Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
ON THE PLATE
May 12-22
No one speaks to the virtues of organic and sustainable food like chef and cookbook guru John Ash. In conjunction with the head chef at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Ash has designed a prix-fixe menu for spring that encourages diners to nurture the planet in addition to themselves. In case you need more enticement, organic wine will also be available. $70. 5:30 p.m. 411 University St., 206-621-7889. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
May 15
Broaden your knowledge of herbs at the sixth annual Herb and Food Fair at Bastyr University. This year’s theme: Saving People by Saving Plants. There will be special workshops and speakers at the fair as well as guided tours of medicinal plants, cooking demos, live music and entertainment, healthy foods, herbal foot soaks and facials, distinctive vendor booths, and activities for children. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 1400 Juanita Dr. N.E., 425-602-3103. KENMORE
May 16
Enjoy a fabulous six-course meal put together by seven of the best chefs in the Northwest, all to raise money for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Preceding the dinner: a reception featuring delectable hors d’oeuvres and Northwest wines. $200–$250. Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Ave., 206-667-2980. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
May 20
Experience the rich, warm flavors of Lebanon and Syria courtesy of Rio Brazilian Grill chef Sam Hassan, who’ll be guesting at FareStart this week. Hassan’s scheduled menu includes familiar Middle Eastern foods like baba ghannouj as well as laban immo (lamb in yogurt and mint sauce with Syrian rice) and sfiha (pastries with beef filling). $16.95. 5:30–7:45 p.m. 1902 Second Ave., 206-267-6210. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
THE GRAPEVINE
May 15
The wine wonks at DeLaurenti Specialty Food & Wine welcome California’s Navarro Winery for a free afternoon tasting event, where three whites and a pinot noir are the order of the day. Free. 2–4 p.m. 1435 First Ave., 206-622-0141. PIKE PLACE MARKET
May 17
To raise money for FareStart, Waterfront Seafood Grill hosts a celebration of rosé. Expect excellent views of the bay, dry wine, and gossip. Lots of gossip. $25. 5–7:30 p.m. 2801 Alaskan Way (Pier 70), 206-526-1992. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
May 20
The PCC philosophy—everyday hedonism through great wines—could be your mantra, too. The local supermarket chain will be offering sips of their newest vino this evening at the Fremont location. $5. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 600 N. 34th St., 206-547-1222. FREMONT
May 22
Feel like indulging in wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction? Consider gracing this Chateau Ste. Michelle tasting—organized by local vinophile Dieter Schafer—with your jovial presence. All proceeds benefit the Alliance Francaise de Seattle. $67.50/person, $130/couple. 5:30 p.m. 14111 N.E. 145th St., 206-632-5433. WOODINVILLE
May 25
Sip wines from Washington vineyards—Waterbrook, Maryhill, Avery Lane, and Barrelstone among them—and tap lightly on the fish tanks at a Seattle Aquarium tasting to benefit the nonprofit AIDS service group Multifaith Works. $50. 7:30–9:30 p.m. 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-324-1520 ext. 306. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
BACK TO SCHOOL
May 14
Cooking is as much a social pastime as a sensory pursuit. Bertrand de Boutray attempts to meld the two chief qualities of cookery at a Sur La Table class titled Cooking With Friends, wherein you and your bosom pals can create scallops with Belgian endive, poached halibut with black truffles, and Grand Marnier white-chocolate mousse. $85. 6 p.m. 90 Central Way, 425-827-1311. KIRKLAND
May 14-15
Who says kids can’t cook? Not the folks at Wedgwood Culinary Center, which is holding a two-day open house packed with free cooking demos, mini-classes, food samples, and hands-on activities for children. Free. 4–8 p.m. Friday; noon–3 p.m. Saturday. 7347 35th Ave. N.E., 206-782-5615. WEDGWOOD
May 15
Most Seattleites know their way around a salmon fillet, but whatever your level of salmon savvy, a trio of Yarrow Bay Grill chefs have something to teach you. At their salmon class, learn how to cook, grill, and plank-roast the famed pink fish, then discover the secret to perfect salmon sauces (including tomatillo-poblano cream and salsa verde). $39. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 1270 Carillon Point, 425-803-2941. KIRKLAND
May 19
Your place can be where the party’s at this summer! Get ready to mix it up at tonight’s cocktail class at Shoreline Community College, where you’ll learn how to make the perfect martini and other traditional and nouveau beverages. (Hyacinth margarita, anyone?) Before you know it, your friends will be leaving you tips! $65. 6–9 p.m. SCC, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-764-5339. SHORELINE
May 20
Just in time for summer, learn the craft of preparing a divine French dinner. Bon Vivant Cooking School will lead you down the path of elegant and easy cookery by teaching you to make sesame cheese pastries, rack of lamb, shrimp and orange salad, and pears belle Helene. Bon appetit! $39. 4925 86th St., 206-525-7537. WEDGWOOD
