Cooking lessons to drinking sessions, Rosario Resort has it all

You have no idea what an ethical quagmire this job is.

The newspaper’s standards preclude me from accepting free meals, lodging, admission to attractions or the like – all the better to ensure you’re the beneficiary of appropriately objective coverage.

But when the Rosario Resort sent me a release about their holiday baking class, they enclosed a cookie.

So the argument in my head began. Could I reasonably advocate such an educational opportunity without testing the instructor’s wares? Or would I be unduly swayed by the caloric offering?

I looked at the cookie. I thought about it, I truly did.

But I really, really like cookies. “Cookie” was one of my first words, right after “Mom” and “Dad.”

I’m weak. I ate the cookie.

And I won’t lie to you. It was delicious.

With that honest confession out of the way, if you still would like to sign up for “Holiday Candy Making” on Saturday, consider yourself fully informed.

The class, taught by Executive Pastry Chef Felicity Milne, is free for resort guests. And during the remainder of the holiday season, Milne will whip up batches of the aforementioned treats – apple pie shortbread cookies – for your eating enjoyment.

To further sweeten the deal, the Orcas Island resort is offering winter rates starting at $89 per room per night, based on double occupancy, through the end of March.

They haven’t forgotten those who don’t quite see themselves donning an apron and operating a wire whip, either. A “Hops & Scotch Package” for guys oozes with let’s-get-away- from-the-wives manliness.

The $539 per person price tag covers accommodations for two nights (again, based on double occupancy), two Rolling Thunder Massages (so named, I’m guessing, to allay any fears you might have about your masculinity), scotch tasting at Moran lounge, a selection of microbrews and gourmet nuts.

You can get more information or make reservations at www.rosario.rockresorts.com or (866) 801-ROCK.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!

I’m even more conflicted about the Wonderful World of Disney than I am about that cookie.

You’ll notice that most children in Disney stories have lost a parent – leaving the corporate juggernaut free to swoop in and establish itself as a surrogate guardian, both for the characters and their impressionable audience. I’ve always found it a little creepy.

But if you go to Disneyland itself, every detail is so well-thought-out, so flawlessly executed, it’s maddeningly irresistible. And I’ve tried.

How can you stay grumpy around those “hi-ho”-ing dwarves? Not to mention that Disney’s responsible for one of the catchiest tunes of all time: “I Wanna Be Like You,” performed by the great, great Louis Prima.

Seattle’s Experience Music Project evidently feels the same way, and they’re celebrating “Disney: The Music Behind the Magic” through Sept. 9.

Interactive activities get you involved in the audio action. The Disney Music Challenge tests your knowledge of lyrics, melodies, composers and performers. At Remix Disney Hits, you can try your hand at the art of the mix and compare your work to the original. And the Sound Effects Challenge puts you to work creating and recording cartoon sound effects.

You can also browse the 65 artifacts visiting from the Disney archives – many of which have never been available to the public – and catch five interpretive films produced specifically for the exhibit.

They explore early animations, beginning with that Mickey Mouse vehicle, “Steamboat Willie”; what the museum calls “Disney’s animation renaissance in the late 1980s, starting with “The Little Mermaid”; the live-action musical “Mary Poppins”; Disney’s overall influence on popular music and culture; and a musical overview of the exhibit’s themes.

To find out more or listen to audio clips, visit www.emplive.org. You can also phone (877) EMP-LIVE.

Grape and graze

Let’s wrap up with something I have no mixed feelings about whatsoever.

The 2007 Classic Wines Auction Winemaker Dinner Series brings winemakers from Oregon, Washington and California together with Portland chefs for three evenings of deliciousness, Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1.

The event showcases 33 Portland-area restaurants and 62 winemakers. All proceeds benefit charities for families and children in Portland and southwest Washington.

On each of the three evenings, you choose which restaurant suits your fancy. But make your reservations early; each venue will host on average 16 to 20 people at $150 a pop.

The 2007 Classic Wine Auction Gala follows the dinner series on March 3.

There’s more at www.classicwinesauction.com or (503) 972-0194.

Regional events

•Ag and Construction Expo, Jan. 11-13, Billings. A manly collection of agriculture, construction, industry and commerce awaits. ( www.visitmt.com/406-855-5765)

•McCall Winter Carnival, Jan. 26-Feb. 4, McCall, Idaho. The annual event celebrates the season with snow sculptures, a Mardi Gras parade, children’s activities and music. (www.mccallwinter carnival.com/800-260-5130)