Meal Times

A TASTE OF AFRICAN HERITAGE Local food journalist Toni Tipton-Martin offers a free series of cooking classes based on a traditional healthy African diet. Get more information and sign up for the class via email. Through Dec. 13, 6pm Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. info@thesandeyouthproject.org, www.carvermuseum.org

GLOW IN THE DARK KICKBOXING Make a minimum donation of $30 to the Cheyanna Foundation for Children to participate in an outdoor fitness kickboxing lesson followed by a healthy meal and skinny cocktail. RSVP by phone. Fri., Nov. 30, 6:30pm. (2012) Draft Pick American Grill, 1620 E. Riverside Dr..

CHEF DU CINEMA CULINARY & CINEMATIC TRIP TO PARIS Chef Ron Deutsch presents a four-course Parisian bistro menu to complement the charming French film, Amélie. Reserve by phone. Sat., Dec. 1, 6:30pm. (2012) Central Market North Cooking School, 4001 N. Lamar, 512/206-1014. $50. www.centralmarket.com

COOKIE SWAP & CROQUEMBOUCHE CLASS Bring two dozen cookies to swap and share at this class presented by pastry chef Robert Morales, who will demonstrate the classic French dessert masterpiece, croquembouche, as well as holiday cookie recipes. Reserve by phone. Sun., Dec. 2, 4-6pm. (2012) Savory Spice Shop, 1201 W. Sixth, 512/524-1093. $25.

EAST AUSTIN FOOD STORIES SCREENING AND DISCUSSION This is the first event in the "Whose Garden" Whose Food?" series sponsored by Food for Black Thought. In addition to the screening, the evening will include a discussion with the directors and subjects of the film. Bring a covered dish or a non-alcoholic beverage to share. Wed., Dec. 5, 6-7:30pm. (2012) MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 512/407-6925. www.monkeywrenchbooks.org

NIEPOORT DOURO WINE & PORT DINNER Enjoy five courses of classic Mexican cuisine paired with the wines and ports of one of Portugal's oldest family-run wineries. Reserve by phone. Wed., Dec. 5, 6:30pm. (2012) Fonda San Miguel, 2330 W. North Loop, 512/459-4121. $85. www.fondasanmiguel.com

OPAL DIVINE'S SINGLE MALT WHISKY FESTIVAL 2012 Whisky lovers, rejoice – it's festival time again and they'll be pouring from more than 50 different bottles of whisky with distillers on hand to answer questions. Proceeds benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. Thu., Dec. 6, 7-10pm. (2012) Opal Divine's Penn Field, 3601-K S. Congress, 512/707-0237. $45 ($40, advance). www.opaldivines.com