Feb. 16, 2005

Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.

ON THE PLATE

Late Weekend Nights

Midnight snacks are typically relegated to the peanut butter-and-jelly food group, but that doesn't have to be the case, especially considering that Serafina has a late-night weekend menu—and it's not just offering snacks. Next time you're hungry after midnight, you might want to try their house-made veal meatballs simmered in green olive and tomato sauce. (And maybe some profiteroles for dessert.) Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m.–1 a.m. 2043 Eastlake Ave. E., 206-323-0807. EASTLAKE

Feb. 20

Everyone says their barbecue is the barbecue. Why don't you be the judge? Dozens of barbecue teamsfrom around the Northwest will crowd the cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market cooking up their best. (And don't worry; you can just enjoy the tri-tip and ribs, you don't actually have to judge anything—they're getting "experts" from barbecue societies to do that!) Chili too, for those who fancy a bowl of red. 10 a.m. Pike Place Market from Pike Street to Virginia Street. www.pikeplacemarket.org/happen/events/ PIKE PLACE MARKET

February 24

It's OK if you don't like to golf, or if you don't even know where Newcastle is (it's south of Bellevue). Chef Bill Beck of the Golf Club at Newcastle's Calcutta Grill is the guest chef tonight at FareStart, where dinner is always a special event. $19.95. 5:30 p.m.–7:45 p.m. 1902 Second Ave., 206-267-6210. BELLTOWN

Through March

Do this now: Start a special penny bank for $20 and $5 bills. It's 25 for $25 time again. Throughout March, Sunday through Thursday, some of Seattle's most beloved restaurants will offer prix-fixe dinners for $25 in addition to their regular menus. Participating restaurants include the Barking Frog, Andaluca, Serafina, Wild Ginger, Ponti Seafood Grill, Restaurant Zoë, and Nishino. Beginning Feb. 18, a complete list of participating restaurants can be found at www.nwsource.com/25for25

March 8

We always say "fisherman" without really thinking about it, but this event will probably set us straight. They're called the Fish Witches, and they're Alaskan fisherwomen. Hear their tales, drink their brew, and—most of all—enjoy their catch at this Flying Fish special dinner. $75. 6:30 p.m. 2234 First Ave., 206-728-8595. BELLTOWN

THE GRAPEVINE

Feb. 19-21

A perfect way to keep the love alive after Valentine's Day, Red Wine & Chocolate is a delicious and intoxicating celebration of North Sound wineries. Enjoy a day of open houses at wineries on the Olympic Peninsula and Whidbey and Bainbridge islands, or go all out and make a weekend out of it. $15 covers all tasting room fees. Call 800-785-5495 or visit www.northsoundwineries.org for more information.

Feb. 23

Brasa, the Spanish Table, and Spain's Vinaguarena Winery have put their heads and hearts together to come up with fantastic Iberian evening. Hosted at Brasa, where Tamara Murphy will prepare a six-course dinner, the menu spotlights the up-and-coming Toro region of Spain. $75. 6:30 p.m. 2107 Third Ave., 206-728-4220. DOWNTOWN

Feb. 24

The wine and the recipes are coming all the way from Italy, but the food is all our own tonight at Assaggio. Join Chef Mauro Golmarvi in welcoming Amarone wines from Verona, Italy, for this wine-pairing dinner. $95. 6:30 p.m. 2010 Fourth Ave., 206-441-1399. DOWNTOWN

Feb. 26-27

Once again, folks, a slightly different kind of vine: The Ninth Annual Winter Beer Festival at the Elysian celebrates hops, but those grow on a vine, too. Taste Elliott Bay's Demolition Ale, Big Time's Lift Ticket, and many more of the Elysian's brewing team's favorite winter brews. No cover charge. 1–10 p.m. on Saturday, 1–8 p.m. on Sunday. 1221 E. Pike St., 206-860-1920. CAPITOL HILL

March 3

Too much traffic in Belltown? Visit the El Gaucho outpost in Tacoma for its four-course DeLille Cellars winemaker dinner. $100. 6 p.m. 2119 Pacific Ave., 253-272-1510. TACOMA

Through March

Have you outgrown your favorite pub? Are you sure you've outgrown your favorite pub? The Great Seattle Pub Quest aims to change your opinion of beer and the food that's usually served with it. Fifteen great pubs (including the Latona Pub, Pike Pub & Brewery, and the Barking Dog) are offering very special $12 dinner menus Sundays through Thursdays. For more information, visit www.washingtonbrewfest.com or call 206-633-0422.

April 2-3

Get your designated driver on retainer now. Woodinville Wine Country is hosting its fourth annual Passport to Woodinville Weekend. Seventeen wineries will be hosting open houses, for some of the smaller wineries, this is one of the few times during the year that they're able to do so. $40 for the weekend. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit www.woodinvillewinecountry.com for more information. WOODINVILLE

BACK TO SCHOOL

Feb. 23

Sicily and Seattle: If you ever thought the two places should be closer, this Dish It Up! class has your number. Chef Scott Samuels will lead you through a Sicilian menu, with Northwest ingredients. Demonstrations include beet farrotto with swiss chard and bacon and meyer lemon semifreddo. $60. 6–8:30 p.m. 2425 33rd Ave. W. Suite B, 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA

March 1

What can you accomplish in the span of a sit-com? This cooking class at the Green Lake PCC aims to show you that you can accomplish a lot—as in toasted spice and dried fruit couscous with ginger-sesame crusted breast of duck. Join Lynne Vea and become a 30 Minute Gourmet. $45 6:30–9 p.m. 7504 Aurora Ave. N., 206-525-3586. GREEN LAKE