� The nine wineries along Wine Road 290 between Johnson City and Fredericks­burg encourage guests to shake off the winter doldrums at their Ragin Cajun event: free Cajun dishes paired with a different Texas wine at each location. See info and directions at www.wineroad290.com. Saturday, Feb. 27, 10am-6pm.

� Capital Confectioners of Austin hosts That Takes the Cake! 2010 Sugar Art Show & Cake Competition this weekend at the Crockett Center (10601 N. Lamar). This year’s theme – 2010: A Cake Odyssey – is sure to attract many fascinating wedding cakes, special-occasion cakes, and cupcakes in categories designed for all ages and skill levels. Respected industry professionals will present demonstrations in a variety of disciplines and also judge contest entries. The public may attend for $8 (one day) or $14 (weekend). See details and register cake entries at www.thattakesthecake.org. Saturday, Feb. 27, 10:30am-6pm, and Sunday, Feb. 28, 9am-5pm.

� The outdoor stage at Stubb’s (801 Red River, 480-8341) becomes a venue for Texas celebrity chefs when it hosts the rescheduled Bad to the Bone Chef Smackdown to benefit the Sustainable Food Center. Chef David Bull of the Stoneleigh hotel in Dallas, Paul Petersen of Rick’s Chophouse in McKin­ney, and Shawn Cirkiel of parkside in Austin will create original dishes based on secret ingredients during televised cooking demonstrations. Tasting samples will be distributed to the crowd, and the winner will be determined by a panel of local judges and a popular vote from the crowd via text message. A concert by Charanga Cakewalk will follow. Tickets are $35 at www.stubbsaustin.com. Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-9pm.

� Chef Lawrence Kocurek of Kocurek Family Artisanal Char­cuterie will present a class on how to transform duck and pork into a variety of pâtés and terrines. The hands-on class is $65 per person; make reservations at 291-4461 or kocurekfamilycharcuterie@yahoo.com. Sunday, Feb. 28, 1-4pm.

� Enjoy a five-course dinner paired with wines from Ironstone Vine-yards at Jack Allen’s Kitchen (7720 Hwy. 71 W., 852-8558). Dinner is $65 per person, make necessary reservations at www.jackallenskitchen.com. Wednesday, March 3, 7pm.

� Celebrated vegan chef Tal Ronnen will present a cooking demonstration and sign copies of his book The Conscious Cook: Delicious Meatless Recipes That Will Change the Way You Eat ($29.99) at Whole Foods Market (525 N. Lamar, 476-1206). Thursday, March 4, 11am-2pm.

This article appears in February 26 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US