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

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

SOUTH AUSTIN BREWING ANNIVERSARY Live music and special brews for the occasion. Sat., Feb. 16, noon-5pm. (2013) South Austin Brewing Company, 415 E. St. Elmo Ste. 1-D. $25. www.southaustinbrewing.com

TEXAS HUMANE HEROES CHILI COOK-OFF Chili cooks and chili lovers alike are invited to attend this fundraiser for Texas Humane Heroes. Registration fee for teams/individual contestants is $30 in advance or on the day of the event. CJ's Catering will provide chili for all paying guests, who will also get to taste samples of the competing chilis and vote on their favorites. Prizes awarded to the top three recipes. Sat., Feb. 16, 1-3pm. (2013) Texas Humane Heroes, 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, 512/260-3604. $10 ($5, kids under 10). www.texashumaneheroes.org

RED & WHITE 2013 LUNCHEON AT THE LAVENDER HOUSE Enjoy a multicourse luncheon paired with red and white wines in the Lavender Haus reception hall. Reserve by phone or online. Sun., Feb. 17, 12:30pm. (2013) Becker Vineyards, 464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, 800/946-9463. $75, plus tax. www.beckervineyards.com

FARM FRESH DINNER AT THE SWOOP HOUSE Chef John Bullington presents a multicourse early spring meal at the Swoop House. As usual, check out the menu online and BYOB. Reserve online or by phone. Thu., Feb. 21, 7pm. (2013) Swoop House at 2Dine4 Catering, 3012 Gonzales, 512/467-6600. $55, plus tax and tip. www.2dine4.com

THIRD THURSDAYS IN THE GRUENE HISTORIC DISTRICT The Grapevine presents an opportunity to meet a different Texas winemaker and craft brewer every month in their popular tasting room. This month, meet the Gilstraps from Texas Hills Vineyards and try three of their best wines. The evening kicks off with Blanco's Real Ale beer on tap. Thu., Feb. 21, 5-8pm. (2013) Gruene Historic District, New Braunfels.

SAK� & A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Enjoy a family-friendly and educational evening with the first sak� made from Texas rice. Guest speakers and our Toji will answer questions, we'll show a movie under the stars (bring your lawn chair), and the Best Wurst will sell sausages. Fri., Feb. 22, 6-9pm. (2013) Texas Sake Company, 5501 N. Lamar. Free.