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News of the Food Desk-Cleaning By Gretchen Giles and Tessa Brunton In the Bible, Elisha managed to feed 100 people with 20 loaves of barley and ears of grain. Fortunately, the interfaith founders of the local food program Elisha's Pantry have more food to work with, as they address the issue of hunger in Sonoma County. Three faith groups--Christ Church United Methodist, the Congregation Shomrei Torah and the Bethlehem Lutheran Church--have combined their resources to build a food pantry that will serve hungry Bennett Valley and Rincon Valley residents with food and gifts. Even though Elisha's Pantry recently suffered from vandalism, its founders are ready to celebrate the opening with a public dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 1pm. 171 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.542.2569. . . . Meanwhile, no one will go hungry when former Spark's co-owner and chef Alex Bury heads up the kitchen at PETA's 25th anniversary gala and humanitarian awards show on Sept. 10 at Paramount Studios, of all places. Bury, most often mentioned in these pages for her crusade against such area businesses as the Guerneville vintage clothing store Kings and Queens, will have the honor of tempting the cruelty-free palates of Pamela Anderson, Dennis Rodman and Alec Baldwin with her animal-positive treats. . . . No whey! The Girl & the Fig restaurant on Sonoma's Plaza announces that it has opened the first salon de fromage--known here in the colonies as a "cheese bar." Those wishing to get their cheese on now have a full menu of artisanal options, beginning with the traditional "and fruit" pairing to an all-cheese-all-the-time crescendo titled the Cheesemaker's Whimsy. Curdle your toes at 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma. Open daily, 11:30am to 10pm. 707.938.3634. [ North Bay | Metroactive Central | Archives ]