Event Menu

• There's still time to reserve a seat in the holiday cooking class presented by Beat Divas Mady Kaye, Dianne Donovan, and Beth Ullman, at the Central Market Cooking School (4001 N. Lamar, 458-3068). They cook, they sing original songs about food, and guests enjoy a great evening for only $50. Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30-9pm.

• Ruby's BBQ (512 W. 29th, 477-2529) proprietors Pat Mares and Luke Zimmerman celebrate 20 successful years of smokin' for Austin this weekend. There are a limited number of advance $10 tickets to the live music Thing on the Patio on Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30pm; take advantage of food and beverage specials all day Saturday, Nov. 15; and check out the Art Show & Sale on the patio, Sunday, Nov. 16, 1-5pm.

• Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress, 444-7437, www.homeslicepizza.com) invites you to its third annual Carnival-o-Pizza to benefit Keep Austin Beautiful. Festivities will include live music, game booths and fun for the kids, pizza-eating and dough-tossing contests, plus plenty of refreshments, pizza, and beer. Saturday, Nov. 15, noon-7pm.

• The Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd., 837-2665) is now offering recreational cooking classes to the public through its new Bleu Cooks program. Prices vary, but all classes include a meal, a drink, and recipes. For class descriptions, prices, and reservations, call TCA's Cookstore at 339-3838 or e-mail [email protected]. Classes begin Saturday, Nov. 15, 9am.

• Enjoy a five-course Italian wine dinner at Andia­mo Ristorante (2521 Rutland, 719-3377, www.andiamoitaliano.com) with wine pairings and commentary by Italian sommelier Pier Manna. $60, reservations necessary. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7pm.

• The Ann Kelso Salon (1400 S. Congress) hosts a gala benefit for Girlstart, which will include an art exhibit by Judy Paul plus five delectable appetizers paired with five specialty cocktails designed by Hosteria Verde Supper Club. Tickets are $50, available at www.hosteriaverde.com. Thursday, Nov. 20, 7-10pm.

• Jump-start your holiday shopping at the silent auction at the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas' sixth annual Big Reds & Bubbles benefit tasting of big red wines, Champagnes, and great local cuisine in the ballroom of the Driskill Hotel (Fifth & Brazos). Tickets are $60 for foundation members and $75 for the public; buy them at 327-7555 or online at www.winefoodfoundation.org. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30-9pm.