for Indiana restaurants has cleared both the state house and senate and awaits Gov. Eric Holcomb’s signature. 

If approved, it would mark the first time since 1985 that establishments could offer discounts on alcohol. 

The proposed legislation would allow discounted beverages up to four hours per day, but no more than 15 hours in a week and never during the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The measure aims to boost revenue for tourism and restaurant businesses after COVID-19. 

Learn to create your own chocolates

Just in time for Easter, Country Kitchen SweetArt, 4621 Speedway Drive, is hosting a chocolate treat class. 

Learn how to make molded chocolates and dipped treats with the promise you will gain the skills to make your creations shine with ease. Another perk is that you get to take treats made in the class. 

There are two classes Thursday, March 14, with both beginning at 6 p.m. 

You can sign up at countrykitchensa.com. While you are there, be sure to try their March Candy of the Month: a chocolate fudge sandwich cookie covered in Irish cream chocolate. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, of course. 

Zesto locations ready to open doors

Finally, because we are about to tell you the news you are craving. 

Here’s another tidbit that gets you ready for warmer weather: Zesto at the Village of Coventry is opening Friday, March 1, and the location at 6218 St. Joe Center Road is scheduled to open March 7. 

Now, that’s news you can use. 

Help Sassy Vegan get storefront

The Sassy Vegan, a popular spot at farmers markets, is looking to expand into a storefront.

The small business that specializes in allergen-friendly food began in 2020 with Rachel Smith baking vegan and gluten-free desserts in her home. 

Since then, The Sassy Vegan has outgrown a commercial kitchen and now operates out of Cookspring Shared Kitchen.

Now in search of a permanent home, the community can help out by donating to the cause via Indiegogo.com. 

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.