Culinary calendar

Christmas Tree Elegance - Benefits the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. This year’s theme is The 12 Days of Christmas. Free viewing of 12 trees and gifts on the mezzanine at the Davenport Hotel, daily through Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; today through Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Holiday luncheons and fashion shows, $40/person, Thursday and Friday sold out; Sunday, 6 p.m.-midnight: Gala Dinner Dance, champagne reception, gourmet dinner with fine wines, dance music by Tuxedo Junction Big Band, $125/person. $1/raffle tickets for trees. 458-TREE.

Dine at Azteca Benefit - Portion of their proceeds will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank, at all three Azteca locations; today, 9738 N. Newport Highway, 245 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. and 14700 E. Indiana Ave. 868-8981.

14th Annual Madrigal Dinner - Includes a four-course dinner with beverages and an evening of music and entertainment. Come in Renaissance costume or in modern dress; Friday-Saturday, 6 p.m., Washington State University, Compton Union Building’s Carey Ballroom, Pullman, $39. 335-9444.

Annual Cheese Extravaganza - Hosted by Huckleberry’s Natural Market. More than a dozen cheese experts will be on hand to answer questions, give you recipes and let you sample cheeses; Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 926 S. Monroe St. 624-1349.

Breakfast with Santa - CV High School - Presented by Spokane Valley Rotary Club at Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road; sponsored by Snyders and Tidyman’s. Enjoy children’s games, activities, goody bags, face painting, balloon clowns, crafts and visit with Santa, Spokane Chiefs mascot Boomer, IHOP mascot, Red Robin, and Old Country Buffet’s Bee; Saturday, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; $3.50. 892-6373.

Pend d’Oreille Winery Syrah Futures and Reserves Tasting - Saturday and Sunday. 220 Cedar St., Sandpoint; $10. (208) 255-2775.

Breakfast with Santa - Hosted by the Elks Lodge; Sunday, 9-11 a.m., 2605 N. Robie Road; $5. 926-2328.

Compass Club Luncheon - The women’s club for welcoming newcomers to the area will host a holiday music performance. Reservations are required; Sunday, 11 a.m., Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside. $19. 465-8163.

Dine to Donate at Applebee’s - Portion of proceeds will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank, at all three Applebee’s locations; Tuesday, 2007 E. 29th Ave., 12117 E. Mission Ave. and 9634 N. Newport Highway. 868-8981.