I’ve been a bit fascinated by the shtick behind Edible Arrangements, which creates fruit baskets in artful arrangements. I like the idea of sending flowers, but the fact that you can snack on these does make it a bit more practical than a pretty bunch of flowers that will just wither and die. But I’ve always been just a wee bit skeptical of the value.

If you’re like me, you have a chance to check out the goods at your local shop on Sunday, March 14, during operating hours. Get a free sample of the franchise’s dipped fruit and decide for yourself.

There are shops in Concord, Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem. I don’t think I’ve missed any NH shops, but you can check for yourself on the Edible Arrangements site.

Let me know what you think.

Despite what the calendar is insisting, the warm weather over the last few days has me fairly convinced that spring is already in full swing. One of my absolute favorite signs of the new season is the return of restaurant weeks.

The Seacoast is up first with what is officially being called Restaurant Week Portsmouth, even though not all the participating restaurants are in the Port City. From March 26-April, you can find special three-course prix frixe menus. Lunch is $16.95 per person and dinner is $29.95 per person. If you have your heart set on a particular meal at a particular locale, reservations are highly recommended.

A growing list of participating restaurants, with links to their menus, is available on the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce site. Some of the hottest new restaurants join familiar favorites, so it’s a truly great opportunity to dig in and try them out.

Not to be outdone, Manchester brings back Eats Week from April 11-15. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything more on the InTown Manchester site, but last year there were some fabulous offerings at Richard’s Bistro, Cotton, the Commercial Street Fishery and Z — just to name a few.

You may have to loosen your belt after they’re both over, but that’s a sacrifice I think is worth making.

Have I missed any others? Are you North Country or Upper Valley folks planning a Restaurant Week.

I saw Up in the Air last night and it was a pretty solid reminder of the uncertainty of both the current economy and life in general.

It’s difficult to find anyone who has been entirely insulated from the recession, and many excellent writers I know are trying their hand at freelancing to get by. But it can be difficult to get a freelance career off the ground from your own home — too many distractions.

That’s why I think it is incredibly awesome of Float Left Labs in Manchester to open Archimedes Space, which gives freelancers and small companies a space to work, connect and mentor students of Float Left Labs.

Freelancers can use the space for free until Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Membership after that is quite reasonable, but it’s a good opportunity to check out the space and see how well you can work in it.

Southern New Hampshire University this weekend hosts the NorthBEAST Regional competitive poetry event. Nationally registered slam venues from New England and beyond are invited to compete for bragging rights, poetic glory and a spot at the 2010 National Poetry Slam.

The events take place at Robert Frost Hall on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University on North River Road in Manchester.

Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, poetry teams from all over the northeastern U.S. deliver storytelling, theater, stand-up comedy and cold, hard poetry to wheedle points from judges selected from the audience. I judged the NH slam finals a few years ago, and let me tell you, it’s an AWESOME job, but ridiculously hard with such talent.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, daytime workshops and open mics give attendees a hand at trying performance poetry. On Saturday night, the top eight scoring poets of each team from Friday, plus two wildcard poets from the Lizard Lounge and Lowell poetry slams, battle for the NorthBEAST 2009 individual title!

Tickets to both nights’ events will be available at the door for $5 per night (with a two-night pass available on Friday night for $8).

This event is co-sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University and The NH Writer’s Project.

Are you sick of turkey yet?

Me too.

That’s why I’m looking forward to welcoming December today with lunch at the Commercial Street Fishery in Manchester.

It’s tucked away a bit in an old mill building near Merchantsauto.com Stadium, and serves up lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Take a look at some of the scrumptious, out-of-the-sea offerings on their lunch menu here.

Want to join me? Today CSF is offering a buy one, get one free lunch deal — an even better reason to leave the dregs of your leftover stuffing in the refrigerator and enjoy a fresh fish meal.

Elm Street just got a little sweeter — at least for tonight.

Do you like chocolate? How about wine and chocolate?

I thought so.

Van Otis on Elm Street in Manchester is hosting a Thanksgiving wine and chocolate event tonight (Thursday, Nov. 5), from 5-8 p.m.

And it’s free. We like free here.

A representative will be on hand to provide wine education and answer questions about pairings, like what wine goes with a Snickers bar. (OK, that’s my question.)

There will be live music and a drawing for a gourmet gift basket, as well as special savings for participants.

R.S.V.P. by calling 627.1611.

Head’s up, chocolate lovers!

Van Otis Chocolates and Cafe will be holding a sidewalk sale on Friday and Saturday. The sale runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday.

Expect huge discounts on a selection of chocolates, candies and gifts.

All prepackaged products are buy one, get one half off.

Don’t say I never do anything for you.

Many local restaurants are offering recession busters to lure their cash-strapped customers out of their houses. One of my favorites is from 900 Degrees in Manchester, home of some darn tasty wood-fired pizza. You might have caught them this weekend on TV Diner.

On Mondays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m., dine at the restaurant on a Margherita pizza and Caesar salad for $10 (only one order per table, though). I highly recommend planning to take advantage of this deal on a Tuesday. If the weather is nice enough, you can head out to their deck for some acoustic music while you dine.

It’s not fun to think about budgeting your money, but the good news is, you’re not alone if you are. And if you need a little help figuring it all out, the UNH Cooperative Extension is holding a two-night workshop in Manchester at the YWCA on Concord Street to help folks develop a spending and savings plan.

Is it as exciting as barhopping or going out to a concert? No. Is it completely necessary nowadays? You betcha. And of course you’re going to go, because it’s free and you’re a smart cookie. But you do have to register.

The course runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

It’s almost the end of the week, but not quite. Are you whining for some wine to unwind?

You’re in luck. The Wine Studio on Hooksett Road in Manchester will host a free wine sampling from 5-8 p.m. tonight. Because it’s Thursday and you’re thirsty. What more reason do you need?