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

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.

BAKING AND BUBBLY COOKING CLASSES Trace at the W Executive Pastry Chef Janina O'Leary presents a series of cooking classes featuring sweets paired with drinks. The first class offers dark chocolate truffles and Devil's food cake with Prosecco. The second class (Feb. 23) features cocktail-inspired cupcakes and the final (March 30) offers mini-desserts and sparkling wine. Register online or by phone. Sat., Jan. 26, 10am-1pm. (2013) Whole Foods Market Culinary Center, 525 N. Lamar, 512/542-2340. $70.

BLAIR HOUSE INN WINE DINNER SERIES The Inn's annual winter wine dinner series continues with a presentation by the owners of Duchman Family Winery. Check the website for wineries featured throughout February. Reserve online or by phone. Sat., Jan. 26, 7pm. (2013) Blair House, 100 W. Spoke Hill Dr., Wimberley, 512/847-1111. $66.50 per person. www.blairhouseinn.com

JO'S CHILI COOK-OFF Jo's seventh annual cook-off offers a two-step dance competition, plenty of chili tastings from competitors, plus live music from Jeff Hughes & Chaparral and the Jo's House Band. Cool prizes and plenty of fun, all to benefit the People's Community Clinic. Sun., Jan. 27, noon-3pm. (2013) Jo's Coffee, 1300 S. Congress, 382-9017. $10 for dance contest, $20 chili-tasting. www.joscoffee.com

SOMMS UNDER FIRE Sun., Jan. 27, (2013) The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos, 327-7555. $55-100. www.sommsunderfire.com

VINTNER DINNER AT HILL TOP CAFE Proprietors Johnny and Brenda Nicholas welcome winery owners Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker for a four-course dinner created to pair with Becker wines. Reserve by phone. Sun., Jan. 27, 5:30pm. (2013) Hill Top Cafe, 10661 Hwy. 87 N., Fredericksburg, 830/997-8922. $75. www.hilltopcafe.com

HOOVER'S TEXA-MEXI-CUE TRAILER DEBUT Super Bowl weekend is the perfect time to try offerings from Hoover's new barbecue trailer, located directly across Manor Road from the restaurant and open daily from 11am-7pm. Load up on Austex ($14 per dozen) or Jamaican Jerk ($16 per dozen) wings, Game Day packs – the San Francisco ($49) or Baltimore Raven-ous ($53.50) – to feed a hungry crowd of six, or get brisket, turkey, pork loin, and house sausage by the pound. Pre-order by Feb. 1 for really good deals. Hoover's Cooking, 2002 Manor Rd., 512/479-5006. www.hooverscooking.com

'MEET THE BREWER' WITH HOPS & GRAIN Brewer Josh Hare will talk to guests about the craft brewing process and the beers he produces during the year. Popular Hops & Grain beers will be on tap for $3. Tue., Jan. 29, 5:30-6:30pm. (2013) Liberty Tavern, 500 E. Fourth, 682-2739. Free. www.libertytavernaustin.com

SIMPLIFY COOKING CLASS SERIES Chef Katy Parker is back with the hands-on five-week series designed to teach fundamentals and build culinary knowledge. Choose mornings (10am-noon) or evenings (6-8pm) for five weeks beginning this week. Reserve by phone. Tuesdays through Feb. 26, 10am-noon Faraday's Kitchen Store, 1501-A RR 620 N., 512/266-5666. $249. www.faradayskitchenstore.com

TEQUILA BASH FOR LONE STAR PARALYSIS Chefs from Cover 3, Jack Allen's Kitchen, and Barley Swine will create a special meal to pair with cocktails made with five premium tequilas, complemented by professionally rolled cigars, all to benefit the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation. Reserve online or by phone. Tue., Jan. 29, 6pm. (2013) Jack Allen's Kitchen, 7720 Hwy. 71 W., 673-7823. $150. www.lonestarparalysis.org

WORLD PREMIERE OF 'THE BEER DIARIES' Dr. Greg Zeschuk and the production team of The Beer Diaries invite craft beer lovers to a screening of the show, paired with beers from Thirsty Planet and Twisted X, as well as food from Franklin Barbecue. Get tickets online. Wed., Jan. 30, 7pm. (2013) Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 W. Anderson, 512/459-7090. $15. www.drafthouse.com

COASTAL FLAVORS FOOD + DRINK WEEKEND This three-day weekend showcases the seafood, wine, music, art, recreation, and hospitality of the Texas Gulf Coast with sip-and-stroll tastings, restaurant dinners, educational seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Events will be held in Rockport restaurants and at the Saltwater Pavilion on Rockport Beach. Fri.-Sun., Feb. 1-3 Rockport, Rockport. Get event tickets or a Coastal Pass ($150) online. www.coastalflavors.com