• February and chocolate are a natural fit. Chef instructors and students at the Texas Culinary Academy (11140 Burnet Rd. #2100, 837-2665, www.tca.edu) present their fourth annual Chocolate Show and Competition with competitions in chocolate showpieces, truffles, molded chocolates, ice creams, and cupcakes; chef demonstrations; chocolate exhibits and food-tasting stations; and a $10 wine-and-chocolate tasting at 3pm in the school’s Ventana restaurant with sommelier Jane Nickles. All other events are free. Saturday, Feb. 7, noon-3pm.

• Chef Shawn Cirkiel will celebrate the first anniversary of parkside (301 E. Sixth, 474-9898, www.parkside-austin.com) by presenting a fabulous six-course tasting menu that previews the meal he plans to serve at an appearance at the James Beard House in New York City later this spring. The special $100-per-person dinner kicks off a week of anniversary celebrations. Reservations are required. Monday, Feb. 9, 7pm.

• Whisk Handcrafted Cuisine (4238 Bee Caves Rd., 329-6405) has several tasty events scheduled this month, including a class on Feel Good Food with owner Linda Waller on Wednesday, Feb. 11; a Food & Wine Pairing dinner with Kristi Atkins on Tuesday, Feb. 17; and a Chef’s Table with Jacob Zavala on Saturday, Feb. 28. For detailed menu information and to make necessary reservations, see www.whiskaustin.com.

This article appears in February 6 • 2009.

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