Culinary calendar
A Celebration of Washington Wines - A dinner and auction benefiting Washington State University’s program in viticulture and enology; Jan. 21, 6 p.m., Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Wash.; $175/person. 335-6479.
Ethiopian Coffee Tasting and Fund-raiser - Learn about the origin of coffee and relish the subtleties of harrar, celebres, sidamo and yrgahcheffe coffee beans prepared in the traditional Ethiopian manner in a gebena. Proceeds benefit Ethiopian Monasteries. Limited seating; Jan. 21, On Sacred Grounds, Steam Plant Square, 163 S. Lincoln St.; $5. 747-6294.
Big Reds Tasting - Taste Quilceda Creek, Leonetti and others; Jan. 26., 6:30 p.m., Vino!, 222 S. Washington St.; $55. 838-1229.
Fifth Annual Festival of Foodies - Savor signature dishes from area restaurants. Taste wines, champagnes, microbrews, and spirits. Visit a variety of retailers who specialize in culinary products. Enjoy live music and watch and learn how chefs create their culinary masterpieces. Tickets available at Vino! A Wine Shop, 222 S. Washington, Brickhouse Massage and Coffee Bar, 14222 E. Sprague, Hallett’s Chocolate Factory, 1419 E. Holyoke, and University Appliance, 9907 E. Sprague, 3916 N. Division, and 6960 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene; Jan. 28, 2-6 p.m., Spokane Community College Lair, 1810 N. Greene St. $10/advance, $15/door, includes two beverage coupons. 242-2668.
Wild Game Feast – Seventh-annual event presented by The North Idaho College Alumni Association. The menu features wild game delicacies such as smoked salmon pitas with cream cheese, firecracker alligator Caesar salad and braised venison; Jan. 28, 6 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Inn, 414 W. Appleway, Coeur d’Alene; $50. (208) 769-5978.
Oshogatsu - A New Year Celebration - Michiko Takaoka of the Japanese Cultural Center will speak about the 12 zodiac animals and Japanese New Year traditions. Patrice Pendell, also of the JCC, will serve traditional green tea, maccha, followed by seasonal light lunch with traditional treats including kuromame, teriyaki chicken, ozoni, saifun, oranges and green tea. Reservations required by Feb. 3. The event will be held Feb. 6. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, 4000 W. Randolph Road. Free. 328-2971.
Pinot Noir - Taste wines from France, Oregon, California and elsewhere; Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m., Vino!, 222 S. Washington St.; $40. 838-1229.