Front Burner

African-American Foodways: The Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society will host a free lecture Friday that examines the role of foodway traditions in African-American family reunions. The lecture, given by Dr. Stephen Criswell, will be at 7 p.m. at the historic Old First Baptist Church, 1644 S.C. Highway 174 on Edisto Island. Criswell is assistant professor of English and Native American studies at the University of South Carolina, Lancaster.

Dining with friends: Lowcountry AIDS Services is teaming with The Art Institute of Charleston to host the 17th year of Dining With Friends, a fundraising effort. On Saturday, volunteers are asked to give dinner parties at which guests will be able to donate money. The type of party and the menu is up to the hosts. LAS will provide invitations, ideas and more for the events. After dinner, all participants are invited to dessert, champagne and dancing at the Charleston Maritime Center. Sign up to host a party by contacting Chris Podmore at information@aids-services.com or calling 747-2273.

Victorian Secrets: Kings Inn Bed & Breakfast at 207 Central Ave. in Summerville presents an afternoon of Brunch, Bustles, and Bonnets 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lisa Lewis, a national Victorian freelance writer, historic Victorian fashion model, re-enactor and lecturer from Pennsylvania known as the "The Victoriana Lady," will present authentic Victorian fashions from her private collection. $15. Call Kristan at 486-0419 to reserve a seat.

Chef's Potluck: Lowcountry Local First is hosting the second annual Chef's Potluck 4-7 p.m. Sunday at the Pavilion at Middleton Place. Chefs from area restaurants will be preparing dishes using local produce, meats and seafood provided by Lowcountry growers and producers. Live music by Elise Testone. The event will incluce local beer, coffee, chocolates and a silent auction. $40 for LLF members and $45 for nonmembers; available online at www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org or at the Glass Onion in West Ashley. Proceeds will support Lowcountry Local First's Sustainable Agriculture Initiative. For more information, call 740-5444.

Jam and Crawfish boil: Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ presents the first All-star Americana Jam and Crawfish Boil from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday at 1205 Ashley River Road in West Ashley. Includes live music and food. Tickets $12 at the door.

Inside the Chef's Kitchen: The Preserve at Fenwick Plantation will present "Inside the Chef's Kitchen: An Exclusive Tour of Fine Homes Featuring Local Celebrity Chefs" on Sunday to benefit Charleston Collegiate School. Taste signature dishes paired with fine wines, learn cooking tips and recipes, and experience the special style of each chef. Noon-2 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. $100. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Charleston Collegiate at 559-5506 or visit www.charlestoncollegiate.org/newsevents/insidechefskitchen.

Garden Tea: The Summerville Community Orchestra Guild is hosting a Southern Garden Tea on Sunday to benefit the Summerville Community Orchestra. The tea will be in the gardens of Linwood, 200 Palmetto St., downtown Summerville. Seatings are at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15; available at The Finishing Touch, 100 S. Main St., and Marigolds, 145 Short Central. Tea, delectables and live orchestra music. Special "bouTEAque" will sell concert CDs, tea time cookbooks, sun hats and more. For more information, call 875-0113.

Spring picnic: Legare Farms is hosting a Spring Picnic 4-8 p.m. May 9. The picnic will be reminiscent of the 1940s yard parties and will include Legare Farms' products such as hamburgers, beef sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, sweet corn and homemade ice cream. Activities include croquet, horseshoes and three-legged races. Bring your musical instrument and jam with Ricky Rio. Ladies are encouraged to wear spring hats. $25 for 14 and up and $10 for ages 5-14. Tickets are available only in advance through Legare Farms' office at 559-0788.

Submit items for Front Burner to food@postandcourier.com; fax to 937-5579; or mail to Teresa Taylor, Food Editor, The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, SC 29403. The deadline is noon Friday for publication in the following