How Sweet it Is

Fitchburg Art Museum is inviting you to warm up winter with the elixir of true romantics, chocolate, and an explanation of the role the humble cacao bean played in ancient Central and South America at "Food of the Gods: Chocolate Tasting." Explore chocolate from Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, complemented with wines of the world. Tour the Museum to see ceramics from ancient cacoa-worshipping pots from Europe. The event is 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and costs $45. Visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

Benefit Dinner for Nicaragua

On Thursday, Feb. 19, Clark University hosts a benefit buffet that features delectable selections from both local restuarants from the neighborhood and Shrewsbury Street, complemented by Clark performances. Sponsored by Da-Le, it takes place at Tilton Hall/Wetzel Terrace, 950 Main St., from 5-8 p.m.

Eat to Heat

Taking a cue from other successful "taste of" events, Charlton now has one of its own - and for a good cause. On Saturday, Jan. 31, A Taste of the Towns brings in more than 20 vendors, restaurants and stores dishing and pouring out samples. The debut event benefits the REAS (Residential Energy for Seniors) Foundation of Charlton, a chapter that was recently formed.

"The REAS Foundation is brand new," says Elaine Kingston, who helped organize the event, and is the chapter director, as well as director for the Senior Center in Charlton. "It started in Southbridge, but we now have a chapter in Charlton."

Among the establishments setting up shop are: The Moonstruck Cafe, Charlton Family House of Pizza, Charlton Food Mart, Stearn's Dressed Meats, Kathy's Garden Treasures, Nana Eleanor's, Charlton Center Cafe, Ted's Package Store, Ronnie's Seafood, Francesco's Italian Bakery, Zorba's, The Dark Horse Tavern, Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shop, Heritage Country Club, Margaux, McDonald's, Vienna Restaurant and Historic Inn and Carmella's Italian Restaurant.

For $10 (folks are urged to call and order these in advance, but tickets will be available at the door), roam the room and take in spoonfuls, bitefuls and cups of the best food and drink these places have to offer. The event also includes door prizes, a large silent auction, a magician and deejay.

"The seniors have given their whole livs and worked hard," says Kingston, "and we want to give a piece back to them. A lot of people may not be eligible for fuel assistance with the programs that are out there, so this is less restrictive."

Taste of the Town is at The Overlook Room, 88 Masonic Home Road in Charlton from 6-10 p.m.

Call 508-726-9906 for tickets or questions about the Reas Foundation.

Fresh Crust

All of the loaves at Armsby Abbey are baked right there, in house, from scratch. Well soon, says owner Alec Lopez (who also owns The Dive Bar), these breads will be baked next door to the Abbey on Main Street along with lots of other treats in their new bakery, Crust. Focused mostly on hearth baking old world style breads, Crust will also feature cheeses, charchuterie and coffee. Before Crust even opens, though, the Armsby Abbey breads are now for sale - every day. Ask the server or call ahead to find out the specials of the day.