Keep thinking internationally ...

A reminder that a series on international fare available in Charlotte starts Friday, with cool videos online, and I'm asking for your contributions. I've got a list, but would love to add your suggestions. Instagram or Tweet them with the hashtag #foodforhelen (and email me if you Instagram; several have and I can't see them because I don't know to follow you!), share them here or on Facebook, or email me at hschwab@charlotteobserver. We'll publish them by region, and Africa's up first. (That's Jamile Sheikh of Jamile's, and the Somalian deliciousness that is chicken suqaar, above, by The O's Davie Hinshaw.)

In the interim, check out Zagat's list of 10 cuisines that are up-and-coming. Do you know which Charlotte's already got going on?

ilios noche gets close in south Charlotte

Look for the long-awaited ilios noche at Quail Corners to open the week of Sept. 30, says the group's Stratos Lambos.
It'll have a "gorgeous" bar, an interesting bar program and the Mediterranean menu of the Providence Road original, plus more seasonal-centric stuff from chef James Jermyn, says Lambos.

Try a dozen Barbarescos -- with food, that is

Aria presents "Il Barbaresco a Tavola," a four-course "nose-to-tail" wine dinner with a blind tasting of a dozen Barbaresco wines Sept. 26. Barbaresco, from the Piedmont region, is made from the Nebbiolo grape like one of the other Italian B wines, Barolo, but is generally a bit lighter than that known-for-being-big wine.

On the menu: pork rillettes with black lentil salad; ricoltta gnudi with braised pork shoulder; herb-roasted pork ribs with mascarpone polenta and trotter jam; smoked pork loin; and dessert that includes chocolate drizzled crispy pig ears.

The wines will be listed after they've all been tasted, and this is the first in a series of four such regional wine dinners, says Aria's Briana Cohen. 100 N. Tryon St.; 704-376-8880.

Know your farms!

Find out more about where your food comes from -- Charlotte-area restaurants buy from some of these folks -- at the fifth annual Charlotte Area Know Your Farms self-guided tour: 30 farms in nine counties hold open houses Sept. 14-15, from the pretty well known (Grateful Growers in Denver, above) to the you-may-never-have-heard-of (Thomas Bee Farm in Kannapolis, below).

You can learn about growing methods you can also use in home gardens, and kids can get up close with cows, pigs, chickens, goats and more, through this venture, for which the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Piedmont Grown and the 10% Campaign are all partners.

The farms will be open 1-6 p.m. both days, and some will offer activities such as hayrides, petting zoos and cooking demos. You buy a ticket -- $25 per vehicle in advance, $30 on tour days -- and plan your route via the website. Check out the details at knowyourfarmstour.com/farms.

Cheese shop celebrates anniversary

Orrman's Cheese Shop at the 7th Street Public Market celebrates its first year in business with the usual first-anniversary marker: melty cheese. (What, you didn't give that as a gift? You're behind the times.)

Raclette and all that goes with it will be on hand 5-7 p.m. Sept. 19; you can find more info and RSVP on the place's Facebook page here. 224 E. 7th St.; 980-226-3025.

Wine celebration, dinner, series en route

Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda hosts its eighth annual Festa Italiana 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 14, billed as a celebration of Italian culture, food, music and wine. Admission is $15 and includes a tasting of three wines and a commemorative glass. Vendors will sell pastas, sandwiches, pizza, espresso, gelato and more. The vineyards are 10 minutes from the I77 and N.C. 421 interchange; www.raffaldini.com.

Del Frisco's plans a Sept. 18 Ramey Wine Cellars dinner, with winemaker David Ramey on hand. On the menu: scallop BLT sliders with Sonoma Chardonnay; filet mignon with Yukon Gold mash and Napa and Pedregal Cabernets Sauvignon; and more. $175;
704-552-5502; 4725 Piedmont Row Drive.

And Bonterra is launching its seasonal dinner series, with wine pairings, with a Fall Harvest Dinner Sept. 22. Chef Bill Schutz's menu includes potato and parmesan soup with NV Domaine Carneros Brut by Tattinger; wild striped bass with wild mushrooms and 2011 Solena Estate Grand Cuvee Pinot Noir, Williamette Valley; grilled saddle of venison with 2011 Paul Hobbs Felino Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina; and more. $100; 704-333-9463; 1829 Cleveland Ave.

Kids eat free...

Lulu now offers Sunday dinner free (and a beverage) for kids 12 and younger, when accompanied by an adult buying a main plate. The special runs 5-7 p.m. Sundays, and Lulu's press suggests "Anti-kid people: Come to wine & dine after 7.") 1911 Central Ave.; 704-376-2242.