EVENTS
Argonaut benefit
Saturday: Cathie Beck will discuss and sign her book “Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship” as part of a Balistreri wine tasting, 3-6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Argonaut Wine & Liquor, 760 E. Colfax Ave., 303-831-7788
Frasca Food & Wine
Through Dec. 30: Holiday four-course menu with various options for each course. $80, excludes tax and gratuity. Closed Dec. 25. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-6966,
Jax Fish House Boulder
Today: Chef Hosea Rosenberg wraps up his monthly dinner series with “Holidays With Hosea,” 6 p.m. $100, excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations required. 928 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-1811, jaxfishouse
The Serendipi-TEA Shoppe
Today: Author Marilyn Leach will read from and sign “Advent of a Mystery” as part of a tea and scone tasting, 3 p.m. $10. Reservations required. 5610 S. Curtice St., Littleton, 303-904-2376
BENEFITS
Cantina Laredo
Through Dec. 23: Bring a new children’s toy and receive a free Patron Silver Tequila and Citronge Margarita. All toys will be donated to the Salvation Army. Streets of Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial, 303-795-0339,
“Colfax Fights Hunger”
Through Dec. 31: The second annual community food drive benefits Denver Urban Ministries () and Metro CareRing at (). Visit the website for a list of locations where food/nonperishables may be dropped off.
CLASSES
Cook Street
Monday: “Holiday Feast,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79; Dec. 22: “French Classics,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79. Reservations required. 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100, 303-377-3222,
Kitchen Table Cooking School
Today: “Wine Foundation: Holiday Bubbles,” 6-8 p.m. $50; Saturday: “Holiday Cookies,” 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $50. Reservations required. Kitchen Table is also hosting Winter Break Kids Camps, call or visit the website for information and reservations. 5375 Landmark Place, Suite 105, Greenwood Village, 303-220-9769,
Seasoned Chef Cooking School
Thursday: “Culinary Techniques Series: Fish and Seafood Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $75. Reservations required. 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100, 303-377-3222,
CONTESTS
Alexia Foods
Through March 1: “Reinvent a Classic With Alexia,” vote for a potato and seasoning pair and then match it with a French-fry cut. The new Alexia fry chosen by the most consumers will be available in stores in fall 2011.
Chocolate Adventure Contest
Through Jan. 2: Scharffen Berger’s and present the fourth annual “Chocolate Adventure Contest — Cupcake Edition 2010.” Bakers are invited to develop an original cupcake recipe using Scharffen Berger chocolate and one or more of 14 “adventure ingredients.”
Healthy Kids Challenge — Middle School Culinary Contest
Through March 12: Healthy Kids Challenge and Del Monte present “Stirring Up Better Health for Kids.” Middle school students are invited to develop or modify a recipe to make it healthier using Del Monte brand fruits, vegetables or tomatoes as a primary ingredient.
Hungry Jack
Through Friday: Hungry Jack and Adam Gertler from the Food Network present the second annual “Use Up the Box” contest, a recipe challenge using Hungry Jack pantry staples such as instant mashed potatoes, pancake mix and syrup.
Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-off Through Dec. 31: The fifth annual competition is designed to inspire home cooks to prepare a kosher meal using Manischewitz broth.
Pei Wei Asian Diner
Through Monday: Searching for an international correspondent to accompany executive chef Eric Justice on his travels to Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea in search of culinary inspiration for Pei Wei’s next dish. The correspondent will document the journey and share the experience via blogs, photo posts and video uploads. Pei Wei Asian Diner is owned and operated by P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Entry page: ; website:
Pillsbury People Essay Contest
Through Monday: Submit a brief essay on your favorite sweet treat and the reason you love to bake it.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks “Lunchbox Notes”
Through Dec. 31: Share a note you have included in your child’s lunchbox along with a photo.
Wolfgang Puck recipe contest
Through Jan. 13: Aspiring cooks are invited to create a recipe using one of Chef Puck’s soups. facebook
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-mail living@ .
