We’re sorry to report that Tony Vallone has closed his Montrose-area taverna, Caffe Bello (322 Westheimer) … No sooner do we get a press release (dated March 15) about the Roland Laurenzo family’s fast-casual concept in the Heights, Chispas del Tiempo (1504 Airline), and it’s abruptly closed. Word is that it being retooled and will become another of the family’s El Tiempo Mexican restaurants … King Biscuit Patio Cafe (1606 White Oak) is temporarily closed for remodeling, as proprietor Roger Aggoun did not renew his lease. Original owner Pat Quinn and former Fitzgerald’s owner Sara Fitzgerald are buying back the restaurant and will reopen under the same name … Author and food philosopher Michael Pollan (The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals and Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual) is coming to Houston this fall, part of The Progressive Forum speaker series. He’ll be at the Cullen Theater in the Wortham Center on Thursday, Oct. 27. For more details, click here.

Last call: Today’s the final day to purchase tickets to our Toque 5 dinner’s 4th installment, held at Voice this coming Monday (May 16); Each of the chefs are preparing dishes inspired by and in honor of their own mothers. If you’d like to go ahead and claim your seats to the final dinner on Monday, June 13 — to be held at The Barbed Rose — we strongly suggest you get on the list now. The final dinner will be more casual than the first four, but very meaty as the theme is “Summer Smoke-Out.”

Speaking of meat, we’ve beefed up the events page, so be sure to check it out.

Attention, area Houston-area chefs and restaurateurs: The Texas Department of Agriculture is inviting local chefs and restaurateurs to attend a complimentary tour of the agriculture hub in Brenham and meet some of the best food producers in our area on Monday, May 23. Stops include Blue Heron Farm, Jolie Vue Farms and Animal Farm. The tour begins at 8:30 am with breakfast at Revival Market and is expected to end around 6:15 pm. For all questions and to sign up, email Elissa.Rager@TexasAgriculture.gov by Tuesday, May 17.