• Chip Barkley

Wasatch International Food Festival
For three years, The Wasatch International Food Festival has brought some of Utah's finest purveyors of international cuisine into the limelight. The festival prides itself on being a celebration of food in all its iterations—not only can attendees sample dishes from all over the world thanks to vendors like Mama Africa, Curry Pizza and Namash Swahili Cuisine, but professional chefs teach culinary demos. If kimchi and mofongo strike your fancy but you've lacked the courage to tackle them at home, let these demos guide your gastronomic awakening. A lineup of local musicians complement each dish with music from around the world—from reggae to hair metal. Tickets are available at foodfestutah.org and cost $5 for adults. A "tasty ticket" is $20 and includes a souvenir tumbler and access to the festival's secret menu. The event takes place at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1355 W. 3100 South) on Friday, Aug. 10 (5 p.m-10 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 11 (noon.-8 p.m.).

Second Annual Tacofest
On its own, the average taco has the power to bring joy to one hungry soul. When this power is harnessed for the good of a program like Meals on Wheels, miracles can happen. Salt Lake's second annual Tacofest raised $7,500 for Meals on Wheels last year, and the event celebrating everyone's favorite filled tortilla is back. This year's vendors include taco champions like Chronic Tacos, Jurassic Street Tacos and Asadero Rio Sonora. Tickets are only $5—they can be purchased via Eventbrite—and kids' tickets are free. Not only can attendees answer the often-asked question "how many tacos can I actually eat," but they'll help Meals on Wheels provide food for underprivileged families. It all happens at the Mexican Civic Center (155 S. 600 West) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Breakfast with the Birds
Tracy Aviary's Bird Feeder Café (589 E. 1300 South, 801-596-8500, tracyaviary.org) is a bit underplayed, but the place is well worth a visit. It's also the backdrop for the 14th annual Breakfast with the Birds, a fundraiser for the aviary's education department, which teaches local children how to develop curiosity and compassion for our hollow-boned friends. The event includes a tasty breakfast buffet, an exclusive bird show, live music and access to the general aviary exhibits. Purchase tickets on the aviary website; adults are $40, children are $15, and toddlers two and under get in free. The breakfast is Saturday, Aug. 11, from 8-10:30 a.m. It's a great way help maintain Tracy Aviary's community outreach programs that help hundreds of local children foster a love and respect for our environment.

Quote of the Week: "When it's done properly, taco should be a verb." –Jonathan Gold

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