FARM FRESH
Stroll the booths at the ever popular Ballard Farmers Market for hot-grilled, cheese-spilling tortillas, a variety of winter squash, and delicate local cheeses. Visit the Ballard Market on Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., on Ballard Avenue at 20th Avenue Northwest. 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.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Wednesdays, Jan. 10–Feb. 28
“The single easiest and best thing most of us can do to prevent cancer or its recurrence is to eat right,” says Jennifer Reilly, R.D., a senior nutritionist for the Cancer Project. “More than a third of all cancer deaths in this country are due to poor diet.” Sponsored by the D.C.-based nonprofit the Cancer Project, Bellevue Whole Foods offers a free eight-week Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course, teaching participants the health benefits of a low-fat vegetarian diet. Classes focus on maintaining a healthy weight, antioxidants, phytochemicals,and immune-boosting foods. We know what’s good for us, but this class will teach students how to make healthy foods taste good. Free. 6—8 p.m. Whole Foods, 888 116th Ave. N.E., 425-462-1400, www.cancerproject.org. BELLEVUE
Thursdays, Jan. 11—March 8
If you know your way around a kitchen, but want to improve your cooking chops, The Art of Fine Cuisine Certificate Course might be just the thing to usher in the new gourmet you. A nine-week intensive in French cooking technique, classes span the very French subjects of sauces, fowl, soufflés, roulades (a thin slice of meat rolled around a stuffing and browned), pastry techniques, crêpes, and “dessert arts.” 7–10 p.m. $375. Location TBA, 525-7537, www.bon-vivant.com
Saturday, Jan. 13
A free screening of the documentary, Buyer Be Fair—The Promise of Product Certification (narrated by NPR’s Scott Simon) exploring the way our consumer choices have an impact on the world, specifically, the world of coffee. This film travels the globe, with a stop in Queen Anne’s Caffe Ladro to discuss fair-trade coffee. Refreshments provided by Caffe Ladro with Fremont-made fair-trade chocolates from Theo Chocolates. Also screening this evening, Malkolm the Birder Boy—Quest for the Bluethroat, one man’s search for a rare bird in a delicate ecosystem prized for its potentially rich oil supply. 7 p.m. Free. Queen Anne Manor, 100 Crocket St. www.queenannemovieguild.org. QUEEN ANNE
DRINK UP
Wednesday, Jan. 10
How about getting blindfolded and trying to differentiate between Columbia Valley and Napa Valley vintages? Seattle Wine Society hosts a blind wine-tasting, with accompanying nibbles dished up by Volunteer Park Cafe & Marketplace’s Ericka Burke. The wines will remain anonymous for now, but a few tempting items from the nosh menu include smoked trout tartlets and braised oxtail and polenta. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. program begins.Bring two glasses for tasting (glassware will also be for sale). $33/$23 members. St. Demetrios Cultural Center, 2100 Boyer Ave. E. www.seattlewinesociety.org. CAPITOL HILL
Sundays, Jan. 14–Feb. 18)
If you like a fine glass of wine but can’t begin to articulate why, sommelier Arnie Millan’s Introduction to Wine Classes might be the perfect way to while away a Sunday afternoon, or several. Tasting at least six wines per class, you’ll explore topics including grape varietals, Washington wines, wine-food pairing, and wine trends. 4–6 p.m. $39. Warwick Hotel, 401 Lenora St. 612-6547. DOWNTOWN
Food and/or beverage news or events? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com.
