Meal Times

WINTER COOKING CLASS SERIES Chef Bess Giannakakis' winter cooking series is ongoing with small weekly classes scheduled in January and February at her lovely bed and breakfast overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Class schedule, prices, and registration info are online. Mon., Jan. 14 - Mon., Feb. 25, (2013) Gateway Guesthouse, 1001 E Riverside, 512/326-2646. www.gatewayguest.com/food-and-wine/cooking-classes/

SUPPER FRIENDS DINNERS Three guest chefs finish out the month in the Supper Friends kitchen: Chef Dustin Koerner presents a Latin Fusion meal on Fri., Jan. 18 at 7pm; Chef Josh Venne's guests will Experience Spain on Wed., Jan. 23; and chef Eric Nelson Brown will prepare Classy Texas Comfort Food on Fri. & Sat., Jan. 25 & 26. As always, reserve by phone and BYOB. Swoop House at 2Dine4 Catering, 3012 Gonzales, 512/467-6600. $65. www.2dine4.com

WARM SAKE AND A MOVIE The evening begins with a demonstration on how to warm sake followed by a presentation from their Toji on the Texas rice used to make their product. Kids can play in the bouncy fort, Fresh Off the Truck will be selling food, and guests can relax in their own lawn chairs to watch Hiyao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. Fri., Jan. 18, 6-9pm. (2013) Texas Sake Company, 5501 N. Lamar.

COOKING DEMO WITH CHEF NISA BURNS Sat., Jan. 19, 5pm. (2013) Central Market North, 4001 N. Lamar, 512/206-1000. $50. www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com/centralmarketaustinnorthlamar/index.php?page=classes#1835

PORT & PAIRINGS The 12 wineries making up the Wine Road 290 will feature port wines paired with delicacies known to enhance the flavors of both, such as dark chocolate, brownies, and special cheeses. No tickets necessary; normal tasting fees apply. Sat., Jan. 19, 10am-5pm. (2013) Fredericksburg Wine Road 290, Gillespie County.

DISHCRAWL TOURS IN AUSTIN Dishcrawl is national social media start-up that leads four-stop restaurant tours in cities across the country. They are now offering tours in Austin: the tour Tue., Jan. 22 will visit four eateries Downtown; the tour Wed., Jan. 23 will visit four spots along South Congress. Make reservations online. 7pm $45. www.dishcrawl.com/austin

MACALLAN SINGLE MALT TASTING The first Quaich Club event of 2013 features brand ambassador Jeremy Fonicello to tutor guests through four editions of Macallan whiskys along with food from chef CJ. Seating is limited; reserve by phone. Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm. (2013) Opal Divine's Marina, 12709 MoPac N., 512/733-5353. $75. www.opaldivines.com

BREWS WITH BATES COLLABORATIVE DINNER Chef John Bates of Noble Sandwiches joins executive chef Nadine Thomas and pastry chef Janina O'Leary to present a delicious dinner paired with local craft brews and beer cocktails by libationist Joyce Garrison. Cocktails at 6pm, followed by dinner accompanied by the music of Twilight Trio. Proceeds benefit the Sustainable Food Center. Reserve by phone. Wed., Jan. 23, (2013) Trace at the W Hotel, 200 Lavaca, 512/542-3660. $50. www.whotelaustin.com

PIZZA PAIRING FEATURING BALCONES DISTILLING Wed., Jan. 23, 7-9pm. (2013) The Pizza Bistro, 12001 Burnet Rd., 374-0800. $49. www.pizzabistro.com

COOKING DEMO WITH CHEF FATHER LEO PATALINGHUG Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin present a dinner with celebrity chef Fr. Leo Patalinghug, who will demonstrate his Fusion Steak Fajita recipe and share Grace Before Meals tools and tips for bringing families together at meal time. Fri., Jan. 25, 6pm. (2013) Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal, 512/236-1226. $150. www.csdatx.org/celebrating-catholic-schools

VINCLUSIVE! WEEKEND RETREAT Enjoy a weekend filled with five meals complemented by wines, hands-on workshops on vine pruning and wine blending, and deluxe accommodations at the resort. Reserve online or by phone. Fri.-Sun., Jan. 25-27 Messina Hof Winery and Resort, 4545 Old Reliance, Bryan, 979/778-9463. $900 per couple.