Food news and events in Utah

Karen Olson,owner and manager of Metropolitan Restaurant in Salt Lake City, has been named chairman of the board of Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNa). The organization, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, recognizes and promotes excellence in fine dining throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.

This year the group changed its recognition to include timeless traditional fine dining restaurants, the best of creative contemporary cuisine, and legendary regional landmark restaurants.

To be eligible for DiRoNa, restaurants must be in operation under the same ownership for a minimum of three years and undergo an anonymous inspection of the dining experience from food to decor. To date, fewer than 800 restaurants have received the DiRoNa distinction.

IKEA, 67 W. Ikea Way in Draper, is hosting a Food University Culinary Tour with Caprial and John Pence, Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m. The event is free to the public. Co-hosts of American Public Television's Caprial & John's Kitchen, the two will demonstrate Family Circle recipes and discuss local produce, using spices, ideas for quick appetizers and tips for easy entertaining (www.MyFoodU.com).

The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, is hosting Allen Kurzweil, author of "Potato Chip Science," Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Kurzwell will demonstrate science experiments using potato chips to spark children's creativity (801-484-9100).

The USU Extensionis hosting its annual Apple & Cheese Tastings, where the public can come and taste a wide variety of locally grown apples, along with local artisan cheeses. These free events take place at the Utah Botanical Center, 725 Sego Lily Drive, Kaysville, Oct. 7, 5-7 p.m.; and at the Ogden Botanical Gardens, 1750 Monroe Blvd., on Oct. 14, from noon-2 p.m. (801-451-3403 or 801-399-8201).

A Gluten-Free Expo takes place Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State, Sandy. Smith's Marketplace is sponsoring the event. The event includes a free gluten-free pancake breakfast sponsored by Bisquick, cooking demonstrations, medical lectures, a kids corner featuring face painting and a bouncy house, hourly prize giveaways and a grand prize giveaway sponsored by Smith's and Bob's Red Mill. Admission is $6 for adults, and free for children ages 12 and under.

USU Extension offers free pressure canner lids testing on Tuesdays, noon-3 p.m. at 2001 S. State, South Building, S1200. Home canners can quickly check to make sure their lids are safe to use. Bring your lid only.

E-mail:vphillips@desnews.com