Culinary calendar
International Food Festival and Auction - Presented by the Spokane Sister Cities Association. Be one of the first to visit the new Montvale Hotel. Enjoy international appetizers and a no-host bar provided by Catacombs restaurant. Both silent and live auction items; today, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1005 W. First Ave, $20. 625-6639.
Christmas Tree Elegance - Free viewing of 14 beautiful trees and gifts on the mezzanine, daily through Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Special events: Holiday Luncheons and Style Shows by Bon Macys and P.J. & Co. Models Inc. daily through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $40/person; Gala Dinner Dance, champagne reception, gourmet dinner with fine wines, dance music by Tuxedo Junction Big Band on Saturday, 6 p.m.-midnight, $125/person, The Davenport Hotel. Raffle tickets for trees: $1 each. 458-TREE.
Christmas Victorian High Teas - Include soup, salad, English tea sandwiches, scones and sweets. Tuesdays, and Thursdays through Sundays in December; arrive between 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Fotheringham Bed and Breakfast, 2128 W. Second Ave., $21, includes tax. 838-1891.
Foodies Film Night - Films portray the sensual, cultural and political impact of food around the world. Films scheduled (but subject to change) are: today, “Big Night”; Thursday, “Mostly Martha” and Friday, “Super Size Me.” Showings are 11:30 a.m. in the Lair Deli and 7 p.m. in the Lair auditorium; Spokane Community College, Lair-Student Center, Building 6, 1810 N. Greene St., in the Deli and in the auditorium. Free. 533-7382.
Annual Cheese Extravaganza - Hosted by Huckleberry’s Natural Market. More than a dozen cheese experts will be on hand to answer questions, give you some recipes, and introduce you to a variety of fresh, healthy, natural cheese; Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 926 S. Monroe. 624-1349.
Breakfast with Santa at River Park Square - To benefit Ronald McDonald House. Visit with Santa and indulge in a hot breakfast prepared by Twigs before riding Santa’s train to the IMAX Theater for a special viewing of “The Polar Express.” All children will receive a keepsake genuine sterling silver bell; Saturday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Atrium Cafes, third level, $25. 363-0304.
CHER’s Holiday Tea - Hosted by The Davenport Hotel. All proceeds benefit Camp Fun in the Sun, a summer getaway for children with diabetes. Entertainment includes music, a fashion show, raffles and a slide show; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Davenport Hotel, $50. 232-8138.
Joel Holiday Cooking Class - With chef John Pierce, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris; Saturday, noon, 165 S. Post St., $10, 624-2354 for reservations.
Gingerbread Holiday Tea - Presented by The Vintage Truffle Gourmet Tea & Coffee Co., Saturday and Dec. 17, 2-4 p.m., 101 E. Nora Ave. Cost: $15/person, $18/with latte, $25/couple. Call 466-7171 for reservations.
Hawaiian Club Night - Presented by Whitworth College, with evening of Hawaiian entertainment, food and fellowship. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Saturday. 5 p.m., Whitworth College, Hixon Union Building multipurpose room. $5/advance. 777-4233.
12 Ales of Christmas - Beer tasting for professionals, includes a T-shirt with lots of gifts and fun; Saturday. 8 p.m., Capones, 751 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, $35. (208) 667-4843.
Holiday Wine Festival - Local wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres, to benefit the North Idaho College cheerleaders in their quest to make it to the national competition in Orlando, Florida; Monday, 6-9 p.m., Beverly’s in the Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, $20.
The Kosher Red Hots - A Klemzer Band celebrating the Hanukkah season. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. with a feast of Klezmatic and Sephardic dishes. Show at 7 p.m. Dec. 12. 7 p.m., 1017 W. First. $43/dinner, show only: $22/general, $17/age 17 and younger. 747-8243.