Even the crankiest curmudgeon can't complain that "there's nothing to do" in the 'Burgh this weekend. Plenty of food and festivities are right around the corner.

Homestead library evening

Carnegie Library of Homestead's "Taste of the Valley" fund-raiser, from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, features "the best of food in the best of places." (The library, built in 1898, is a National Historic Landmark because of its French Renaissance architecture and is located in Munhall, at 510 E. 10th Ave.)

Culinary specialities from restaurants such as Rock Bottom, Bravo, P.F. Chang's, Bar Louis, Longhorn Steak House, Coldstone Creamery and others, along with wines, live music and WQED's Rick Sebak, will make for a lively, filling evening.

Tickets are $40; call 412-462-3444, ext. 227.

St. Stanislaus event

Pining for Polish? St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 21st and Smallman streets in the Strip, will banish that craving at its annual Polish Food Festival on Saturday. Homemade pierogies, stuffed cabbage, haluski, kielbasa and desserts will be on tap from 4 to 8 p.m. The fest includes a Polka Mass, bake sale, Chinese auction, games of chance and a raffle.

Little Italy Days

Mama mia, there's more! "Little Italy Days" return to Bloomfield this weekend, Friday through Sunday, for three days of music, food, games, more food, prizes and a pasta-eating contest.From a bocce tournament to an Italian wedding, this festival would mak e Tony Soprano smile. Details: 412-322-9720.

Stick to your ribs

Ribs anyone? Whole Foods Market and the Union Project are having a "Duke of Ribs" rib-off competition and fund-raiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the former Union Baptist Church at Negley and Stanton avenues, Highland Park.

Local rib chefs will compete for prizes, including a $500 gift certificate to Whole Foods, and rib lovers will reap the benefits. Buy tickets at the door; prices will be based on the number of rib stations you plan to sample.

A taste of Serbia

Has it been a while since you dined on Serbian cuisine?

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral will offer "A Taste of Serbia" at St. Sava Picnic Grounds, Castle Shannon.

The menu includes grilled sausage, chicken and pork, crepes, cucumber salad, delicate pastries and other delicious items.

There also will be live entertainment and children's activities.

Old Economy celebration

Go back to 1800s Germany on Saturday at Erntefest, a fall harvest celebration once held in Europe and now revived in Old Economy Village, near Ambridge.

Take the family between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and let the kids press grapes, pump water, make rope and churn butter. Dine on sturdy German entrees, fresh produce, pies, jams and jellies. Cost is $7 adults, $4 children 4-17. Details 724-266-4500.

Hawaii trip winner

Congratulations to William Brown of Dormont, who won a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Oahu, Hawaii, courtesy of Fuze Beverage's "Party in Paradise" sweepstakes.

He filled out an entry form at a local grocery store, mailed it to Fuze and was lucky enough to be chosen as the winner.

And how was Hawaii? "It was paradise, we didn't want to come home," said wife Melissa. "The weather was great, and the Hilton Hawaiian Village was fabulous."

Godiva's 'Gold Friday'

Godiva Chocolatier will celebrate its 80th birthday by bringing back the Gold Collection chocolates. To let people know, the company is declaring tomorrow "Gold Friday" and is giving away a year of chocolate to 10 winners at all Godiva stores Friday and Saturday.

Govida has stores locally at the Airmall, Robinson; Galleria, Mt. Lebanon; Ross Park Mall and Monroeville Mall.

Enter also at department stores that carry Godiva chocolate by filling out a "Golden Ticket."

The last word

"What you eat standing up doesn't count." Beth Barnes, American social worker.