Culinary calendar
Stem and Stein – The Spokane AIDS Network is celebrating 20 years with its first wine and beer tasting event. Drew Smith will host blind tastings. Char Zyskowski will demonstrate food and wine pairing and Charity Kowalczyk will host an Italian class. Complimentary appetizers will be provided and wine sales will be available. Silent and live auctions; Friday, 6-10 p.m., Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, $35. 838-1170.
Annual Grape and Grain Wine Tasting - Featuring some of the Northwest’s finest wineries and breweries. Silent auction; Friday, 7-10 p.m., Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute; $30/advance, $40/door. 328-5855.
Live from the Starlight - A 1940s radio show, presented by Northwood Performing Arts Inc. Take a musical journey through the golden age of radio. Rated G. Mexican buffet by LaRosa Mexican Restaurant on Friday and Saturday. Dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Circle Moon Theater, Highway 211, 3 miles off Highway 2 at Sacheen Lake, near Newport, Wash. Dinner and show: $16 (all ages); show only: $8/adults, $7/children, $6/ages 11 and younger. (208) 437-0179.
Anniversary Celebration at Pend d’Oreille Winery - Celebrating 10 years of winemaking. Try the 2003 syrah and chardonnay releases, test your nose in the Smelling Bee, save 20 percent on all wine and merchandise and relax on the lawn with live music; Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 220 Cedar St. Free. (208) 265-8545.
Book Signing by MaryJane Butters - Organic farmer will autograph her new book, “MaryJane’s Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook”; Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Footlights Gallery, Tekoa Empire Theatre, Tekoa, Wash. 284-5000.
Strawberry Celebration - Pick strawberries Saturday and Sunday at Greenbluff. A map of orchard locations is online at www.greenbluffgrowers.com.
Sunday Brunch on the Farm - Sponsored by the Rural Roots “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” campaign, Sundays through Sept. 11. Tour the farm and enjoy a brunch made from fresh produce. Reservations are required, please advise of dietary restrictions or food allergies when reserving. Greentree Naturals Inc, 2003 Rapid Lightning Road, Sandpoint; $35. (208) 263-8957.
Guest Chef Cooking Series – Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking with Chef Duane Sunwold; Tuesday, 7-8 p.m., 9th Street Bistro, Huckleberry’s Natural Market, 926 S. Monroe; $20/class. 624-1349.
Raceway Youth Services Benefit Dinner and Auction - A NASCAR-type themed event hosted by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Trans-System Inc. Silent auction at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., oral auction at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Red Lion Inn at the Park, $45. 994-8201.
Elks Lodge Chicken Fried Steak Dinner – June 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 2605 N. Robie Road, Spokane Valley. Karaoke will follow; $5 per person. 926-2328.
Wine Dinner - Chef Brian Hamilton will prepare a course to highlight a variety of Italian wines; July 18, 6 p.m., Italian Kitchen, 113 N. Bernard St.; $65. 838-1229.
Mozart in Manito - Featuring the Connoisseur Concerts Wind Ensemble, directed by Verne Windham. Guest artists include sopranos Darnelle Preston and Tamara Schupman; July 19 and 20, 7 p.m., Manito Park, Duncan Gardens; $10/lawn seating (concert only), $28/table seating, includes dessert and coffee, $224/table of eight. Box suppers can be ordered directly from Luna; meals will be delivered at 5:30 p.m. 325-SEAT.