Event Menu

• Central Market Westgate (4747 S. Lamar, 899-4332) continues the series of tasting events with An Evening in Spain featuring Spanish tapas and wines chosen by their chefs and wine experts. The evening begins in the store's A22 Wine Bar and progresses to a private, romantic tent on the patio. Executive Chef John Maxwell will present a five-course tapas menu with different Spanish wine pairings with each course. Three seatings; $60 per person. Call 899-4332 for necessary reservations. May 16-17. Friday, 7:30-8:45pm; Saturday, 7-8:15pm and 8:45-10pm.

• Check out the facilities and curriculum at the Culinary Academy of Austin (6020-B Dillard Circle, 451-5743) at the spring open house. Chef instructors will provide demonstrations and food will be served. Saturday, May 17, noon-3pm.

• The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy more than 20 years ago "to celebrate rich and delicious food traditions that are part of our cultural heritage." What better way to do that than to partner with a local organic farm on a historic property and a local charter school that offers an organic Junior Master Gardener program? The Austin Slow Food Con­viv­ium (www.slowfoodaustin.org) joins Green Gate Farms (8310 Canoga, www.greengatefarms.net) to host a Slow Feast-in-the-Field to benefit science and gardening programs at the Austin Discovery School. Chef instructor Gary Ackerman and students from Texas Culinary Academy (www.tca.edu) will prepare a delectable five-course meal, with heirloom vegetables and pasture-raised pork from the farm, augmented by products from local artisan food and beverage purveyors. The evening will begin with a tour of the farm and the historic Bergstrom homestead (circa 1860s), and dinner will be served in a field of sunflowers. $100 per person. Make necessary reservations at www.austindiscoveryschool.org. Saturday, May 17, 7pm.

• Becker Vineyards (www.beckervineyards.com) near Stonewall celebrates the 10th annual Lavender Festival this weekend. The complimentary event will include speakers, gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, several meals, and more than 30 concession booths selling lavender products, garden items, and unique gifts. Meals require reservations at 830/644-2681:

Lavender Festival dinner: A seven-course feast catered by Rails of Kerrville, paired with Becker wines. $85 plus tax. Friday, May 16, 7pm.

Breakfast: Fruit, cheeses, quiche, and scones presented by Delicious Details of Fredericksburg, with juice, coffee, and wine for $35 plus tax. Saturday, May 17, 9:30am.

Luncheon: Three-course meal prepared by Delicious Details, paired with wines for $55 plus tax. (Sold out at press time; ask about a waiting list.) Saturday, May 17, 12:30pm.

Luncheon: Three-course meal prepared by Austin's at Rose Hill Manor, paired with wines for $55 plus tax. (Sold out at press time; ask about a waiting list.) Sunday, May 18, 12:30pm.