Five Popular Panini Try saying that five times fast, then head for La Maison Gourmet for this class, where you'll learn to make these popular Italian pressed and grilled sandwiches. $25. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. 471 Main St., Dunedin. 727-736-6400.
Tampa Bay Culinary Club The Tampa Bay Culinary club invites you to join in the fun when its members meet with Jim Sirna, president of Wines By Morrell Florida, for a sit-down tasting of six French wines, accompanied by cheeses and pates. $10. 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Wines by Morrell, 2009 N. 22nd St., Ybor City. Call Jeanne Hansen at 727-789-2605.
BEER-O-Mania The folks at Grand Cru Wine Cellar pop the tops on a bevy of imported brews as well as American microbrews. Get involved in the lager vs. ale controversy. $5. No reservations required, as always. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Grand Cru Wine Cellar (home of the best stinky cheese) 11724 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-269-8463.
Dog Saved By Spaghetti Dinner That may be the headline after Project Pet of Florida, a nonprofit organization, hosts a fundraising spaghetti dinner, with salad, bread, dessert and coffee, for a mere $6 donation. Carry out is available. 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20. Takes place at 20 W. Tarpon Ave. (just east of the Spring Bayou) in Tarpon Springs. Call 727-423-3006 to order takeout in advance. For info, call Joann at 727-423-3006.
Get Saucy Nothing will improve your cooking more than mastering sauces. Join this hands-on class and learn to make the mother of all sauces, then add ingredients to create white wine cream sauce, cabernet and bleu cheese sauce, Key lime beurre blanc sauce and much more. $49.50. 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21. La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin. 727-736-6400.
Mexican Gourmet Party Chef Juan prepares goat cheese tostados with fried herbs, poblano chilies stuffed with shrimp, apples and almonds, beef tenderloin with mole sauce and much more. $39.50. 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at La Maison Gourmet (formerly Home Gourmet) 471 Main St., Dunedin. 727-736-6400.
Super Sunflower Seed Vegetarian chef Debby DeGraaff teaches how to make delicious, nutritious dishes using sunflower seeds in this free class 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, and again 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Nature's Harvest Market, 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-873-7428.
Fabulous Late-Summer Desserts Join chef Dan and learn to prepare fabulous late-summer desserts like strawberry cheesecake tart with a walnut crust, homemade espresso Kahlua ice cream and much more. Minestrone soup and fresh bread will be served for a light dinner. $39.50. 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin. 727-736-6400.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2001.