Take a Bite of Downtown Renton on Monday will benefit the Renton History Museum

March 27, 2009 5:23 pm

Monday is the day to take a Bite of Downtown 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit the Renton History Museum.

Nine downtown restaurants are participating in the sampling adventure, part of the Renton History Museum’s presentation of the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Key Ingredients: America by Food.”

The cost is $20, which gets a sample at Blossom Asian Bistro, La Hacienda, Armondo’s, Melrose Place, Red House, Fin N Bone, Bella Napoli, Geri’s Casual Dining and Catering and Yoggi Frozen Yogurt.

Tickets are available at the Renton History Museum, 235 Mill Ave. S., until 8 p.m. Monday evening.

The Renton History Museum is at 235 Mill Ave. S. and its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Renton History Museum is hosting the only greater Seattle showing of “Key Ingredients: America by Food,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition Saturday through May 9.

Key Ingredients explores the historical, regional and social traditions that merge in home-cooked meals, restaurant cuisine and celebrations. Sustaining A City also has opened at Renton History Museum. That exhibit, to run indefinitely,is about Renton’s unique foodways.

In conjunction with the two exhibits, Renton will host a series of food events, classes and activities. Key events include:

• Western Regional Hot Food Championship, April 4–April 6 at Renton Technical College.

• Author Mark Winne speaks about “Closing the Food Gap” April 4, 3 p.m., Carco Theatre. Based on his book, “Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty.” Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, or free with a food item for Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank. Sponsored by the Renton History Museum.

• Productive Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces: Planning Raised Beds and Containers, presented by WSU King County Extension. April 8, 6-8 p.m., Renton Technical College.

• 3 Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam, April 16, 4:30 p.m., Carco Theatre. A screening of the Emmy-nominated film by Justin Bookey. Admission $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Sponsored by the Renton History Museum.

• “Taste of The Landing,” April 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The opening celebration of Renton’s new urban village.

• “An Afternoon with Greg Atkinson,” May 7, 4:30 p.m., Carco Theatre. Local chef and cookbook author Greg Atkinson and West Coast regional cuisine. Admission $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Sponsored by Renton History Museum.

• Local Food Year-Round: Simple Methods for Preserving Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, presented by WSU King County Extension. May 13, 6-8 p.m., Renton Technical College.

• The Renton History Museum is also offering an essay contest for youth, and an ongoing trivia contest with weekly prizes.

• Renton Technical College is hosting a series of culinary classes over the next three months. For further information, visit www.rtc.edu.