Table talk: Utah food news and events

The Chocolate Dessert Café, 212 S. State, Orem, and author Annette Lyon are hosting a national Chocolate Day celebration Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m., that is free to the public. There will be chocolate samples and discounts. Lyon will be signing copies of her book, "Chocolate Never Faileth" (Covenant Communications, $21.99). The first five attendees will receive a free copy of the book. A free chocolate caramel cupcake will be given with every cookbook purchase (www.covenant-lds.com).

The Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant is hosting a Halloween dinner Oct. 30. Menu options will have spooky and festive names, and guests are encouraged to come in costume (888-650-1400 or www.theblueboarinn.com).

Bambara, 202 S. Main, is hosting Halloween trick-or-treat experience Oct. 30 and 31. Once seated, guests can reach inside the Bambara treat jar for a "treat." These vary from a complete dinner for two, meal discounts or complimentary blue cheese chips (Bambaraslc.com).

Chipotle Mexican Grill is hosting a "Boorito: The Horrors of Processed Food" night on Halloween, Oct. 31. Customers dining at Chipotle after 6 p.m. and dressed like processed food can buy a $2 burrito with proceeds going to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution (www..chipotle.com/boorito).

The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is hosting an The Epicurean Weekend special on Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 12-14. Highlights of the weekend are a hands-on gourmet cooking class taught by staff of the J & G Grill, a four-course group dinner with wine pairings on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Each guest gets a chef's coat to wear during the cooking class and to take home. Cost is $549 for two people (435-940-5700 or visit www.stregisdeercrest.com).

A&W Restaurantsis launching $3 Big Taste Meals. These permanent value meals BBQ Bacon Crunch Burger, Cheddar Onion Crunch Burger, Coney Cheese Dog or Deluxe Cheeseburger, each served with fries (www.bigtastenation.com).

Marie Callender's is offering take-home Thanksgiving meals, with roast turkey or ham, seven side dishes and a pie, beginning at $99. Families can also dine-in on Thanksgiving Day at Marie Callender's, for $19.99 per adult, $7.99 per child (www.mcpies.com/holidayguide).

e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com