Mannaweenta's Haregu Bahtu at the West Broad Market Garden. Photo Credit: Athens Land Trust

Mannaweenta (previously covered here and here in Flagpole), which has been serving Ethiopian and Etritrean food at the West Broad Farmers' Market for a couple of years, is officially open in the shopping center at 1055 Gaines School Road, next to the Omni on the Eastside, and will hold a grand opening Friday at 6 p.m. Regular hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The third Classic City BBQ Fest kicks off tomorrow at the Classic Center, with a free show by Robert Randolph and the Family Band at 8 p.m. and pre-show eats from 5–7 p.m. Things continue on Saturday at 11 a.m. with 40 pro teams competing for a $10,000 prize (and 15 amateur ones trying to win $1,000), live music outside, an Iron Chef-style competition at 2 p.m., a trade show, a classic car show, a craft beer tasting, a raffle and probably some other things I'm forgetting. Tickets are available for brew, 'cue or "whole hog."

The Olive Basket, in the Bottleworks, has an event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 and 26 to teach folks how to make fancy popcorn with olive oil and toppings. Call 706-521-5060 for more information.

The next Athens Chefs Dinner will take place at Heirloom Cafe on Monday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. and feature eight courses of Thai food with drink pairings for $65. Details here.

My Athens and Terrapin are organizing an event at the latter called the Athens Taco Takedown on Oct. 11 from 4–6 p.m. Restaurants including Seabear, Heirloom, The Pine, Pulaski Heights BBQ, South Kitchen + Bar, Catch 22, Streets Cafe and Taqueria del Sol will make tacos. Terrapin will make a horchata beer. There will be music. Tickets (at the link above) are $35 with beer, $25 without, and proceeds benefit Athens Habitat for Humanity.