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A retro-neon arrow directs patrons into Rim Tapas and Fine Wine Bar (219-A S. Elm St., Greensboro; 230-2055), now serving specialty portions with flavors inspired from around the globe.

"It's quality ingredients going into small portions," says chef and owner Stephen Schneider.

Schneider, who has owned Marisol for 10 years, brings his culinary experience to the downtown lunch and dinner crowd.

"I wanted something more affordable for Greensboro," he says.

So he created a menu of tapas, appetizers that originated in Spain but have evolved into an entire cuisine.

"The method to the madness is in the small courses," Schneider says.

Courses include Truffle Popcorn ($5), Truffle Deviled Eggs ($6), a selection of cheeses and salads such as the Arugula Almond and Goat Cheese Salad With Honey Truffle Vinaigrette ($5). Seafood entrees consist of Teriyaki Unagi with Lemon Cucumber Salad ($7), Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Tartar ($13) and Flash Fried Calamari ($7.50). Curry Lamb Meatloaf ($12) and Kobe Meatball Stuffed With Mozzarella are among the meat selections, and Truffle Pommes Frites ($6), Chilled Asparagus With Truffle Aioli ($10) and Marinated Stem Artichokes with Manchego are some of the veggie offerings.

Imported cured meats, thinly sliced, and some sweet things such as Chocolate Pot de Creme round things off.

"The concept is that the food doesn't have any boundaries," Schneider says. "There are things inspired by the Mediterranean, France, the Pacific Rim."

An extensive wine list, with nearly 40 selections by the glass including dessert wines, is designed to accent the cuisine.

Don't be fooled by the sight of the kitchen upon entering. The dining area is down the hall to the rear of the kitchen and seats patrons at tables for two or four in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere accented by galvanized tin, stucco and warm lighting. Or have a seat at the bright mosaic-tiled bar for a drink and a bite. A lighted fountain sculpture and wide-screen televisions offering HD images from around the globe add to the ambiance.

Rim is open from noon to midnight Tuesday through Saturday.

Sample Local Organics

Sample organic wine, cheese and other foods during the Organic and Local Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Earth Fare (2965 Battleground Ave, Greensboro).

The free event will include cooking demonstrations. For information, call 369-0190.

Benefit Wine Tasting

This week, Backstreets (1720 Battleground Ave., Greensboro; 279-1113) is helping out the American Cancer Society, Victory Junction Gang and Greyhound Rescue.

A benefit wine tasting, featuring more than 70 wines, will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. today. Cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple and includes light appetizers. Stick around for an East Coast Swing lesson from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m., followed by a 9:30 p.m. performance by The Fairlanes in The Pit, a communal gathering spot by the downstairs bar. Cover for the band only is $3.

In addition, through Saturday, Backstreets is donating $1 for every glass of wine sold and $2 for every bottle sold to the aforementioned organizations.

Sample Eden Delights

Temptations in the Garden, an event celebrating food, spirits, art and history, is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 28 in the picturesque canal-side setting by the Spray Mercantile Building in Eden.

The event, presented by the Eden Chamber of Commerce, features live music, local artists, a silent auction and lots of food and beverages from Eden chefs and caterers.

Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door. For information, call 623-3336 or 623-3128.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or cwilson@news-record.com.