NEWS

Dress in your fanciest red, black, and white threads and enjoy “Tapas, Talent, & Tango” at El Gaucho’s Pampas Room, Sunday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Appetizers will be served at 5 p.m., followed by an auction and dancing. Cigar girls will roam throughout the evening, taking donations for LLS and selling goodies to guests. Minimum suggested donation at the door: $40. RSVP at 206-369-0088.

Food and/or beverage news? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com

Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.

ON THE PLATE

Through Tues., Jan. 31

Pagliacci Pizza offers Chicken Rosemary Primo this winter, with each slice boasting chicken marinated in a special vinaigrette, oven-roasted potatoes, red onions, mozzarella, kasseri cheese, and various other comforting spices and flavors. Available at all Pagliacci locations. Visit www.pagliacci.com for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

At Third Place Books, chef Mauro Golmarvi of Assaggio Ristorante will share his love of authentic Italian cooking with his new cookbook, illustrated by food photographer Angie Norwood. 7 p.m. 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 206-366-3333. BOTHELL

Thursday, Jan. 12

Join Mitchelli’s Restaurant for a remarkable Barolo Dinner to include some of Dany Mitchell’s special wines. His 1985 Macarini La Serra Barolo will be paired with butternut squash ravioli, while his 1982 Luigi Einaudi Barolo couples with a piatti forti of osso buco. An assortment of Italian cheeses will also be available, along with salad, and tiramisu for dessert. $95. 6:30 p.m. 84 Yesler Way, 206-623-3883. PIONEER SQUARE

Sunday, Jan. 15

Make a difference by attending the 14th annual Chefs’ Dinner to benefit Bailey-Boushay House, a facility providing special care for people living with HIV and other life-threatening diseases. Enjoy a seven-course dinner prepared by 13 of the area’s most renowned chefs, from Waterfront Seafood Grill, Bandoleone, Le Pichet, Cafe Juanita, Rover’s, and other establishments. $175–$500. Reception 5 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, 206-583-6083, www.virginiamason.org/chefs. BELLTOWN

Thursday, Jan. 19

Visit the Georgian Room at The Fairmont Olympic for a gourmet dinner with Nina Buty, one of the owners of a Walla Walla micro-winery. The menu includes smoked salmon and crème fraiche with crab apple cannoli, morel mushroom tarte, and roast filet of Kobe beef. $95. 6:30 p.m. 411 University St., 206-621-7889. DOWNTOWN

Saturday, Jan. 21

Fifteen Northwest wines will be honored at the third annual Platinum Wine Dinner, with five special wine choices accompanying a five-course meal prepared by executive chef Bruce Ross. Wine Press Northwest editor Andy Perdue will be on hand to share his insights. $130. 6:30 p.m. Columbia Tower Club, 701 Fifth Ave., 206-622-2010, www.winepressnw.com. DOWNTOWN

THE GRAPEVINE

Thursday, Jan. 5

Looking for some delicious new vintages for the New Year? Visit Esquin Wine Merchants and try some highly recommended Spanish wines. 5–6:30 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374, www.esquin.com. SODO

Sundays, Jan. 8–Jan. 29

Join the Pink Door for Cinema Vino throughout the month of January. Catch a Fellini flick in the restaurant’s lounge area, along with an antipasto buffet and wine samples, including a few rare ones from Italy. Film themes change monthly. $20. 7 p.m. 1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241, www.thepinkdoor.net. PIKE PLACE MARKET

Thursday, Jan. 12

Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean region with Esquin Wine Merchants as they serve up some fine wines from Southern France. 5–6:30 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374, www.esquin.com. SODO

Friday, Jan. 20

Waterfront Seafood Grill joins the Woodward Canyon Winery for a special winemaker dinner prepared by executive chef Steve Cain. Courses will be paired with appropriate cabernets, merlots, and chardonnays. $95. 6:30 p.m. 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, 206-956-9171, www.waterfrontpier70.com. DOWNTOWN

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Learn how to mix and match wine and cuisine with Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar. Explore the various characteristics that make each wine unique, participate in a comparative food and wine tasting, and learn some sommelier secrets. $60. 6:30 p.m. 205 108th Ave. N.E., 425-456-0010. BELLEVUE

BACK TO SCHOOL

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Don’t know béarnaise from hollandaise? Learn to make these, beurre blanc, aiolis, and many more French sauces at Lisa Dupar Catering’s first class of 2006. $65. 6:30–9 p.m. 18005 N.E. 68th St. (Suite A-150), 425-881-3250, http://lisaduparcatering.com. REDMOND

Wednesday, Jan. 11

This basic cooking class offers knife info: how to properly maneuver them while cooking, how to care for them and handle them safely. You’ll get lots of time to practice cutting up vegetables and fruits in various shapes with a menu that will include vegetable crudites with creamy sauce, stir-fried vegetables Macedonia, and caramelized apples with candied pecans and walnuts. $25. 6–8:30 p.m. Roosevelt Square, 1026 N.E. 64th St., 206-985-1500. ROOSEVELT

Thursday, Jan. 12

Start the new year with new knowledge, courtesy of Nuculinary’s “Basic Sushi Rolling” class at Uwajimaya. $60. 6 p.m. 600 Fifth Ave. S., 206-624-6248, www.nuculinary.com. CHINATOWN/INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT

Saturday, Jan. 14

Take a stroll through Whole Foods Market with Salud! chef Michael and experience foods from all over the world while learning about seasonal produce and seafood. After the tour, enjoy a cooking demonstration and a light lunch. Pick up free recipes and tips on how to cook all the new delicacies you discovered on the walk-through. Free (or $1 with wine). 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Roosevelt Square, 1026 N.E. 64th St., 206-985-1500. ROOSEVELT

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Take a cooking class at Dish it up! and watch chef Jay prepare a variety of winter goodies—from butternut squash bisque to grilled chicken salad with winter greens and orange vinaigrette to salmon cakes with saffron beurre blanc and an Irish chocolate velvet dessert cocktail. $65. 6–9 p.m. Magnolia Village, 2425 33rd Ave. W., 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA