EATS + DRINKS

sat march 26

Taste of Jamaica Delight in real Jamaican cuisine, including dumplings, jerk chicken, patties and the national dish of ackee and saltfish. Enjoy performances by local artists as well as showcases of Jamaican culture. At Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association, 5600 Centre St. N. 12 p. m. $ 5 – $ 35. jcaalberta. com.

wed march 30

Cocina Mexicana Cooking Class Learn the secrets behind a true Guacamole and Pico de gallo, and put your hands on fresh authentic Mexican dishes such as picadillo, mole poblano con pollo, churros and more. At Cuisine et Château, 103, 227 10th St. N. W. 6: 30 - 9: 30 p. m. $ 119. 403- 764- 2665, cuisineandchateau. com.

thur march 31

March Vine & Dine Featuring six dishes of Chef Kai’s tasty, contemporary Canadian food, each carefully paired with an equally good wine. At The Block Kitchen and Lounge, 2411 4th St. N. W. 6: 30 - 9 p. m. $ 69.50. vineanddine. ca.

upcoming

Taste of Bragg Creek Friday, April 1. Each participating merchant is teamed up with a liquor vendor to offer a unique in- house special. Attendees will be provided with a detailed map outlining all the evening specials, and are encouraged to “hop” to each participating venue throughout the night. Various venues around Bragg Creek. 5 - 9 p. m. tasteofbraggcreek.ca.

Pies and Stews Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8. Prepare a hearty stew and learn how to make sweet and savoury pies with a delicious, flaky crust. At ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen Learning Centre, 909 11th Ave. S. W. 12 - 1 p. m. $ 20. 403245- 7630, atcoblueflamekitchen. com. Get Cooking with Your Kids Saturday, April 16. Learn how to get your kids engaged in the kitchen and how beneficial this can be. Explore age- appropriate tools and tasks they can help with, along with ways to teach basic skills. Leave with fun and easy recipes for a variety of ages and skill levels. At Calgary Co- op, 8818 Macleod Tr. 10 a. m. to 12 p. m. $ 10.95. calgarycoop. com.

Viva Italia!

Saturday, April 16. Sample over five different

wines that are guaranteed to excite the palate and pocketbook. Explore three unique wine regions and enjoy tapas inspired by the country of food and wine. At ArtMatch & Silpada, 8561 8A Ave. S. W. 1 - 5 p. m. $ 35. 403- 457- 5522,

vinroom. com/ home.

Calgary Poutine Week Friday, April 15 to Saturday, April 23. Hop from restaurant to restaurant in search of your favourite poutine. As an added bonus, every featured poutine sold during Poutine Week means a person in need will receive a meal. Various locations and prices. calgarypoutine. com.

Alberta Beef

Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29. Alberta is known for its excellent beef, but it can get expensive. Learn how to take economical cuts of meat and turn them into delicious homemade beef sausage and corned beef. At ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen Learning Centre, 909 11th Ave. S. W. 1 p. m. $ 20. 403- 245- 7630, atcoblueflamekitchen. com.

Manic Organic Saturday, April 30. What defines a wine as organic? What’s the difference between biodynamic and organic wines? Is one better than the other? Taste the best organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Learn the differences and stay informed. At VR Wine, 8561 8A Ave. S. W. 1 - 4 p. m. Free. vrwine. com.

Carnival Cocktails for Cancer 2016 Sunday, May 1. An unforgettable evening of carnivalinspired food and cocktails featuring some of Alberta’s top chefs and bartenders. All proceeds will be donated in memory of Jennifer Gardiner to support clinical trials through the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. At Hotel Arts, 119 12th Ave. S. W. 7 p. m. $ 150. carnivalcocktails.ca.

The Science of Cheese Pairing Wednesday, May 4. During this evocative tasting experience, learn some of the wildest and wackiest cheese combinations we’ve discovered over the last 15 years. At Janice Beaton Fine Cheese, 1017 16th Ave. S. W. 6: 15 p. m. $ 69.51. janicebeaton. com.

Culinary Race Saturday, June 11. Participate in an all- day race against the clock and around the city answering trivia questions, solving puzzles and following clues leading you to over 30 Calgary restaurants and food destinations. The race ends at Italian Centre Shop, where great prizes and great bragging rights will be dished out. Starts at Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77th Ave. S. E. 8: 30 a. m. $ 43 – $ 69.51. citypalate. ca.