Event Menu

• Slow Food Austin hosts its monthly Third Thursday happy hour at Malverde (400-B W. Second) with locally sourced appetizers from chef Rene Ortiz of La Condesa and drinks from a special cocktail menu available for a small donation to Slow Food Austin. RSVP to karlal@slowfoodaustin.org. Thursday, Feb. 17, 6-8pm.

• Beer School continues at North by Northwest Restaurant & Brew­ery (10010 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 467-6969) with a class on pairing beer and chocolate. $35 per person, reservations necessary. Saturday, Feb. 19, 11am.

• Author Rick Goeld will read from and sign copies of his new novel, which is about the dangers of genetically engineered food and is titled Sex, Lies, and Soybeans ($13.95), at a local authors' night at BookPeople (603 N. Lamar). Saturday, Feb. 19, 7pm.

• The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance has organized a Family Farms and Local Foods Education Day at the state Capitol so Texas farmers, ranchers, and local food supporters can speak up for local food systems and meet legislators. Bills before the Legislature that directly affect local food systems will be discussed, and participants are encouraged to make appointments to visit their legislators. For more info on how to participate and to RSVP, go to www.farmandranchfreedom.org. Monday, Feb. 21, 10am-3pm.

• The Chef Exposed cooking demonstration and wine pairing series with Executive Chef Quirino Silva continues at Cannoli Joe's (4715 Hwy. 290 W.) at $45 per person. Make necessary reservations at www.cannolijoes.com or 799-6884. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6:30pm.