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/

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

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

GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA CONTEST The largest bar and pub trivia event in the country returns to Austin, where it is expecting more than 150 teams of trivia experts to compete for glory and cash prizes. Teams of six must preregister online before Feb. 8 at $26.99 per contestant. Spectators tickets are $15.99 online or at the door. Doors open at 6pm. Sat., Feb. 9, 7pm. (2013) Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces, 512/263-4146. www.geekswhodrink.com

MERLOT & CHOCOLATE TASTING During the weekends of Feb. 9-10 and 16-17, Delysia Chocolatier of Austin will be on hand with chocolate truffles to taste, with Becker Merlot and boxes of truffles to purchase. During the weekend of Feb. 9-10, Al's Gourmet Nuts will also have samples and products for sale. Becker Vineyards, 464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, 800/946-9463. www.beckervineyards.com

KING ARTHUR FLOUR BAKING CLASSES Traveling instructors from King Arthur's baking program will present free baking demonstrations on Perfect Pies & Savory Scones at 11am and Baking with Yeast & Whole Grains at 3pm. Classes include free recipes, coupons, and the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. Sun., Feb. 10, 11am-5pm. (2013) Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central, 5901 N. I-35, 512/454-8004.

ANTONELLI'S CHEESE SHOP THIRD ANNIVERSARY The Antonellis celebrate by giving away free cheese plates at two different restaurants that feature their cheeses, every day during the week of Feb. 11-15, on a first-come, first-serve basis until the cheeses run out. Also during that same week, purchase cheese from any business selling Antonelli's cheeses and take your receipt into the cheese shop for a 5% discount off a purchase. Check out their website for a daily list of participating restaurants and stores. Antonelli's Cheese Shop, 4220 Duval St., 512/531-9610. www.antonellischeese.com

BREW GREAT COFFEE AT HOME Award-winning barista Jon Aldrich presents a class designed to teach you how to brew a professional barista-quality cup of coffee at home. Register by phone. Mon. Feb. 11, 7:30 & 9pm Houndstooth Coffee, 4200 North Lamar Boulevard #120. $30.

TASTING WITH THE CHOCOLATE SHAMAN Julie Hutchinson, aka the Chocolate Shaman, presents a class of chocolate delights that are gluten- and guilt-free, as well as vegan. Reserve by phone. Tue., Feb. 12, 6-8pm. (2013) Savory Spice Shop North Austin, 10000 Research Blvd. #129, 512/795-0770. $25.