EVENTS
Arugula Bar & Ristorante
Today: Five-course dinner paired with wines from the Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery, 6:30 p.m. $65, excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations required. 2785 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303-443-5100,
The Boulder Brew Bus North
Sunday-Oct. 24: A tour of three Boulder breweries is offered every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Participants will board Banjo Billy’s Bus outside the West End Tavern and visit Left Hand Brewing Co., Oskar Blues and the Boulder Beer Co. $50, includes samples and appetizers. Reservations required. West End Tavern, 926 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-3535
California Cafe Park Meadows
Friday: Old Bridge Cellars presents a four-course Plantagenet wine dinner, 6:30 p.m. The wines are from Western Australia. $45, excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations required. 8505 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, 303-649-1111
Denver Urban Gardens
Saturday: Has partnered with Denver Parks and Recreation for “Flourish!,” a celebration of DUG’s 25th anniversary and the groundbreaking of its 100th community garden at Ruby Hill Park. Activities include a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m., a local-chef competition with samples at noon and live music at 3 p.m. Families are invited to bring a picnic. Hands-on gardening activities are offered. Free. Ruby Hill Park, 1501 W. Jewell Ave.,
“Eat Local” in Fort Collins
Through Sept. 30: Beet Street presents this showcase of local farmers, producers, restaurants and chefs. A variety of events are scheduled. Visit the website for information.
8 Rivers Modern Caribbean
Thursday: Four-course dinner with rum pairings, 7-10 p.m. $50. Reservations required. 1550 Blake St., 303-623-3422,
Grant Family Farms
Saturday: The “Dinners on the Farm Series” continues with appetizers, cocktails and farm tours beginning at 4 p.m. The four-course meal is served at 6 p.m. $120. Reservations required. The attire is farm elegant. Reservations required. 1020 W. County Road 72, Wellington,
The Margarita and the Wine Seller
Today: Presenting a Harvest Dinner, six-course meal paired with Colorado wines, 6:30 p.m. $55, excludes tax and gratuity. A vegetarian option also is available. Reservations required. 7350 Pine Creek Road, Colorado Springs, 719-598-8667
Pesce Fresco Bistro
Today: Old Bridge Cellars presents a wine reception and hors d’oeuvres followed by a multicourse dinner featuring Plantagenet wines from western Australia, 6:30 p.m. $60, excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations required. 6600 S. Quebec St., Centennial, 303-290-9705
“A Taste of Palmer Lake”
Saturday: Samples and treats from Palmer Lake restaurants, noon-4 p.m. Participants can walk or ride the hay wagon. $10, $5 children 12 and under, $25 family of four or more. Palmer Lake, 719-481-32821
Tillamook’s Love Loaf Tour
Through Oct. 4: Three mini-buses visiting 100 cities in eight states is in Colorado and will visit various grocery stores, neighborhoods, farmers markets and special events offering samples of their all-natural cheddars. Colorado visits include Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder. Visit for the schedule.
Vail Restaurant Month
Through Oct. 17: Themed weeks offer a variety of events connected to Vail restaurants, resorts, spas, shops, galleries, golf courses and outdoor activities.
Woody’s Wood Fired Tavern
Thursday: Three Woody’s locations are offering a “Gluten Free Tasting Day” offering samples from their gluten-free menu, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Live music and prizes included. Free. 7095 E. Evans Ave. in Denver, 303-757-4200; 7995 Sheridan Blvd. in Arvada, 303-650-5500; 518 W. Laurel St. in Fort Collins, 970-482-7100
BENEFITS
Argonaut Wine Tasting
Tuesday: More than 200 Zinfandel wines are available to sample along with appetizers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35, $30 in advance. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals of Colorado. Reservations required. Park Hill Golf Course, 4141 E. 35th Ave., 303-831-7788
Centro Hatch Green Chile Festival
Saturday: Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace host this festival of roasted peppers from Hatch, N.M., with live music and refreshments, 1-6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit victims of the Fourmile Canyon fire. 950 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-7771
Lola’s Sugar Rush
Thursday: Hosting the second annual “Eye Candy: A Sweet Soiree” to benefit Escuela de Guadalupe, 6-9 p.m. The ladies-only benefit invites guests to dress in “Strawberry-Chocolate-Vanilla” attire (whatever that means to you). Tickets are $40. Ten percent of all candy sales will be used for scholarships for students of Escuela de Guadalupe, a private Catholic elementary school in Denver. Reservations required. 2490 W. Main St., Littleton, deguadalupe/index.php?s=7
Salt Bistro
Through Thursday: Three-course dinner of organic and local produce to celebrate its first anniversary. $31. A portion of the proceeds benefit the School Food Project. 1047 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-SALT (7258),
Westword Dish 2010
Today: Samples from 30 local restaurants, demonstrations, exhibits, live music and more, 7:30-11 p.m. $50 VIP, $40 at the door, $30 in advance. A portion of the proceeds benefit Volunteers of America and the GrowHaus. EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St.,
Wilbur’s Total Beverage
Friday: Hosting “A Vintage Affair” with more than 200 wines and craft beers to sample along with appetizers, 6:30 p.m. $45. Proceeds benefit Pathways Hospice of Larimer County. 2201 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, 970-226- 8662,
CLASSES
City of Aurora
Friday: “Couples Cook: Herb Garden Appetizer Buffet,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $112, $92 residents (couples), $62, $48 residents (single); Saturday: “Stocks & Sauces,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $90, $70 residents; “Princess and the Frog Bayou Bash,” ages 6-12, 2:30-4:30 p.m. $31, $24 residents; Monday: “Whole Grain Cooking,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $56, $43 residents. Reservations required. Kitchen on the Green, Expo Recreation Center, 10955 E. Exposition Ave. 303-326-8630,
Cook Street
Today: “Italian Classics,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79; Monday: “A World of Taste — Thai,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79. Reservations required. 1937 Market St., 303-308-9300,
Denver Urban Homesteading
Tuesday: “Vegetarian Suppers,” 6-9 p.m. $100. Reservations required. 200 Santa Fe Drive, 303-572-3122,
Generous Servings
Today: “Pasta: From Simple to Spectacular (Vegetarian),” 6-9 p.m. $68; Tuesday: “Southern Food With a Modern Twist,” 6-9 p.m. $68. Reservations required. 3801 W. 32nd Ave., 303-455-9730,
Kitchen Table Cooking School
Monday: “Meatless Mondays: Vegetarian Regional Cuisine — Provence, France,” 6:30-9 p.m. $75; Sept. 29: “Wine Foundation Class: The Italian Experience — Tuscany & Piedmont,” 6-8 p.m. $60. Reservations required. 5375 Landmark Place, Suite 105, Greenwood Village, 303-220-9769,
Seasoned Chef Cooking School
Today: “Cooking Light Workshop: Fall Harvest Soups and Stews,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $70; Thursday: “Rollin’ Sushi Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $70; Monday: “Home-Style Mexican Cooking Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $65; Tuesday: “Culinary Techniques Series: Fall Pie and Tart Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $65. Reservations required. 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100, 303-377-3222,
South Denver Heart Center
Monday: Dr. Richard Collins and registered dietitian Susan Buckley present “Gluten-Free — Food Sensitivity: Is Your Food Making You Sick?” Lecture and cooking demonstration. 11 a.m. Free. Reservations required. 1000 Southpark Drive, Littleton, 303-744-3278,
Truffle Cheese Shop
Thursday: “Mozzarella Making,” hands-on activities, cheese tasting and more, 6:30 p.m. $50. Reservations required. 2906 E. Sixth Ave., 303-322-7363, e-mail: info@denver ;
CONTESTS
Historic Westminster Orchard Festival Bake-Off
Saturday: Bakers of all ages are invited to enter. Categories include jams, pies, cakes, cookies and breads. All recipes will be used in a cookbook. $5 entry fee. 303-426-4114, aarrivergallery
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Through Oct. 1: “Food Lovers Fighting Burrito Boredom” invites burrito fans to its interactive website to answer menu questions, get coupons, take a quiz and post their own video. food
FARMERS MARKETS
Colorado Fresh Markets
Wednesdays & Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 30, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, East First Ave. and University; Sundays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 31, City Park Esplanade, East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street; Sundays: 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 17, Stapleton, East 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street. 303-442-1837,
Denver Urban Homesteading
1-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 200 Santa Fe Drive, 303-572-3122, denverurban
Golden Farmers Market
Saturdays: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 2. 10th and Illinois streets, next to the Golden Public Library, 303-279-3113,
Larimer County Farmers Market
Saturdays: 8 a.m.-noon through Oct. 16. Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, larimer
Tipsy’s Outdoor Market
Wednesday-Sunday: 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 5869 S. Alkire St. (at West Bowles Avenue and C-470), 970-343-0045, tipsysout
Wheat Ridge Farmers Market
Thursdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 28. 4252 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, 303- 887-FARM (3276),
Mail items at least 10-14 days in advance to Food Calendar, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202; fax 303-954-1679, e-mailliving@denverpost.com.
