Restaurant Blotter: Garden Parties, Ramps, Cheese Pairing and More

Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill represent the crossroads of Brooklyn gastronomy. The blotter is our weekly roundup of restaurant happenings, events and deals.

Garden Party at Frankies

To celebrate the opening of their backyard seating, has just announced a special four-course dinner al fresco, including fresh and grilled items, "as well as a number of seasonal specialties like lamb and octopus." Frankies, Tuesday, March 27, 6:30pm, $65. Seats are limited. For reservations, e-mail RSVP@frankspm.com.

Seersucker Ramps Things Up

Trumpeting the arrival of spring, 's chef Robert Newton, told Eater over the weekend: "I just received my first round of ramps for the season. They're small, but really nice. Morels and fiddleheads are just around the corner." You can find the ramps being used in a new appetizer of "black pepper ricotta dumplings with market kale, Ozark country ham, Georgia olive oil, and Virginia ramps."

Stinky Bklyn Serves Up Three Cheese-Pairing Classes

For those who've always struggled to shop for the perfect wine, beer or whiskey selections to serve alongside a cheese plate, will be hosting three separate classes beginning April 12 to distill the subtle differences of matching each. Attend one for $50 or purchase a three-way pass for just $100. Brooklyn Wine Exchange, 138 Court Street, 7:00 p.m. dates vary. Click here for info.

Lucali Expanding to Miami

On Friday, March 16, owner and pizzaiolo Marc Iacono shared with Grub Street that he plans to expand his business to Miami, "in an old warehouse on Bay Road," and he is considering opportunities to jar and sell his tomato sauce commercially. Do Jay-Z and Beyoncé have something to do with this?

Red Hook CSA Responds to Fire at Home/Made with Fundraiser

While Home/Made wine bar is technically located in Red Hook, Carroll Gardens Patch felt obligated to share the news that the business suffered a fire two nights ago, leaving the owners in need of some serious repairs to the storefront. If you would like to make a donation toward the cause, visit this page.