Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
ON THE PLATE
Through March
Do this now: Start a special piggy bank for $20 and $5 bills. It’s 25 for $25 time. Throughout March, Sunday through Thursday, some of Seattle’s most beloved restaurants offer prix-fixe dinners for $25 in addition to their regular menus. Participating restaurants include the Barking Frog, Andaluca, Serafina, Wild Ginger, Ponti Seafood Grill, Restaurant Zoë, and Nishino. A complete list of participating restaurants can be found at www.nwsource.com/25for25
Through March
The view from the Space Needle Observation Deck really is remarkable, and every Thursday in March you’re offered a really good opportunity for basking in it while learning about wine pairing and sampling the food prepared by SkyCity’s chefs. For the price of an Observation Deck ticket, you’ll get hints on matching wine to food, and all the view you can drink. $13. 5:30 p.m. 400 Broad St., 206-905-2100. DOWNTOWN
Through March
Have you outgrown your favorite pub? Are you sure you’ve outgrown your favorite pub? The Great Seattle Pub Quest aims to change your opinion of beer and the food that’s usually served with it. Fifteen great pubs (including the Latona Pub, Pike Pub & Brewery, and the Barking Frog) are offering very special $12 dinner menus Sundays through Thursdays. For more information, visit www.washingtonbrewfest.com or call 206-633-0422.
Beginning March 19
Technically, the Sorrento Hotel ought to call its promotion “120 Minutes of Martinis” instead of “60 Minutes of Martinis,” but who are we to nitpick? Either way, beginning tonight, the Fireside Room is hosting two Belvedere martini crazed hours of $1 appetizers and martinis, martinis, martinis on Monday through Friday nights from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. (They’re also offering free valet parking, but if you’re drinking martinis, you’d better call a cab.) 900 Madison St., 206-682-6979.
March 21
Word is that Madison Park Cafe owner Karen Binder brought back some lovely truffles from a recent trip to France, and they’ll be in the ravioli at her winemaker dinner, which features truffle-worthy Apex Wines. Winemaker Brian Carter will be on hand, as will some of his limited-production wines. $75. 6:30 p.m. 1807 42nd Ave. E., 206-324-2626. MADISON PARK
March 23
Eat lunch today at the Library Bistro or the Bookstore Bar at the Alexis Hotel and help low-income women become part of the workforce. Twenty percent of today’s lunch profits will go to Seattle’s chapter of Dress for Success, the national organization aimed at launching the careers of disadvantaged women everywhere. Don’t forget dessert! 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. 1007 First Ave., 206-624-4844. DOWNTOWN
March 23
Microbrews can do anything that wine can do, and the Ray’s Cafe chefs have designed a special five-course menu to prove it. This Brewmaster’s Dinner features premium beers and the ‘masters who brewed them. $32. Call for times. 6049 Seaview Ave. N. W., 206-789-3770. www.rays.com BALLARD
March 24
Think globally, act locally. You know the drill—or do you? Hosted by BALLE Seattle, the local chapter of the national organization seeking to strengthen local economies, this Seattle-centric meal will be the product of local farmers, bakeries, and cafes. Education, networking and money-saving strategies will also be served in the Tribal Room at the Essential Chocolate Factory. $15. 6:30–9 p.m. 3400 Phinney Ave. N., e-mail RSVP to info@balleseattle.org. Visit www.balleseattle.org for more information. PHINNEY RIDGE
March 24
OK, OK, we’re all for pairing beer with dinner, but martinis? The Space Needle’s SkyCity restaurant wants to prove that it can—and should—be done at this three-course, three-martini dinner. $49.95. Seatings begin at 6:30 p.m. 400 Broad St., 206-905-2100. DOWNTOWN
March 28
Disciples of French Laundry in San Francisco won’t want to miss this Cooks & Books event at Union, where Thomas Keller and his Bouchon partner Jeff Cerciello will be appearing. Union chef Ethan Stowell will prepare a dinner inspired by the recipes in the new Bouchon. $200. Call for time. 1400 First Ave., 206-838-8000. DOWNTOWN
THE GRAPEVINE
Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March
In celebration of Washington Wine Month, all 750 ml bottles (limited to wines under $175) of Washington wine are half off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Rover’s. Now that’s the spirit! 2808 E. Madison St., 206-325-7442. MADISON PARK
March 21
Some say Bergevin Lane Vineyard’s winemaker Virginie Bourgue is the Washington winemaker to watch, and, hey, after having her in Seattle Weekly‘s tasting room, all we can say is, she’s definitely in our sights. John Sundstrom’s too, apparently; Lark hosts a six-course dinner paired to Bergevin’s boutique wines. $100. 6 p.m. 926 12th Ave., 206-323-5275. CAPITOL HILL
Through April
Don’t be an April fool, sign up for Rover’s “Discovery Sessions” with sommelier Cyril Frechier. Every Tuesday in the month, starting April 5, Frechier will lead participants through discoveries of the world’s top wine-producing regions. Burgundy starts things off; a class on Italy closes out the month on April 26. $40 per session. 6–8 p.m. 2808 E. Madison St., 206-325-7442. MADISON PARK
April 1
Every once in a while we use a little space to tell you about a tasting event that has nothing to do vines, so don’t bother writing in to tell us how whisky is made. What matters here is that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s 12th annual tour will stop in Seattle, at the Rainier Club, to pour more than 60 rare single malt and Scotch whiskies. $100. 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. 820 Fourth Ave., 800-990-1991. www.smwsa.com. DOWNTOWN
April 2-3
Get your designated driver on retainer now. Woodinville Wine Country is hosting its fourth annual Passport to Woodinville Weekend. Seventeen wineries will host open houses; for some of the smaller wineries, this is one of the few times during the year that they’re able to do so. $40 for the weekend. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit www.woodinvillewinecountry.com for more information. WOODINVILLE
April 4
We don’t like to brag, but we’ve tasted Brian Carter’s Solesce, and it’s wonderful. Try it for yourself at this Tasting Room tasting event. $12. 3–7 p.m. 1924 Post Alley, 206-770-9463. PIKE PLACE MARKET
BACK TO SCHOOL
March 23
While preparing sumac-crusted ahi tuna, steamed mussels, and other interesting things from the sea, you’ll be learning the basics of working with fish and shellfish at this Seattle Culinary Academy primer. $45. 6–9 p.m. 1701 Broadway, Demonstration Kitchen/Room BE2119, 206-587-5424. CAPITOL HILL
March 30
Dinner’s always fun when it’s found inside a crust. This Cook’s World course teaches pastry-enclosed main dishes like chicken pot pie and Mexican corn bread casserole. $46. 6:30–9:30 p.m. 2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 206-528-8192. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
March 31
Everyone knows that Earth and Ocean’s pastry chef is top notch, but did you know that Sue McCown is self-taught? She is, and she’s willing to pass along her hard-earned knowledge at this Dish it Up! class, which covers fool proof pie dough and more. $65. 6–8:30 p.m. 2425 33rd Ave. W. Suite B, 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA
May 8
Mothers get brunch today. And flowers. And whatever else they want. That’s the way it goes. So unless you’re already a frittata specialist, you might consider Blue Ribbon Cooking School’s Mother’s Day brunch class, where you can show Mom what a quick study you are and then let someone else clean up. $55 for adults, $30 for kids. 9–11 a.m. 2501 Fairview Ave. E., 206-328-2442. EASTLAKE
