Stop by the University District Farmers Market for some fresh, local goodness. Offerings include leeks, free-range eggs, wild mushrooms, hard cider, and oysters (that most famous of aphrodisiacs) including “the small coveted Olympia ones.” Visit this market Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the corner of University Way Northeast and Northeast 50th Street. To find a market close to you, visit www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/farms/farmers_markets.htm.
Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
DRINK UP
Saturday, February 17
Greek wine, Greek food, and belly dancers, all for a mere five smackers. Do you need to know more? The specifics: seven tastes from Sotiris Bafitis Selections, dancing by Abyssinian Dance Center, snacks provided by Dino’s Greek Cuisine. $5. Vino Bello Wine Bar, 636 S.W. 152nd St. Suite F. 244-VINO, www.vinobello.com. BURIEN
February 17-19
Two great tastes that taste great together: Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend in the Yakima Valley. For a little post-the-most-hyped-holiday-ever holdover, you might want to consider a road trip to wine country, where 52 wineries will serve up their vino, paired with rich chocolate desserts. $20, includes a (15 oz.!) Wine Yakima Valley glass. www.wineyakimavalley.org. YAKIMA VALLEY
ON THE PLATE
Saturday, February 17
The Seattle Wine Society puts on a South African Wine & Food Safari with a lush spread of South African wine and food, as well as a South African fashion show and bazaar. Admission includes a buffet dinner, four dinner wines, and two additional wine tastings. $60 non-members/ $50 members, includes a souvenir wine glass. 6-9 p.m., North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E., 621-9463, www.seattlewinesociety.org. BELLEVUE
BACK TO SCHOOLSunday, February 18
Learn to cook Basic Italian 101 from an Italian native, chef Lorenzo Cianiciusi of Madison Park’s Sostanza Ristorante. Witness the techniques this seasoned chef first learned from his mother before running his own (now 11-year-old) restaurant, and learn to master the art of creating succulent fresh pasta at home. $55. 4-7 p.m. Cook’s World, 2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 528-8192, www.cooksworld.net. U DISTRICT
Food and/or beverage news or events? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com.
For expanded food coverage, see www.seattleweekly.com. Visit the Food page and click on Food Files.
