FARM FRESH

More new markets open today, and this weekend. The Wallingford Farmers Market opens Wednesday, May 16, and runs Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Wallingford Center, at 1815 N. 45th St. Thursday is opening day for the Lake City Farmers Market, open Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at Northeast 127th Street and 30th Street Northeast. If you happen to be running errands in Bellevue, you can visit the mall and Crossroads Farmers Market in one trip, Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., at Northeast Eighth Street and 156th Avenue Northeast in the parking lot just south of Circuit City; their first day is May 22. Some of the bounty offered at these markets: rhubarb, radicchio, rapini, and chicory. Happy shopping, y’all.

For a complete schedule and to locate farmers markets close to you, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org.

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

BACK TO SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 16

If the idea of cooking for one seems more of a chore than a pleasure, perhaps this class might help inspire you: Joy in the Kitchen—Home Alone. Chef Joy Aubrey will demonstrate delectable-sounding solo meals like Chesapeake Bay shrimp, Asian noodle soup, eggs brûlée, Italian black butter eggs, and chicken, mushroom, and white-wine stew. $15. 6–8:30 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 888 116th Ave. N.E., 425-462-1400, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/BLV.html. BELLEVUE

Friday, May 18

Good news for artisanal cheese lovers: The third annual Seattle Cheese Festival takes place this weekend, May 18–20, at Pike Place Market. In addition to all the dairy-sampling madness, you might want to reserve a spot at one of Friday’s small (dare I say celebrity?) chef classes. You’ll get to observe the experts in their natural habitat, the kitchens at their own restaurants—what a way to get a peek behind the scenes. The three classes are limited to 10 students each, so they’ll be intimate lessons. Choose from (1) Basque cuisine at the Harvest Vine with Joseba Jiménez de Jiménez, 2701 E. Madison St., 320-9771, www.harvestvine.com, noon–1:30 p.m.; (2) pasta perfection at Tavolata with Ethan Stowell, 2323 Second Ave., 838-8008, 3–4:30 p.m.; (3) Italian home cooking at Osteria la Spiga with Sabrina Tinsley, 1429 12th Ave., 323-8881, 3–4:30 p.m. $50 each, includes recipe packet. To register for classes and learn more about the festival, visit www.seattlecheesefestival.com.

Monday, May 21

Duck is a rich indulgence, but those small, many-boned creatures can be intimidating to take home to your own kitchen. If you happen to be a fan of this fowl and would like a few pointers on how to cook up your own, try Easy as Duck Soup. The menu features recipes from France, China, and Thailand. 7–10 p.m. $78. Kirkland/ Edmonds (specific location TBA), 525-7537, www.bon-vivant.com.

Tuesday, May 22

The first in a series of gardening workshops offered throughout the summer, Maximizing Your Harvest focuses on how to generate the most produce in a small space, organic gardening tips, and how to deal with Northwest pests. $35. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Washington State University, Snohomish County Extension, 600 128th St. S.E., 425-338-2400, www.snohomish.wsu.edu/calendar.htm. EVERETT

DRINK UP

Saturday, May 19

The Cascade Brewers’ Cup ExBEERience celebrates the 11th annual Cascade Brewers’ Cup Homebrew Competition. This first-time event is “open to all non-commercial, home-produced beers, meads, and ciders and is sanctioned by the national American Homebrewer’s Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program.” Almost 100 styles of beer are up for judging, with workshops to school you on how to judge a good homebrew. Originally, the public was expected to be able to taste the competing homebrews, though there has been a change in plans; due the Washington State Liquor Control Board, this is now against the law. There will be, however, more than 20 commercial beers available to taste. Proceeds benefit the American Hop Museum in Toppenish. $10 admission with ID, includes five 7-ounce beer tastes (!). 1–6 p.m. Lake Washington Rowing Club, 910 N. Northlake Way, 633-0422, www.cascadebrewersclub.org. FREMONT

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