Culinary Calendar

Cooking Classes at Greenbriar Inn - Mediterranean II, today, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Low Fat, Low Sugar Cooking, March 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and March 26, 6-9 p.m.; Southwest and Southeast Dishes, March 19, 6-9 p.m. and March 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Classes available in April by special reservation only. Greenbriar Inn, 315 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene. $45 per class/includes total dining experience and beverage. (208) 667-9660 or (800) 953-2379.

March-tini Madness - Proceeds from sales from a specially created drink called the Shamrock Drop will benefit the Holy Family Foundation’s Shamrock Gala. Today at all Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar locations: 4320 S. Regal St., 9820 N. Nevada St., and Riverpark Square, third level, 808 W. Main Ave.

Spaghetti Feed Dinner - In conjunction with the Merchants Association Organization meeting to share ideas on how merchants in Cheney can work together to help Cheney businesses prosper. Today. 7 p.m., Cheney Delights, 513 First St., Cheney. $6. (509) 559-5818.

Cena Coeur d’Alene and Zerba Wine Maker - Zerba Cellars is a family owned, Oregon winery located in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley. Cena Coeur d’Alene will have dishes from March’s menu out for sampling. Thursday. 5-7 p.m., 182 E. Neider Ave., across from Costco, Coeur d’Alene. $5. (208) 765-2500.

Indoor Spring Farmers’ Market - Held Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with some vendors staying until 5 p.m., through May. Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave., ground floor. (509) 325-2518.

Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser - Proceeds benefit the Panhandle Autism Society’s Skill Building Program. Thursday. 6 p.m., The Barrel Room No. 6, on Sherman Avenue. $35/person, $65/couple, $300/group of 10. (208) 665-9496.

Spaghetti Feed - Hosted by the Country Jammers. Friday. 4-8 p.m., Tri-Community Grange, one block north of Trent on Starr Road. $6 for adults, $4 children. Kids 5 and under are free. (509) 926-3803.

Taste Spokane - Live music, great food, adult beverages, massages, other pampering products and services, and raffle prizes. Spokane’s regional wineries, elite chocolatiers, dessert purveyors and restaurants and caterers will exhibit their products and serve samples. Music from local artists Sessionz Jazz Band and Chuck Dunlap. Proceeds benefit Wishing Star Foundation. Friday. 5-9 p.m., Northern Quest Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. $10/advance, $12/door, includes a complimentary wine glass and cheese plate. Taste tickets are additional $2 each or a taste deal is available, 20 tastes for $30. (509) 744-3411.

“Babette’s Feast” - Presented by the Greater Spokane Dietetic Association, in an effort to fight hunger and in celebration of National Nutrition Month. Benefits the Spokane area Crosswalk program, an organization providing meals and shelter to street, homeless and high risk teenagers. Twelve of Spokane’s premier chefs are paired with local wineries and each table is assigned its own pair. Five-course dinner accompanied by fine wines and gourmet coffee. Saturday. 6-10 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. $75. (509) 496-2613.

Wine Dinner - Six-course dinner with accompanying wines by McCrea Cellars. Reservations required. Sunday. 5 p.m., Beverly’s at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene. $80. (800) 688-4142.

Adopt-A-Minefield - Night of a 1,000 Dinners Potluck. Bring food to share and a donation for landmine removal programs. Hosted by the Spokane chapter of the United Nations Association. Monday. 5:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive. $10 donation suggested. (509) 747-2407.

Cheddar Madness - Chef Jeremiah Timmons of Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar will prepare some fun treats using our favorite cheddars from the United States and beyond. Prepay only; reservations may be made up to three days before the scheduled class. Monday. 6-8 p.m., Saunders Cheese Market, 210 S. Washington St. $45. (509) 455-9400.

Old World Wines - With John Allen of Vino! Venture back into history and try some of the oldest styles of wines and cheeses from Europe. Prepay only; reservations may be made up to three days before the scheduled class. Tuesday. 6-8 p.m., Saunders Cheese Market, 210 S. Washington St. $45. (509) 455-9400.

Taste and Technique Cooking Class - Five-week series with emphasis placed on the foundations of cooking: knife skills, stocks, meat cookery, sauces, vinaigrettes, vegetable preparation, breads, desserts and menu planning. Classes begin week of March 11. Tuesdays. Apple Charlotte. $350. (509) 443-8252.

2008 Spokane Asthma Walk Kick-Off Luncheon - Help the American Lung Association of the Northwest fight lung disease and help ensure cleaner air in the Inland Northwest. Attendees will learn how and why to get involved in the May 17 Asthma Walk. Visit www.spokaneasthmawalk.org. Next Wednesday. Noon-1 p.m., Valley Hospital Health and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. Reservations required. (509) 325-6516.

A Celebration of Women Dinner - This event is held in recognition of Women’s History Month and to honor women who have played an important role in our lives. $18 pre-payment for buffet dinner and dessert option must be received by SaturdayMarch 8. Beer and wine available. Next Wednesday. 6-8 p.m., Greenbriar Inn, 315 Wallace Ave. $18/dinner and dessert only. (208) 667-0648 or (208) 772-7785.

Author Boots Reynolds - Presenting a collection of his art work, “Boots ‘N’ Beans: An Art Book Full of Beans,” which includes recipes on different ways to cook a can of beans. Next Wednesday. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Liberty Cafe, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Steve Roberts - “Wine Trails of Washington: A Guide for Uncorking Your Memorable Wine Tour” provides detailed driving directions, pictures and specific information about the tasting rooms of Washington including hours, tasting room fees, events, availability of picnic facilities and much more. March 13. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Liberty Cafe, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Free Soup and Bread Dinner - Presented by All Nations Warriors for Christ. Events include singing hymns, bible readings and prayer. March 13. 6 p.m., Central Seventh Day Adventist Church fellowship center, 828 W. Spofford Ave. Free. (509) 484-7757.

Healing Foods Kitchen Cooking Class - Cooking classes for cancer survivors and their family and friends. This month’s topic is “Whole Grains, Part 2.” Learn how whole foods cooking contributes to our health and well-being after cancer. Call to register. March 13. 5:30-7 p.m., Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St., Education Center 1. $10. (509) 474-5490.

Irish Whiskey Dinner and Tasting - A four-course dinner served with a selection of Irish whiskeys. Jameson, Jameson 12-year, Michael Collins and Redbreast. March 13. 6:30 p.m., Twigs Bistro, 4320 S. Regal. $59/person. (509) 218-3702.

Chocolate Champagne Gala - 24th annual event benefits the SAFeT Response Center, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, providing therapy, medical and legal advocacy, and education for victims of violent crime and their families. Silent and live auctions, champagne, chocolate and coffee samplings, hors d’oeuvres, followed by dancing to Six Foot Swing. Emcees are Shelly Monahan and Dave Cotton, KHQ-6 anchors. March 14. 6 p.m.-midnight, Red Lion Hotel - Inn at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive. $50/in advance, $60/door. (509) 325-SEAT or (509) 343-5021.

Spaghetti Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. March 14. 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $5. (509) 926-2328.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. March 15. 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $7. (509) 926-2328.

Los Hermanos Tamale Dinner - Authentic Salvadoran dinner with Latin music. Assisting Lewis and Clark High School and St. George’s School students in funding a rural high school in El Salvador. March 15. 6-9 p.m., St. Ann’s Church, 2120 E. First St. $10. (509) 838-8322.

St. Patrick’s Dinner - Annual corned beef and cabbage/Reuben sandwich dinner hosted by Fairfield Service Club to raise money for their Flag Day celebration. March 15. 5-8 p.m., Fairfield Community Center, 305 E. Main, Fairfield. $8/person, $15/couple, $5/ages 6-12, kids younger than age 6 eat free. (509) 283-2366 or e-mail fairfieldserviceclub@hotmail.com.

“Wines of Europe” Wine School - Fun wine tasting and a relaxed, educational experience. Each class includes up to eight wines and light refreshments. The Wines of Spain-Rioja, Albarino, Sherry and more. March 20. 6:30 p.m., Vino!, 222 S. Washington St. $35. (800) 826-5674 or (509) 838-1229.

Girl Scouts Cookie Sale - Booth and direct sales will take place March 21-April 13. Varieties include: All Abouts, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Do-Si-Do’s, Trefoils, Samoas and new sugar-free Chocolate Chips and Lemon Chalet Cremes. $4. (509) 747-8091.

Oven Fried Chicken Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. Reservations required. March 21. 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $7. (509) 926-2328.

Easter Breakfast Fundraiser - To benefit the senior high youths. March 23, 8:30-10 a.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. By donation. (509) 926-7966.

Spring Luncheon and Card Party - Menu includes chicken casserole, green salad with fruit, rolls, surprise dessert, coffee and tea. March 26. Noon-3 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4420 N. Jefferson St. $6 per person. Reservations must be made by March 22. (509) 325-0015 or (509) 328-7104.

Brew and Bread Tasting - Coeur d’Alene Brewing Co. and Great Harvest Bread Co. on hand. March 27. 5-8 p.m., Cena, 12501 N. Highway 395, Suite 3. $5. (509) 328-3709.

Fish Fry - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. March 28. 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $7. (509) 926-2328.

SCRAPS Chocolate Festival and Auction - Third annual event to benefit the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service. March 28. 6:30-9:30 p.m., CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point, Spokane Valley. $20. (509) 477-2984.

Taste of Life - Wine, microbrew, whiskey and food tasting. Benefits Hospice of Spokane. March 28. 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. $75/person. (509) 456-0438.

Bow Tie Dinner - Fine meal, wine, music, dancing, and many prize drawings including a grand prize drawing for a $4,000 trip voucher through AAA Travel. Proceeds go to support the many programs that served over 10,000 families in the Greater Spokane Valley in 2007. Presented by the Spokane Valley Partners Auxiliary. Reservations required. March 29. 6 p.m., Decades in University City, 10512 E. Sprague Ave. $125. (509) 927-1153, ext. 13.

Gala East III - Spring Tea - Featuring floral designer Phyllis Danielson. Presented by Inland Empire District of Garden Clubs, Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. Proceeds will be used for Horticulture Continuing Education Scholarships. March 29. 1:30-3:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. $15. (509) 448-9267.

Lunch with Lindas - Lunch meeting for anyone named Linda, spelled L-I-N-D-A? Group of Lindas meets approximately every other month for fun stuff. Past events include fashion shows, guest speakers, fundraiser demos and potlucks. Call for location and details. March 29. 11 a.m., Call for details. Free. (208) 667-5725 or (208) 691-9524.

Art of Etiquette for Children - For children 7-11 years of age. Learn various types of etiquette including telephone and dining. Pre-registration required. March 31-April 2. The Davenport Hotel, Palm Court, 10 S. Post St. $138; includes meal on last day of class. (509) 209-6394.

International Cuisine Cooking Class - Five-week series of real flavor-busting classes using wonderful techniques of basic cooking while expanding your taste buds and understanding of flavor combinations. Classes begin week of April 16 or May 21. Apple Charlotte. $375. (509) 443-8252.