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Colombia's Independence Day anniversary is July 20, but Manna Bakery (4929 W. Market St., Suite 2102, Greensboro; 235-2782) is marking the occasion a day early with a celebration from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The small bakery at FantaCity International Mall is owned by Colombia native Martha Garcia. The event will feature a Colombian DJ and Latin music, tropical juice drinks such as Mango and Passion Fruit, a raffle and some traditional Colombian street food.

And of course, there will be lots of Garcia's sweet breads and flaky pastries.

Soft-serve event

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at 2401 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro is celebrating the introduction of Kool Kreme, a new soft-serve line, hosting a Kool Kreme Social from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

There will be games, music and prizes for the first 25 folks through the door during the event.

Krispy Kreme will donate 20 percent of all sales during the event to the Greensboro Children's Museum.

Opening rescheduled

Because of unforeseen circumstances, The Sweet Shop (631 S. Elm St., Suite A; 379-9509) has rescheduled its grand opening. A new date will be announced. Check www.sweetshopnow.com for updates.

Deli's 20th anniversary

Hicone Yogurt and Deli (4634-A Hicone Road, Greensboro; 621-0060) is celebrating a new owner and an anniversary.

Brian Underhill took over the longtime shop last year, and now he's celebrating the shop's 20th anniversary with specials that include a foot-long sub for $3.99 and free chips and drink with a hot dog purchase. The specials are good through August.

Hicone also offers a 99-cent children's menu with purchase of an adult meal. And seniors get a free drink with a purchase of $2.99 or more.

Hicone offers ice cream, and here's a twist. If it's raining, buy one scoop and get a second for free.

Menu vies for N.C.'s best

Recently, three Triad restaurants were chosen by The Goodness Grows in North Carolina Program and Our State magazine as finalists in the Best Dish in North Carolina Restaurant Competition.

Restaurants that enter the statewide competition, which recognizes efforts to incorporate North Carolina products and ingredients into their meals, must feature and promote a special menu for four consecutive weeks.

One of the contenders, Yancey House Restaurant (699 U.S. 158 West; www.yanceyvillage.com) in Yanceyville, is serving a menu that includes Absolut Gazpacho from the restaurant's own garden, crab cakes, Summertime Chicken with a Poullet Rouge du Piedmont and Peach Trio dessert.

Yancey House is shaking up its regular menu by giving the longtime Catfish in Papillote dish a rest in lieu of a new dish, Stuffed Mississippi Catfish with Crab.

Call 694-4225 for reservations.

New menu items

It's always a pleasure getting a shout from chef Mark Freedman. He's introduced a few new menu items at his Level 2 Restaurant and Lounge (113 S. Elm St.) above Much Martini Bar in downtown Greensboro.

Among the new appetizers are Cuban Pork on a Sugar Cane Stick with Black Beans and Rice (a meal in itself for $8), Calamari Fries (not rings) with Honey Chipotle Sauce ($11) and Conch Fritters with Mango Papaya Sauce ($11). Freedman's pizzas have proved so popular that he's added a Buffalo chicken Pizza with Spicy Marinara Sauce to the appetizers.

The entree menu now has five items for $15 or less and includes items like Sweet and Sour Cashew Chicken, Shrimp and Scallops with Mushrooms and Pesto over Linguini and Pasta Rasta Tri-Colored Tortellini with Carribean Spices.

Freedman has also added Horseradish Crusted Scottish Salmon ($20) and Roasted Rack of Lamb ($26).

Level 2 offers half-price wine on Thursdays.

Call 691-8020 for reservations.

Ice shop reopens

Hawaiian Ice (224 Davie St.) has opened in downtown Greensboro for another summer of shaved ice concoctions in exotic flavors such as Hawaiian Blue, Banana, Pina Colada, Vanilla and even Wedding Cake and Bubble Gum.

There, you're likely to find Grady Darnley manning the window and serving small ($2) and large ($3) cups of the ice and freshly squeezed lemonade, orangeade and limeade.

Darnley's mom, Katie Darnley, owns the shop. She also operates two downtown hot dog carts (one at Phill G. McDonald Plaza on Greene Street from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and another at the Greensboro Transit Authority bus depot on Washington Street from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). They serve dogs and orange, lemon and lime drinks Monday through Friday.

Hawaiian Ice is usually open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Look for the flag.

Ode to the tomato

Harper's Restaurant (601 Friendly Road) at Friendly Center in Greensboro is celebrating the season of the tomato with Tomato Fest, a menu featuring Gazpacho, Tomato Antipasto, Crab and Avocado Stack, Duke's BLT Platter and Blackened Halibut and Panzanella.

The dishes will be offered through August. Call 299-8850. For a look at the complete menu, visit www.harpersrestaurants.com.

New kids' menu

P.F. Chang's China Bistro (3338 W. Friendly Ave.) at the Shops at Friendly in Greensboro now offers a kid-friendly menu that includes Lo Mein, Chicken Fried Rice, Baby Buddha's Feast and chicken with sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Call 291-1302. Visit www.pfchangs.com for a complete menu.

Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com