It's a symphony in black and white sophistication, featuring an unconventional menu and silent classic movies.

The formal, upstairs restaurant in Nampa's popular Market Limone, 112 13th Ave. S., is now open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Owner Laurel MacKinnon calls it a "culinary adventure."

"It's taking a traditional base and serving it up with flair," Laurel said in her online newsletter, and with items such as duck ravioli, wild boar (where do you hunt for that?) and stuffed quail, you know dining here will be a unique experience.

Laurel is offering a special Chef's Tasting Menu, so you can try the chef's choice of a soup or salad, one of the entrees and a dessert for $25.

Lunch will be served in the mezzanine restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Thursday.

And Happy Hour just got happier, according to public relations and marketing director Lora Volkert. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, you can try one of the new appetizers, such as buffalo, ostrich and Kobe beef sliders (mini hamburgers) or elk sausage fatbread pizza, and one of the creative cocktails, like cilantro pear margarita, Pimm's cups or a chai spice martini, for $2.

Cooking classes by Chef Patrick Rolfe and Chef Frank Jordan will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays in August. If you sign up for two classes by Aug. 3, you get an additional complimentary class.

On Tuesday, Chef Jordan (from Boise's now-closed Mortimer's and Eagle's Restaurant Sixonesix) will present "One Last Tango in Spain." Those attending the class will be served sangria, be serenaded with flamenco music, and snack on Spain's finest tapas.

Classes are limited to 12 lucky customers, so make reservations early by calling 442-1313.

Also on Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. there will be a beer tasting of some of the market's fine beers and ales, accompanied by appropriate cheeses. The tasting is free for all Beer Club members and $10 for nonmembers.

For more information, visit www.marketlimone.com.

YOU'RE INVITED TO ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

What could be more refreshing than an old-fashioned homemade ice cream and pie social?

Patricia A. Byron, chairwoman for the annual Disciple Women of First Christian Church, tells me that her group, the Lydia Sisters, will host the event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, in the air conditioned fellowship hall at 619 12th Ave. S., Nampa.

Everyone is invited to the special annual summer celebration; the Tuesday Night Music Group from the church will provide entertainment.

The homemade ice cream costs $1.50 and servings of the homemade pies and brownies are $1.25. Beverages will be available for 25 cents each.

HELP THE LINUS PROJECT MAKE QUILTS

Have you ever made Topsy Turvy blocks for quilts?

Donna Aten, Project Linus coordinator, invites anyone interested to go to Kuna High School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, to see the PieceMakerS Quilt Show, and sew away on Topsy Turvy pieces.

"Everyone seems to really like sewing them because they're so easy," Aten said. "You can bring your sewing machine, or we will have machines available. We'll have a table for tying quilts and a table to color fabric squares. We'll also need help ironing quilt squares and trimming them."

The quilts will be donated to children in hospitals, shelters and upsetting situations. For more, visit www.LinusIdaho.org.

Marie D. Galyean is a journalist and freelance writer who has lived in Canyon County for more than 30 years. Do you have any news about West Treasure Valley people, events and other subjects of interest?E-mail your ideas to riedevine@cableone.net.