Weekly gastronomy agenda: Pi(e), chips, Bocuse d'Or Asia

(AFP/ Fred Dufour)

March is a month devoted to food celebrations including International Pi(e) Day, Potato Chips Day and the prestigous Bocuse d'Or Asia competition in Shanghai.

International Pi(e) Day
March 14 at 1:59:26 p.m.
worldwide

In honor of Pi (?, 3.14159265...) mathematicians and ? lovers show their appreciation by eating pie and discussing pi. Pi day began in 1988 and can be enjoyed all day with a slice of your favorite pies (pizza, lemon meringue, apple and many more).


Potato Chips (Crisps) Day
March 14
wherever the potato chip can be found

Consider March 14 a cheat day on your diet and celebrate Pi day with pizza, pie and Potato Chips Day with bags of potato chips. Maybe try some global flavor creations like Japan's caramel butter chips, Argentina's Patagonia lamb or New Zealand's smoked salmon and capers.


Green Food Day (St. Patrick's Day)
March 17
various places worldwide

St. Patrick's day, a holiday to celebrate St. Patrick, the Catholic patron saint of Ireland, has become all about drinking and eating with an Irish feast and green beer.

Bocuse d’Or Asia
March 17-19
Pudong Expo
Shanghai, China

The second annual competition, co-located with Gourmet World Shanghai (an industry tradeshow devoted to international gourmet foods), is a continental event organized by the Bocuse d’Or committee to pre-select the four best teams that will compete at the annual prestigious final Bocuse d’Or 2011 in Lyon, France in January. Teams of chefs will be representing 12 Asian nations and the “Best Commis-Assistant” will be awarded in addition to three monetary prizes. http://www.bocusedorasia.com/

The 4th Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
March 20
Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USA

Doors open at 10 am on March 20 to 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) of chocolate, wine and confections. The region's largest chocolate event has grown 66 percent in size with over 70 chocolatiers and all new "Chocolate Chef Competition" and the "TasteTV Wine Competition." Plus the Salon will have sections devoted to chocolate tastings, demos, new products, fair trade & organics, chef/author sessions, book signings, wine pairings and a live chocolate body frosting demonstration. Tickets purchased in advance are $25 (€18) or $30 (€22) at the door. http://www.sfchocolatesalon.com/

International Waffle Day
March 25
worldwide

Supposedly a sign that Spring is on its way (in Sweden), although it doesn't matter if you call it Våffeldagen or International Waffle Day. Enjoy a waffle for breakfast with some delicious fruit and perhaps a waffle sandwich midday and end the celebration with a waffle sundae.

En Primeur 2009 Bordeaux
March 30-April 1
various châteaux, Bordeaux, France

En Primeur, also known as wine futures, is an annual event where the trade (wine investors and the press) comes together to taste the previous year's vintage while still in barrels to determine the wine rating, investment potential and price. Wines are tasted up to 18 months before bottled and the press generated from this highly anticipated event can set the tone for the wine market. http://www.ugcb.net/index.php?page=events&ppage=primeurs2010&lang=en