New Sapphire Creek broadens area’s locally sourced dining choices

Check out the area’s newest dining and special-event option at the just-opened Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens in a dramatic glass-and-wood edifice tucked in among 10 acres of secluded forests and streams in the Chagrin River Valley.

At 16965 Park Circle Drive off Washington Street near Route 306, Sapphire has a menu devised, created and implemented by Kimberly McCune Gibson.

A dozen dishes made for sharing begin the menu, a fitting start for evenings framed around wine. Entrees to suit every taste follow, along with a wide selection of desserts.

Details: 440-543-7777; www.sapphirecreek.com.

Many faces of cheesecake

Learn how to make America’s favorite dessert as Judi Strauss leads Cheesecakes, a two-hour cooking class set for 7 p.m. April 10 in the kitchen at Wildwood Cultural Center in Mentor.

Sample tasties from the Russian Tea Room, including frozen Mocha Cheesecake, and even a try a reduced fat cheesecake recipe. Recipes and samples to take home are included.

The class costs $17, $3 less for Mentor residents. An additional $8 food fee is payable in cash to Strauss on class night.

Wildwood is at 7645 Little Mountain Road. Register: 440 974-5720.

Tuscan food

A couples cooking class, A Tuscan Farmhouse, is set for 6 p.m. April 7 by the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking at the International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute, 8700 Mayfield Road in Chester Township.

The 2.5-hour handson experience will result in a meal created from fresh seasonal ingredients. You’ll cook mushroom panzarotti with pecorino sauce; strawberries and candied pecan in white balsamic vinaigrette; pici pasta; pork tenderloin porchetta; Brussels sprouts and apple hash; mashed potatoes; and a chocolate caramel tart.

Fee is $135 for a couple. Register: 440-7201110; www.lpscinc.com.