EVENTS
Civic Center EATS Outdoor Cafe
Tuesday: The sixth annual downtown summer tradition with live music is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 29. Proceeds benefit the Civic Center Conservancy, the nonprofit dedicated to restoring and enhancing Civic Center. Colfax Avenue and Broadway, 303-861-4633
Colorado Humanities
Today: Continuing the dinner program D.I.N.E. (Dinner, Ideas ‘N Exchange), with Colorado Poet Laureate David Mason who will discuss “The Poet and the West.” 6 p.m. cash bar, 6:30 p.m. dinner. $35. Reservations required. Le Central, 112 E. Eighth Ave., call Gina at 303-894-7951 ext. 10, e-mail ghuett@coloradohumanities.org
National Doughnut Day
Friday: All LaMar’s Donuts and Krispy Kreme locations are giving away one free doughnut to each customer. Lamar’s is also accepting donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. ;
Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest
Friday & Saturday: The eighth annual festival offers an international chili competition with tastings from more than 30 cooks along with local competitions, 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday. A microbew competition, beer tastings and live music is included.
BENEFITS
Taste of Elegance Chefs Food & Beer Pairing Competition
Tuesday: The second annual competition features award-wining craft beers from the Denver International Beer Competition with culinary creations prepared by 13 local Master Chefs. Proceeds from a live and silent auction benefit The Help America Hear Program, a nonprofit that provides hearing aids to disadvantaged residents. 6-7 p.m. cocktail reception, 7-8:30 p.m. food and beer tasting, 8:45 p.m. last call for People’s Choice Vote, 9 p.m. auction ends and awards presentation. $75. Omni Interlocken Resort, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield, 303-664-5700,
Wines of the Pines
June 10, reservation deadline Tuesday: Wines paired with appetizers, 6-8 p.m. $49. Live music and a silent auction included. Proceeds benefit the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation, the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, and Zuma’s Rescue Ranch. Reservations required. Bear Dance Golf Club, 6630 Bear Dance Drive, Larkspur, e-mail winesofthepines@comcast.net;
CLASSES
City of Aurora
Thursday: “Wine Tasting Viognier,” 7-8:30 p.m. $31, $24 residents. Reservations required. Kitchen on the Green, Expo Recreation Center, 10955 E. Exposition Ave., 303-326-8630, Cook Street
Today: “A World of Taste — India,” 6-9:30 p.m. $79; Friday: “Steakhouse Classics,” 6-9:30 p.m. $89; Saturday: “Grilling: Backyard Basics,” 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $79; Tuesday: “Wine 101: A Guided Tasting,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $59. Reservations required. 1937 Market St., 303-308-9300,
Izakaya Den
Today: “Sushi Making,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. $70, includes dinner. Reservations required. 1518 S. Pearl St., 303-777-0691,
Kitchen Table Cooking School
Today: “Fresh Pasta,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $80; “Cakes,” 6-8:30 p.m. $65; “Wine Foundation Class — Viticulture in the Veneto, Italy,” 6-8 p.m. $45; Thursday: “Knife Skills While Your Knives Get Sharpened,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $55; “Thailand — Spicing it up along the Andaman Coast,” 6-9 p.m. $75; Friday: “Morocco — Lunch in Rabat,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $75; Saturday: “Global Grill — Mexico — Asada in Baja,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $95; Sunday: “Teen Cuisine — Sharpening Your Wits,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $65; Monday: “Grilling,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $80; “Meatless Monday — Vegetarian Regional Cuisine — Tuscany Italy,” 6-8 p.m. $70; Tuesday: “International Pastry Series: Scandinavian Specialties,” 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $65; “Grilling,” 6-9 p.m. $80. Reservations required. 5375 Landmark Place, Suite 105, Greenwood Village, 303-220-9769,
Seasoned Chef Cooking School
Today: “Culinary Techniques: Fish and Seafood,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $75; Thursday: “Burger Delights,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. $70; Saturday: “Culinary Techniques: The Cutting Edge,” 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $75, knife sharpening available; Tuesday & June 14: “Culinary Techniques: Basic Skills Every Cook Should Know,” 6-9:30 p.m. $150. Reservations required. 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100, 303- 377-3222,
South Denver Heart Center
Monday: Dr. Richard Collins and registered dietitian Susan Buckley present a lecture and cooking demonstration on “Raw Foods,” 11 a.m. Free. Reservations required. 1000 Southpark Drive, Littleton, 303-744-3278,
CONTESTS
Duncan Hines 1 Million Cupcake Challenge
Deadline July 24: Invites bakers to enter this challenge to end childhood hunger with Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale.
FARMERS MARKETS
Colorado Fresh Markets
Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 29, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, East First Avenue and University Boulevard; Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30, City Park Esplanade, East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street.
Frederick Market
Thursday: 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 29. This week’s inaugural market features live music and “veggie-biting” ceremony (in place of a ribbon-cutting) with Mayor Eric Doering at 3 p.m. Main Street in downtown Frederick,
Highlands Ranch Community Association
Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 30. Town Center, 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch,
The Market at Belmar
Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Sept. 25. South Wadsworth Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, 303-742-1520,
Old South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market
Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 30. 1500 block of Old South Pearl Street,
SAVE THE DATE
“Pinots & Prevention”
June 8: A wine and heart-healthy education seminar, 6 p.m., with Clos du Bois and WomenHeart, the National Coalition for Women With Heart Diseases. Free. Second Home at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek, 150 Clayton Lane, 303-316-2700,
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Denver
June 9: A benefit tasting of food and wine from local restaurants, 7-9:30 p.m. $75. VIP entrance at 5:30 p.m., $150. A mixology contest, silent auction and live entertainment included. Proceeds are used to end childhood hunger. Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax Ave.,
James Beard Benefit Dinner
June 15: Join Lon Symensma of ChoLon Bistro and “Top Chef” runner up Angelo Sosa for a special 5-course dinner to benefit the James Beard Society. $150 per ticket. ChoLon, 1555 Blake St., 303-353-5223,
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@denverpost.com.
