Meal Times February 1-7

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/

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

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

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

BITCHBEER.ORG'S BIRTHDAY PARTY Sat., Feb. 2, 4:30-8pm. (2013) Rogness Brewing Company, 2400 Patterson Industrial Dr., Pflugerville, 512/670-2537. $15. honk4beer@gmail.com, www.bitchbeer.org

PURIM BAKING WORKSHOP Sun., Feb. 3, 9:30-11:30am & 11:30am-1:30pm Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., 512/454-6806. Free. ruthesiegel@yahoo.com

TEQUILA PAIRING DINNER Join Tequila ambassador Tomas Estes and master distiller Carlos Camareña for a three-course dinner paired with La Alteña Ocho and Tapatio tequilas, newly available in this country. Reserve by phone. Tue., Feb. 5, 6:30pm. (2013) Fonda San Miguel, 2330 W. North Loop, 512/459-4121. $45. www.fondasanmiguel.com

WINE ME DINE ME DINNER SERIES KICKS OFF FOR 2013 Famous for quality wines and excellent wine service, Brian Duncan of Bin 36 will join us for this multi-course dinner. Reserve by phone; $75. Tue., Feb. 5, 6:30pm. (2013) Cafe Josie, 1200-B W. Sixth, 512/322-9226. www.cafejosie.com

AUSTIN DAILY PRESS GRAND OPENING PARTY To celebrate the opening of two new locations, a brick-and-mortar spot at 1900 E. MLK and a new trailer at 4803 Airport, the owners of Austin Daily Press invite you to party with them where it all began in the parking lot, at Club de Ville (900 Red River). Free munchies, free beer to get the party started, and a live DJ set by Mixer Rogers. Thu., Feb. 7, 6pm. (2013)

TEXAS ORGANIC FARMERS AND GARDENERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE TOFGA celebrates the organization's 20th anniversary at this conference with seminars, workshops, organic banquets, vendors, and networking opportunities. For complete details and registration, go online. Thu., Feb. 7 - Sun., Feb. 10, (2013) Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 New Airport Dr., 512/385-6767. www.tofga.org

GULF COAST GRAPE-GROWER FIELD DAY This annual meeting will offer presentations by experts on topics of great interest to Texas wine-grape producers. It includes morning and afternoon seminars, a catered lunch, and a meet-and-greet wine reception with vendor booths. Preregister online or the day of the event. Fri., Feb. 8, 8:30am-5pm. (2013) Agriculture Society Hall, 13035 Hall Rd., Cat Spring, 281-855-5608. $30. fawestover@ag.tamu.edu

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WINERIES KICKOFF TASTING The first Friday of the monthly Texas Hill Country Winery Trail kicks off at Woodrose Winery where guests can sample wines from as many as 10 area wineries as well as culinary offerings from chef Ross Burtwell of Cabernet Grill. Purchase tickets online or at the door. Fri., Feb. 8, 6-8pm. (2013) Woodrose Winery, 622 Woodrose Lane, Stonewall, 830/644-2539. $30 ($25, advance). www.texaswinetrail.com