� Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q (four Austin locations, www.rudys.com) hosts its first annual Ribfest with all-you-can-eat St. Louis-style ribs for $20 to benefit Austin Habitat for Humanity. Teams of offensive linemen from four area high schools will compete in a rib-eating contest (7-7:30pm) being coached by former UT Longhorn players now in the NFL. Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30-9pm.

� Foodways Texas hosts its first annual symposium, Gulf Coast Gathering, on the Texas A&M campus in Galveston this weekend. See details at www.foodwaystexas.com. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 25-26.

� Olympic gold medalist and swimmer Garret Weber-Gale will demonstrate his prowess in the kitchen with a cooking class featuring healthy food as fuel for fitness at Central Market Cooking School (4001 N. Lamar,206-1014). $45 per person; make necessary reservations at www.centralmarket.com. Sunday, Feb. 27, 11am-1:30pm.

� Impress your friends with the ultimate brunch after a class with chef Mike Thompson at Faraday’s Kitchen Store (1501-A RR 620 N., 266-5666). $45; make necessary reservations at www.faradayskitchenstore.com. Wednesday,March 2, 6-8pm.

� Enjoy a five-course dinner paired with beers from Brewery Ommegang at 24 Diner (600 N. Lamar). $55; make necessary reservations at 472-5400. Wednes­day March 2, 7pm.

This article appears in February 25 • 2011.

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