Art, food and a new dude

Art by Melissa Mayer at Alchemy

Melissa Mayer, whom you might remember as executive chef of what was once The Guild in Barrio Logan, combines her love of food and art with her activist sensibilities in AGRI*PLAN- ET, a multi-media exhibition that documents the politics and marketing behind food. See it at Alchemy (1503 30th St. in South Park) now through July 11, with an opening reception from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 9. alchemysandiego.com

And, while you’re pondering the politics of food, snag some nosh at Alchemy or one of several other North Park and South Park eateries during Grass Fed Beef Week through June 12. Other dining options: Sea Rocket Bistro, The Linkery, El Take it Easy, MIHO Gastrotruck, Burger Lounge and Whole Foods. (Just in case you missed this mention last week.) grassfedbeefweek.com

Philippe Verpiand, the original and current chef and owner of Cavaillon (14701 Via Bettona in Del Sur)—one of my favorite places for Sunday brunch— is moving his family to Texas in a month or so. That’s not new news, but this is: He’s in the midst of handing over the French jewel to Le Cordon Bleu-trained Swiss chef and private label chocolatier Michael von Euw of VE Chocolates, to whom, Verpiand says, he feels entirely comfortable passing the torch. The Eggs Benedict, beignets and occasion al dish made with the previous night’s braised short ribs had better stay on the menu or someone’s gonna cry. Yes, it will be me. cavaillonrestaurant.com

On the topic of chocolate, flag this one as drool-worthy: Eclipse Chocolat (2121 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park) launched its newest Sunday-brunch menu on June 4—$14 for a choice of three small plates, like Warm Blueberry Clafouti (a rich and eggy pastry baked with fresh blueberry and vanilla-bean creme fraiche), Asparagus Spears with white peppercorn and smoked Chardonnay oak sea salt and chile-burnt caramel Hollandaise or Strawberry-Rhubarb Stuffed French Toast with burnt caramel cream cheese, house-made strawberry-rhubarb compote and real maple syrup. eclipsechocolat.com

MIHO Gastrotruck has lost its baby teeth. As owners Juan Miron and Kevin Ho celebrate their first anniversary as truckers, you’ll get a week of some popular dishes—beginning Monday, June 13, with a pint-glass giveaway at Blind Lady Ale House and ending Saturday, June 18, at the Bird Park Summer Concert Kickoff, which starts at 6 p.m. at Upas and 28th streets in North Park. mihogastrotruck.com

Heads up for June 17: The fourth annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the patio of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village Art Center. It’s $30 in advance or $40 at the door, and that gets you wine, cheese and chocolate tastings and live music. Proceeds support the Women’s Museum of California. Tickets: womensmuseumca.org

To update an item from last week, Café Sevilla has moved the grand-opening party for its new location at 353 Fifth Ave., Downtown, to June 29.

Got food news? Write to brookl@sdcitybeat.com.