Calendar of Events
Even though these six grapes have been traditionally considered the end-all-be-all of wine superstars, that is mostly due to the fact that the French were the first wine lovers to meticulously classify and mystify grapes and these are all French grape varieties. With the passing of time and the acceptance of other regions of the world into the wine's finest club, this perception is beginning to change. However, it is absolutely necessary to embark into our foray by accepting the importance of these varietals. We have Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling on the white corner -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir on the red corner -- and that leaves a lot of other varietals in the cold. Syrah is calling his senator, Nebbiolo is screaming murder, Chenin Blanc is stuttering in disbelief. But for now we have to tackle the six above. Join me for a noble night of classic grapes! Register online 48 hours in advance at www.annarborcooks.com Ann Arbor Cooks!, 5060 Jackson Road. $55/person. 734-645-1030. www.annarborcooks.com [map]
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Too often, the word "tequila" brings to mind bad 21st birthdays and fraternity hazing, but we'll examine the variety of roles this under-appreciated spirit plays in cocktails. Its sultry, smoky and sophisticated cousin Mezcal will also appear. Classes are hands-on, with lots of tasting opportunities. The Last Word, 301 W Huron St. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 734-276-3215. tammylc@tammystastings.com http://www.tammystastings.com/shop [map]
This one-of-a-kind dining experience celebrates using the entire hog, promoting a healthier, more sustainable approach to restaurant dining. Tickets are $55 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Grange Kitchen & Bar, 118 W. Liberty St. $55. 734-995-2107. info@grangekitchenandbar.com www.grangekitchenandbar.com [map]
Every Thurs. Whole Foods staffers discuss wine. Tastings with cheese and appetizers. Topics includes “White Wines of Argentina” (Mar. 7), “Red Wines of Argentina” (Mar. 14), “Napa Valley” (Mar. 21), “California Zinfandels” (Mar. 28). 5-8:30 p.m., Whole Foods wine bar, 990 W. Eisenhower, Cranbrook Village shopping center. $17. 997-7500. [map]
**This class is offered through Washtenaw Community College, but held at Ann Arbor Cooks. The format is exactly the same as all classes offered at Ann Arbor Cooks.**We are heading into the thick of colder weather and craving deep-flavor, slow-cooked comfort foods. Braising is where it's at! Join us for an intensive look at this moist-heat method of cooking as we re-create some unbelievable classics. It's all about "low and slow" and deep flavor with this technique! Come hungry! Full participation. Menu: coq au vin, braised lamb shanks, braised leeks, and braised potatoes. Register at www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning Ann Arbor Cooks!, 5060 Jackson Road. $85. 734-645-1030. www.annarborcooks.com [map]
Baked tilapia, beer-battered fried cod, salad, fries, beverages, and homemade cheesy potatoes, broccoli salad, coleslaw, mac & cheese, and desserts. 4-7 p.m., St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 910 Austin Dr. (off Austin Rd. off W. Michigan Ave.), Saline. $10 (seniors age 60 & over, $9; kids ages 12 & under, $6). 944-7790. [map]
Every Fri., Feb. 15-Mar. 22. Fried Alaskan pollack, choice of potato or macaroni & cheese, salad bar, and beverage. Desserts available for a nominal additional charge. Beer & wine available for donation. Be prepared to stand in line, but the food is worth the wait. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Old St. Pat’s parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. at Northfield Church (3 miles north of Ann Arbor). $8 (seniors, $7; children 5-11, $6; children 4 & under, free). oldstpatrick-annarbor.com 662-8141. [map]
Every Fri. Feb. 15-Mar. 22. Homemade clam chowder, fried cod, baked tilapia, mac & cheese, green beans, roasted red potatoes, French fries, salad bar, cole slaw, rolls with butter, homemade desserts, Girl Scout cookies, and beverages. 5-7:30 p.m., St. Francis Parish Activities Center, 2250 E. Stadium. $9 (seniros age 62 & over, $8; kids age 6-11, $5; kids age 5 & under, free). 769-2550. [map]
5–8 p.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US-12, Chelsea. $10. 475–7561. [map]
There is really nothing better than biting into a fresh, hot from the fryer, sweet and soft doughnut! In this class, learn how to make doughnuts at home for the perfect weekend treat. Menu: Jam-filled Doughnuts with Citrus Glaze; "Krispy-Kreme" style Glazed Doughnuts; Cinnamon-Spice Cider Mill Doughnuts; Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake Doughnuts with Vanilla Bean-Lemon Glaze. Full participation. Register online 48 hours in advance at www.annarborcooks.com Ann Arbor Cooks!, 5060 Jackson Road. $75/person. 734-645-1030. www.annarborcooks.com [map]
One of Zingerman’s Coffee managing partners, Allen Leibowitz or Steve Mangigian, offers a free tour of the coffee company and talks about the intricate world of java. 11 a.m.-noon, Zingerman’s Coffee Company, 3723 Plaza Dr.. Free. 929-6060. [map]
Every Sat., Feb. 9-Mar. 30. Cooking demos by chefs from local restaurants, including Grizzly Peak (Feb. 9), Melange (Feb. 16), Lena (Feb. 23), Tios (Mar. 2), The Melting Pot (Mar. 9), Gratzi (Mar. 16), Habana Cellar Lounge (Mar. 23), and Conor O’Neill’s (Mar. 30). Tastings. 2-4 p.m., Cherry Republic, 223 S. Main. Free. 585-5231. [map]
All invited to make Irish soda bread, colcannon (a mashed potato and kale dish), boxtys (potato pancakes), and bairin breac (a cross between sweet bread and cake that’s traditionally served on Halloween). Vegan versions of recipes available. Noon, Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. (just south of Oak Valley Dr.). $5-$10 sliding scale (Grange members, free). Preregistration required. preservetrad@umich.edu, 769-1052. [map]
