Culinary calendar

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. Today. Noon-1 p.m., Valley Hospital Health and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Reservations required. Free. (509) 325-6516.

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. Thursday. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Liberty Cafe, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Dine Out So No Senior Goes Hungry - Eat at a participating restaurant and a portion of your bill will be donated to Valley Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals to seniors and the disabled. Restaurants include Spokane Valley Perkins, Ron’s Drive-In, Cuppa Joe’s Cafe, Quizno’s in Liberty Lake, Buck’s Pizza, Casa de Oro, Jenny’s Cafe, The Iron Horse, Fiesta Grande, O’Doherty’s, Taco del Mar in Spokane Valley and Tokyo Teriyaki. Thursday. (509) 924-6976.

Free Soup and Bread Dinner - Presented by All Nations Warriors for Christ. Events include singing hymns, Bible readings and prayer. Thursday. 6 p.m., Central Seventh Day Adventist Church fellowship center, 828 W. Spofford Ave. (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. Thursday. 5:30-7 p.m., Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St., Education Center 1. $10. (509) 474-5490.

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.

Irish Whiskey Dinner and Tasting - A four-course dinner served with a selection of Irish whiskeys. Jameson, Jameson 12-year, Michael Collins and Redbreast. Thursday. 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. Friday. 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.

Irish Dinner and Dance - Menu consists of corned beef and cabbage, green salad, dessert and coffee. Friday. 5:30 p.m. social, dinner at 6:30 p.m., dancing at 7:30 p.m. Sons of Norway Tordenskjord Lodge, 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd. $8.50. (509) 326-9211.

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

“A City to Remember” Gala Dinner and Auction - Presented by Spokane Preservation Advocates to benefit its Heritage Grant program and other historic preservation efforts in Spokane County. Features a gourmet dinner, fine wines and dancing. Saturday. 5:30 p.m., Spokane Masonic Temple, 1108 W. Riverside Ave. $50. (509) 624-5136.

Blanchard Spud Night Fundraiser - Featuring baked potato dinner and various other potato dishes, and Mr. Potato Head raffles. Saturday. 6-8 p.m., Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane, Blanchard. $6/adults, $3/kids age 12 and younger. (208) 437-4480.

Cooking Classes at Greenbriar Inn – Low-Fat, Low-Sugar Cooking, Saturday, 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.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. Saturday. 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. Saturday. 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. E-mail fairfieldserviceclub@hotmail.com. Saturday. 5-8 p.m., Fairfield Community Center, 305 E. Main, Fairfield, Wash. $8/person, $15/couple, $5/ages 6-12, kids younger than age 6 eat free. (509) 283-2366.

Friends of SAN Annual Palm Sunday Brunch - Benefiting the Spokane AIDS Network. Eclectic menu featuring omelet and waffle station. Popular “world’s largest” chocolate basket raffle. Sunday. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Dempsey’s Brass Rail, 909 W. First Ave. $13/person, $25/couple. (509) 747-4930.

Scholarship Pancake Breakfast - Menu consists of scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and all-you-can-eat pancakes. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Sunday. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sons of Norway Tordenskjord Lodge, 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd. $4/adults, $2.50/age five and younger. (509) 326-9211.

Evergreen Club Dinner and Raffle Fundraiser - Sponsored by Longhorn Barbecue, to benefit the Evergreen Club, a rehabilitation program that enhances the lives of mentally ill adults. Monday. 5-9 p.m., Longhorn Barbecue, 2315 N. Argonne Road. Dinner menu and buffet available. (509) 838-4651, ext. 6065.

Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce luncheon - Featuring Remy Newcombe from Blue Water Technologies. March 20. RSVP by March 18. Route 53 Diner, 13668 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum. $8. (208) 687-2866.

“Wines of Europe” Wine School - 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. 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 Company and Great Harvest Bread Company on hand. March 27. 5-8 p.m., Cena, 12501 N. Highway 395, Suite 3. $5. (509) 328-3709.

Eat Local Dinner - Dinner includes amuse bouche, followed by four courses paired with wines, then coffee and dessert. Presented by Slow Food Spokane River and the Coeur d’Alene Cellars. March 27. 6-9 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Resort, seventh floor, check in at Beverly’s 115 S. Front St., Coeur d’Alene. Reservations needed by March 19. $55. (800) 688-4142.

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 programs which include temperament testings, Ask the dog trainer, and free training classes for the community. 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. Visit www.lindalunch.com. March 29. 11 a.m. 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.

Children’s Village Charity Auction and Dinner - “I’m Proud to be an American,” fundraiser. Sponsored by the Children’s Village Foundation Inc. Proceeds benefit the youth residing at Children’s Village. Live and silent auctions. Call for reservations. April 11. Doors open at 5 p.m., event begins at 6 p.m. Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway, Coeur d’Alene. $48/person, $92/couple, $400/corporate tables of eight. (208) 667-1189.

Spring Charity Auction and Dinner - Proceeds benefit the youth residing at Children’s Village, a licensed, residential home for children who are homeless, abused, neglected or in need of therapeutic treatment. Reservations needed. Visit www.thechildrensvillage.org for more details. April 11. 6 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Apple Way, Coeur d’Alene. $48/person, $92/couple. (208) 667-1189.

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.

Art at the Park Art Show and Auction - Local artists will display and sell their work at this one of a kind art show. Enjoy food from the renowned Max restaurant and entertainment provided by recording artist Chuck Dunlap. A no-host bar will also be provided. Proceeds from event will benefit the Spokane Chapter of Executive Women International. Tickets available at the hotel, State Bank Northwest, Spokane Fireplace & Patio, and Eyes for Life. Visit www.ewispokane.org. April 18. 5:30-9:30 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, I-90 at Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. $35/person, $60/pair. (509) 641-1954 or (509) 789-4341.

Fashion in Bloom - Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest’s 24th annual fashion show, luncheon and sale featuring brand name apparel at Goodwill prices. Proceeds benefit Goodwill programs. April 19. 11 a.m., Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post St. $45/person, $420/table of 10. (509) 444-4382, reservations required.

Festival of Wine and Flowers - 17th annual fundraising event supports the comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute provides to adults and children throughout our region. Enjoy fabulous cuisine, ultra-premium Washington wines and desserts. Bid on both live and silent auction lots of allocated wines, barrel tastings, gourmet dinners and more. Live auction at 8 p.m. April 19. 6-10 p.m., St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. $100/by March 15, $125/after March 15. (509) 473-6099.

Spring Extravaganza: A Toasts and Taste of the Northwest - Silent and live auctions, catering by Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, wine tasting hosted by Candace Frasher, wine connoisseur, style show and ballroom dance showcase. Jennifer Kim of KHQ will be the master of ceremonies. Reservations required. April 19. 4-8 p.m., Southside Senior Activity Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $25. (509) 535-0803.

Getting Ready for Spring Luncheon - Lunch of soup and salad with guest speaker Phyllis Stephens, who does garden segments on KXLY-TV and radio. April 22. Noon, Southside Senior Activity Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $6. Reservations need by April 18. (509) 535-0803.

Wine and Art - Robert Carl Cellars providing wine; Tin Roof providing art. April 24. 5-8 p.m., Cena, 12501 N. Highway 395, Suite 3. $5. (509) 328-3709.

Ben & Jerry’s Free Scoop Day - Enjoy an ice cream. Donations accepted for The Wishing Star Foundation. April 29. Noon-8 p.m., Ben & Jerry’s, River Park Square, Atrium level, 808 W. Main Ave. (509) 455-8500 or (509) 744-3411.

Mother’s Day Tea - Tea sandwiches and sweets as we listen to Mistress Lou Carver who will bring us a presentation of “History to You” bringing 1880-1920 Spokane history to life, dressed in period costume. She will share museum quality artifacts, clothing and photos of Spokane’s history. Bring a picture of the woman you call “mother” to share. May 7. 2-4 p.m., Southside Senior Activity Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $12. (509) 535-0803.

Mother’s Day Gift Show and Wine Tasting - Wines by Lone Canary Cellars and Oliver Branch gifts for moms. May 8. 5-8 p.m., Cena, 12501 N. Highway 395, Suite 3. $5. (509) 328-3709.