EVENTS
Bácaro Venetian Taverna
Saturday: Hosting a wine dinner with Enzo Boglietti, winemaker and top producer of Barolo, Barbera d’Alba and Dolcetto d’Alba, 6 p.m. $48. Reservations required. 921 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-4888,
Flagstaff House
Through February: Five-course “Winter Tasting” menu. $63, excludes tax and gratuity. Wine pairings are an additional $40. Reservations recommended. Flagstaff is also offering organic, European-style filled chocolates by local chocolatier Seth Ellis ($15 for four), a “Liquid Dessert Tasting” of dessert wines ($37 per person), and a Valentine Dessert Sampler for Two (Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Truffle Mousse, Fresh Berries, Kona Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta. 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303-442-4640
Frasca Food & Wine
Monday: Winemaker Eric Flanagan presents his Flanagan Vineyard wines at the next weekly four-course dinner. $45 per person; wine pairings are an additional $30-$45. Reservations required. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-6966, frascafoodandwine
BENEFITS
Argonaut wine tasting
Tuesday: “Zinfully Delicious,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35, $30 in advance. Proceeds benefit The Positive Project. Reservations required. Park Hill Golf Course, 4141 E. 35th Ave., 303-831-7788
Highlands Ranch Community Association spirit tasting
Saturday: Taste a selection of tequilas then learn to make the perfect margarita. Participants also learn how tequila is made and different types. Register for one of two sessions. Appetizers included. 5:30-6:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. $17- $20. Must be 21. Reservations required. Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. California Cafe at Park Meadows, 303-471-8859,
USAirport Parking Food Drive
Through Feb. 28: Customers who donate any quantity of nonperishable food items (cans only) will receive a coupon for a future trip as part of the fifth annual food drive to support the Food Bank of the Rockies. Details at
CLASSES
Cake Crafts
Saturday: “Fondant Techniques,” 1-4 p.m. $45 plus supplies. A previous fondant class is required. Reservations required. 4105 S. Broadway, Englewood, 303-761-1522,
City of Aurora
Today: “Best Braises,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $60, $46 residents; Thursday: “Books That Cook Club,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. $31, $24 residents; Saturday: “Taste of Thai,” 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $60, $46 residents. Reservations required. Kitchen on the Green, Expo Recreation Center, 10955 E. Exposition Ave. 303-326-8630,
Cook Street
Monday: “One Night in Rome,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79. Reservations required. 1937 Market St., 303-308-9300,
Seasoned Chef Cooking School
Today & Feb. 23: “Culinary Techniques Series: Basic Skills Every Cook Should Know Workshops,” 6-9:30 p.m. $140 (knife sharpening available Feb. 23); Thursday: “Italian Favorites Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $70; Tuesday: “Warming Winter Soups Workshop,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $70. Reservations required. 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100, 303-377-3222,
South Denver Heart Center
Monday: Weekly health series continues with “Oil Your Arteries — What Are the Good Fats?” Includes lecture and cooking demonstration. 11 a.m. Free. Reservations required. 1000 Southpark Drive, Littleton, 303-744-3278,
The Truffle Cheese Shop
Thursday: “Cheese 101,” the basics of cheese and cheese making, 6:30-8 p.m. $65. Reservations required. 2906 E. Sixth Ave., 303-322-7363,
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.
Crisco Mediterranean Inspirations
Through March 18: Submit your recipe and essay about how Crisco Olive Oil inspired you in the kitchen. Entries may be submitted in one of three categories: Crisco 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crisco Pure Olive Oil or Crisco Light Tasting Olive Oil.
Folgers Jingle Contest
Through March 1: Individuals and groups of four or fewer may submit video entries of their own original version of the “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up” jingle.
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.
National Corn Bread Cook-Off
Through March 1: Accepting entries for original main dish corn bread recipes for the 15th annual National Corn Bread Cook-Off, presented by Martha White and Lodge Cast Iron. Visit the website and click on “Promotions & News.”
Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Through Feb. 28: Create a 30- or 60-second jingle on the theme that Wahoo’s is “More than fish, more than tacos.” wahooscoloradofans
SAVE THE DATE
The Sporting Affair Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Feb. 23: Notable Colorado sports figures will serve and then join guests in this benefit dinner for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado. David Treadwell, former Denver Broncos and Pro Bowl placekicker, will serve as emcee. 6 p.m. silent auction and cocktails, 7:45 p.m. dinner, 9 p.m. entertainment and live auction. $125 per person ($60 is tax-deductible). Four Seasons Hotel, 1111 14th St., 303-750-9474,
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@ .
