› Olive Oil 101, Blasamic Vinegar 101 Classes Explore all the nuances of ultra premium olive oils during educational classes at both the Arboretum and Second Street District stores or sign up to taste and learn about balsamic vinegar at the new store in Bee Cave. Prices vary; purchase tickets online. Thu., Jan. 9, 6:30pm. Con`Olio Olive Oils & Vinegars, 215 Lavaca, 512/495-1559. www.conolios.com.
› Dai Due Hog School Locavore chef/author/hunting guide Jesse Griffiths leads two hog hunting and butchering schools every year at Madroño Ranch in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Call or go online to register. Jan. 10-12. 512/524-0688. $1,875. www.daidueaustin.com.
› Make Your Own Bitters 101 Congress Austin bar manager and Bad Dog Bar Craft co-owner Jason Stevens offers this Arts and Drafts informal class on creating your own cocktail ingredients using locally sourced products and produce. Email to register. Sun., Jan. 12, 3pm. The North Door, 502 Brushy, 512/485-3002. $45. booking@ndvenue.com.
› Happy Hour Fit for a Crawley Enjoy season 4 of Downton Abbey in a 19th century Austin mansion. Slip into your slinkiest flapper dress and make sure his lordship wears a tux to earn a free drink at weekly happy hour and viewing parties at the Hotel Ella. Sundays through Feb. 9, 6-9pm. Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, 1900 Rio Grande St., at the Hotel Ella, 512/495-1800.
› Tiff’s Treats 15th Anniversary Drop by one of Austin’s five Tiff’s Treats outlets and celebrate 15 years of fresh, hot cookie delivery. Register to win a $150 gift card or one of the 15 $15 gift cards they’ll be giving away this week. www.cookiedelivery.com.
› Speed Rack Female Bartending Competition Top female bartenders from Austin and the world will throw down their best cocktails at warp speed to impress a panel of expert judges and raise money for breast cancer research. See “100 Proof,” p.30, for more. Wed., Jan. 15, 5:30pm. Red 7, 611 E. Seventh, 512/476-8100. $25 ($20, advance). www.speed-rack.com.
This article appears in January 10 • 2014.