Livin' in the Blurbs: Spring Has Sprung!

Think about this: What do you really know about the lives of the people who grow and harvest our food? Have you ever wondered where they live? Or looked into their eyes? As part of their series titled "The People Who Feed Us," Slow Food Portland and the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation are hosting an event where you'll meet local immigrant farmworker families, join them in conversation, learn about their lives and share a potluck lunch. You'll start the day with a light breakfast, and I guarantee you'll come away from lunch with a changed perspective.

Details: The People Who Feed Us sponsored by Slow Food Portland and the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation. Sat., May 2, 8:30 am-1:30 pm, meet in Woodburn at FHDC community center, 1274 Fifth Street 1-A,Woodburn; $8, tickets available online.

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Love Indian food but think it's way too complicated to make at home? Or want to learn how to toast spices and sauté your onions like a pro? Then you need to take Sophie Rahman's upcoming two-part class on this deeply intriguing cuisine. From my experience in her classes, you'll not only gain hands-on practice with ingredients and recipes, but learn new techniques and get an overview of the culinary history of the various regions. This is not to be missed!

Details: Indian Cooking Classes with Sophie Rahman. Tues., May 5 and Tues., May 12, 6-9 pm; $70 for both classes. Reserve your place by e-mail or call 503 233-1966.

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If you're like me and wish you could climb over people's fences and get a better look at their gardens, the upcoming tour of the gardens of Portland's Raleigh Park neighborhood should scratch your itch. These sprawling suburban lots teem with wannabe landscape professionals who thrive on outdoing their neighbors, so this is a signal opportunity to get great ideas and do good at the same time.

Details: Raleigh Park Garden Tour to benefit Raleigh Park Elementary School and West Slope Community Library gardens. May 16, 10 am-3 pm; $17, tickets available by calling 503-292-5170.