The Cabaret and Backstage Bar at Theater Square, Downtown, has Australian fare on the menu today through Nov. 17, in conjunction with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Australia Festival.

Australian delicacies include The Joey (four cheeses with baguettes and crackers, $7.50), Big Joey (cheese platter and two glasses of wine or beer, $23), Aussie Starter (shrimp kebab with macadamia nut sauce, $8), and the Get Serious! (kangaroo burger with kiwi relish, $9.50).

A fitting ending is a divine pavlova of meringue with sweet cream and fresh fruit ($4.50). Australian wines and beers will also be served. A beer tasting will be held on Oct. 23. Cost is $25; call 412-456-6666.

Hyeholde turns 70 ...

The Hyeholde in Moon is kicking off a three-month celebration of its 70th birthday Tuesday with the original menu from Oct. 16, 1937, of sherry bisque, half chicken (broiled and baked), T-bone steak or whole broiled lobster, green beans, mashed potatoes and dessert. One lucky table that night will win dinner at the original price -- $1 chicken, $1.25 steak, $1.50 lobster.

Featured in the following months will be special dinner menus, surprise entertainment and a $70 gift certificate given away each night. Call 412-264-3116.

... while D'Imperios is 30

October is also the month D'Imperios in Monroeville celebrates its 30th year in the restaurant business. Monday through Thursday specials for $19.77 include half-rack of lamb, 8-ounce filet mignon, veal parmigiana, sole Veronica, shrimp and crab baked portobello and seafood pasta, all with salad and dessert. Call 412-823-4800.

McGinnis sisters are tops

Congratulations to the McGinnis Sisters -- Bonnie McGinnis Vello, Sharon McGinnis Young, and Noreen McGinnis Campbell -- owners of McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores in Monroeville and Brentwood. They were awarded the first-ever Top Women in Grocery award, given by the trade publication Progressive Grocer.

Candidates were selected based on their achievements within their company and the community. The sisters previously were named Western Pennsylvania Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.

Buckwheat supper

With the trees turning lovely colors, it's time for a cheery road trip to Ohiopyle, where the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department is serving up its 50th annual Buckwheat Supper.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, dig into buckwheat and regular pancakes (all you can eat), sausage, home-fried potatoes, applesauce, pickles and milk or coffee for $8 adults, $4 for kids under 12, free for 3 and under.

Meals will be served in the fire hall and the Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center. Details: 724-366-3065.

Mediterranean dinner

The cooks at St. George's Orthodox Church, Bridgeville, have been hard at work preparing a groaning table of food for the Mediterranean/Mid East Festival, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Three dinners -- shish kabob, Mediterranean chicken and baked kibbee -- come with rice, green beans, salad and bread. Also on tap are stuffed grape leaves, hummus, kibbee footballs, baklava and bird's nests. For take-out orders, call 412-221-2277.

Fonda fondue

Giant Eagle Market District stores invite you to "melt, heat, dip and eat" from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Chefs Randy Tozzi and Barb Kleyman will heat things up with fondue and raclette demos in Bethel Park and Shadyside.

The last word

"Cheese is probably the friendliest of foods. It endears itself to everything and never tires of showing off to great advantage." -- James Beard, cooking expert and author.