RESTAURANTS & FOOD

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will hold a fundraiser for Ukraine as part of its year-long Israel 75 celebration.

“United for Ukraine: A Night of Ukrainian Culture” will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Jewish Community Center, located at 505 Gypsy Lane in Youngstown.

The fundraiser will feature Ukrainian food, music, and discussion. The cost is $36 per person or $200 for a table of six. All proceeds benefit the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund of The Jewish Federations of North America.

Registration is required by Feb. 6. Visit. jewishyounstown.org/israel75 to register.

Violinist Andrii Isakov and pianist Li Wang will be featured performers during the event.

Isakov is a Ukrainian-born, award-winning violinist. He has competed in over 10 competitions, earning first and second prizes in several. He appeared as a featured soloist with prestigious ensembles at the international level and currently serves as a faculty of violin at the Cremona International Music Academy and Festival, teaching assistant at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and violin faculty at Starling Preparatory String Project. Isakov is the artistic director of Fiorito International Music Festival, and a doctoral candidate at CCM, University of Cincinnati.

Pianist Li Wang has established herself as a passionate, sensitive, and mature pianist. She was born in China, Inner Mongolia. She is pursuing a doctor of music art degree at the University of Cincinnati.

She received the artist diploma at the University of Cincinnati, a master of music degree at Roosevelt University, and a bachelor degree at Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing).

As a soloist, she has performed in major concert halls in China, the United States, and Europe. She is the winner of various national and international piano competitions. In addition to her solo performances, she is an active chamber musician.

This highly-rated red Spanish wine offers big, spicy delicious flavors along with subtle oaky notes. Made from 100 percent Tempranillo, which locally is called Tinta de Toro. It pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats, as well as charcuterie boards. Try it this Valentine’s Day or on your next occasion.

– John Webster

Mahoning Valley Historical Society will host its 11th Cookie Table and Cocktails fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event occurs 6-10 p.m. at Assumption Social Center, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave.on Youngstown’s West Side.

Cookie Table and Cocktails is the signature fundraising event for MVHS. The catered event is styled to recreate a traditional Youngstown wedding reception and features a cookie-baking competition for amateurs and professionals, which are judged by a select panel of community figures. Stan Boney, longtime local TV journalist, will be the emcee again this year.

Cookie bakers wishing to participate can register online at www.mahoninghistory.org/ cookie-table or by contacting Traci Manning at education@mahoninghistory.org.

Amateur and professional bakers vie for the first, second and third place awards, and honorable mention in each division. Additional categories include Best Decorated Cookie, Best Use of a Unique Ingredient, Best Cocktail Inspired Cookie, and Best Traditional Cookie. Bakers may also choose to be non-competitive. All bakers receive one complimentary event ticket and special recognition at the event.

A cash bar will be available with signature cocktails, including the featured cocktail, Pretty Ricky, created by Billy Danielson of Cedar’s West End. The tequila-based drink was voted the best of four served at MVHS’s Olive with a Twist cocktail party event on January 20.

After the buffet dinner by Assumption Social Center catering, musical entertainment and dancing will be provided by the Grammy-nominated Del Sinchak Band.

MVHS also will offer a 50/50 raffle, basket raffle, and silent auction. Tickets for the event are $70 per person or $640 for a reserved table of eight, which includes preferred placement table location and a table sign. Tickets are available online at www.mahoninghistory.org/cookie-table.

The event’s Wedding Planner sponsors are Rulli Bros and Stifel. The Wedding Reception sponsors are Community Corrections Association, Flynn Auto Group, and WKBN-TV 27.