Big events today, but first, a reminder and second, a question:

This is National Farmers' Market Week.

Visit, support, cherish, celebrate and enjoy the goodness of our local farmers' markets starting this afternoon with the Main St. Farmers' Market, followed by Saturday's Hi-Lo Market in Highland Park.

These are some of the best places with the best people serving the best food in town.

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Now, our question:

Many of you go out to eat, somewhat regularly or quite frequently.

You're choosing restaurants that are committed to quality, intention and care. You're paying hard-earned money and expect a top-shelf meal and exquisite service in return.

Our question: how many times do you end your restaurant meal by ordering coffee?

At those restaurants, when you recline and ease back in your chair after a beautiful dinner, how frequently are you ordering restaurant coffee?

Not asking about alcohol. Or appetizers.

But coffee.

Trust us. We're sniffing out a story here and want to hear from you.

Now, onto the good news.

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On Monday, August 17, Raven Humphrey is hosting an olive oil tasting from 4 to 6 pm at Calliope.

Drum roll, please: it’s her olive oil.

“Dr. EVO,” she said. “All the way from Puglia, Italy.”

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Raven traveled to Italy earlier this spring, deepening her knowledge and experience with amaro. (You’ve been to our Amaro Evenings, right?) Along the way, she and two Italians — Matteo and Mirko — launched an olive oil company: Dr. Evo.

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On August 17, it’s being unveiled for the first time at Calliope. The party goes from 4 to 6 pm, with $10 tickets at the door.

You can’t buy Dr. EVO … yet. This is a first-taste experience, served up by one of the most creative and innovative restaurateurs in the South.

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On Sunday, August 9, our friends at Hearsay Press are hosting a print issue release party.

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Hearsay is an independent media co. launched by Jared Scott Martin with a goal of covering, celebrating and honoring the local music scene which, like the food scene, is possibly the best its ever been.

Yet, where is the local media? Hearsay stepped in to fill that gap.

You can subscribe here for free. Don't miss Sunday's party at The Boneyard.

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Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley is a good friend; we toured the old Big H last year with her and have watched her vision for Cocoa Cafe come to life.

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We stop by every other week to say hi; the progress is stunning. The place is gorgeous. (Tucker Build, bravo.)

Raquetta sent out a message earlier this week.

"After years of planning, construction, fundraising, and incredible community support, we are entering the final stretch," she began.

Cocoa Cafe's soft opening begins August 17 with a grand opening on Monday, Aug. 24 at 11 am.

"We cannot thank you enough for believing in this vision and walking alongside us on this journey. What began as an idea to create a place centered around Coffee. Culture. Community. is about to become a reality," she said.

Then, she asked for help.

"We are currently seeking Grand Opening Sponsors to help us launch Cocoa Cafe in a big way. Sponsorships directly support our opening celebration while investing in a community space dedicated to creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, and serving South Chattanooga," she said.

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Finally, Food as a Verb welcomes acupuncturist Dr. Wayne Stephens and The Wellness Tree into our family of partners.

Wayne is an old friend. Years ago, I was limping around one day and a friend said: I know who can fix you right up.

Go see Wayne Stephens.

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I'd received acupuncture before, but it didn't really take. With Wayne, the effects were tangible, therapeutic and felt so good. They're cumulative; now, that first or second needle ... and easily, gratefully my nervous system begins to relax.

Feeling like a cold's coming on? Injured or sore from overuse? He's helped me with chronic reflux, anxiety, fatigue, bound-up muscles and way-tight hamstrings.

Plus, he's enormously funny, tremendously generous and kind in such genuine and welcoming ways. He and Ashley — equally welcoming and kind — have an office on Dayton Boulevard in the heart of Red Bank.

We also train in kung fu together with the brilliant and so sturdy Trevor Haines at Dojo Chattanooga, who is one of the best teachers I've ever met in my life.

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(Yeah. You're thinking it; I'll go ahead and say it. One of us is not like the others. But a guy can try ... and, quite seriously, Dojo has changed my life immeasurably, but that's a story for another day.) Back to Wayne.

Part of what we enjoy most about Food as a Verb is being able to spotlight people and places we love and respect.

Welcome to the family, Wellness Tree.

Story ideas, questions, feedback? Interested in partnering with us? Email: david@foodasaverb.com

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