The downtown culinary talent pool just got a whole lot deeper with the addition of Michael Herschman, who soon will take over as executive chef at Metropolitan Café (1352 W. Sixth St., 216.241.1300). Most recently he was chef at the Cabin Restaurant in Aurora. Part of the Hyde Park Restaurants group, which now numbers 14 units in various states, Metropolitan has always marched to the beat of its own drum. "Being a one-off," said owner Joe Saccone, "Metropolitan has always been the most independent, chef-driven restaurant in the group. It is a perfect fit for Michael." Apart from a core of pizzas, pastas, fresh fish and steaks, the chef will have free reign over the menu at the eight-year-old, 200-seat hotspot. "We'll stick with a market-driven concept of providing eclectic, contemporary cuisine," Herschman said. Diners can look forward to a new menu in September.

The Food & Wine Celebration, held at the Culinary Vegetable Institute in Milan, Ohio, with proceeds going to Veggie U, is quickly becoming the can't-miss foodie fundraiser of the year. Held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, the event will feature silent auctions, a celebrity chef cook-off, and the main attraction, a grand tasting of food and wine. Wear comfortable shoes and sample the culinary stylings of 50 local and national culinary pros, each serving up tasty morsels. For tickets ($145 per person), call 419.499.7500, ext. 109.

To raise money for Terra Madre 2008, the global foodie extravaganza in Torino, Italy, Slow Food Northern Ohio is hosting Bastille Day at Bar Cento (1948 W. 25th St., 216.274.1010). Starting at 6 p.m. Monday, July 14, the bash will feature the food and wine of past and present attendees, including this year's contingent of chefs: Matt Harlan, Paul Minnillo, Jonathon Sawyer and David Uecke. Expect whole-roasted pig, coq au vin and stewed goat. Cost is $40, plus cash bar.

Two Ohio City restaurants on the very same block have closed. Dish Global Deli (1834 W. 25th St.) owner Heather Campbell blames the location, the far end of West 25th, as the kiss of death. "Had we been eight doors down we probably would have been fine," she says. Rather than sink more money into a tough sell, Campbell decided to "get out while the getting's good." Campbell's catering company can be reached at 216.235.9916. The Monastery (1844 W. 25th St.), a tea-themed restaurant next door, has also shuttered.