On the Menu provides the latest news from the Charleston area’s extensive culinary community, including new restaurants, new menu items and upcoming events, as well as details about local chefs. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@scbiznews.com.

The Coastal Cupboard in Mount Pleasant is hosting several cooking classes this month. Attendees will watch in-house chef Stephen Harman cook the meal and then eat the finished product. On Thursday at 1 p.m. learn how to make your own baby food; $20. On Friday at 1 p.m. attend a knife skills class; $10. Coming up Saturday is a free grilling class from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Harman will demonstrate how to use ceramic grills for grilling, baking, smoking and searing.

The first Charleston Beer Garden presented by Craft Beer Exchange will be 1-8 p.m. June 23 in Brittlebank Park. Inspired by the festive biergartens of Germany, the festival features craft brews, including several South Carolina favorites, and food from Charleston’s food trucks. Southwood, Megan Jean & the KFB, Shovels & Rope, and Long Miles will perform. The festival will also feature beer school classes, cornhole and a 14-person photo booth. Tickets are on sale at www.charlestonbeergarden.com, including general admission, VIP and designated driver options.

The fourth annual Piggly Wiggly Big Chef Little Chef Challenge will be 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lighthouse on the Creek in Mount Pleasant. Featured chefs include 2009 James Beard winner, Best Chef Southeast Mike Lata of FIG; French Master Chef Nico Romo of Fish; Marc Collins of Circa 1886; Cary Zapatka of Square Onion; 2012 James Beard-nominated and finalist Craig Deihl of Cypress; John Zucker of Cru Cafe; John Ondo of Lana Restaurant; Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill; Kevin Johnson of The Grocery; 2012 James Beard-nominated Jeremiah Bacon of Oak; and 2012 James Beard-nominated Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca. The event raises money for Louie’s Kids, a local nonprofit fighting childhood obesity. For tickets, visit www.louieskids.org.

New Southern regional Italian restaurant ‘Cesca opens Thursday off East Bay Street in downtown Charleston. (Photo/Provided)

‘Cesca, Charleston’s new Southern regional Italian restaurant, opens Thursday at 5 Faber St. ‘Cesca is owned and operated by restaurateur Anthony Mazzola. Executive Chef Jason Colon previously was with Miel at the Intercontinental Hotel and Market by Jean Georges. Menu specialties include spicy parmigiano and prosciutto fritters, and day-boat scallops with wild mushrooms, pancetta and Sicilian oregano butter, in addition to the restaurant’s traditional Sunday sauce. The restaurant also features two private spaces for corporate or social events. ‘Cesca will be open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-11 p.m. daily. For reservations, call 843-718-2580.

Beginning every Sunday, Slightly North of Broad will offer a unique experience at the chef’s table with special tasting menus. With only six seats available, the chef’s table overlooks the kitchen and gives guests a chance to watch the culinary team's kitchen skills. The tasting menu consists of seasonal ingredients with a new menu each week. The dinner will be offered at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. each Sunday. The prix fixe dinner is $40 per person or $55 with wine pairings. Tax and gratuity are not included. Call 843-723-3424 for reservations. Slightly North of Broad is located at 192 East Bay St. in Charleston.

Carter’s Kitchen, 148 Civitas St. in Mount Pleasant, is offering daily blue plate specials that bring a twist to Southern staples. The specials are fried chicken on Sunday, shrimp pot pie on Monday, bacon crumb-crusted meatloaf on Tuesday, seafood lasagna on Wednesday, meatball madness on Thursday, fish on Friday, prime rib on Saturday and vegan fried chicken available nightly.