CONVERSATIONAL CUISINE Learn to speak conversational Italian, plus enjoy dinner and a five-week course that immerses students in the language, foods, culture and customs. $185. Each Wed. through March 23. 6-7 p.m. Bellini Restaurant, 487 Main St., Dunedin. Or try beginner's Spanish, with a three-course dinner. Each Thurs. through March 24. 6-7 p.m. Castellano & Pizzo Italian Gourmet Foods, 4200 S Henderson Blvd., Tampa. Reservations required (727-866-6892 or www.learnitalian.us).
COLUMBIA DINNER Celebrate Columbia's 100th anniversary. Sample a different Spanish wine each month, paired in a multi-course dinner for two, available nightly. $100 per pair. Columbia Restaurant (The Pier), 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-822-8000). Locations also in Ybor City (813-248-4961), Clearwater Beach (727-596-8400), and Sarasota (941-388-3987).
FRENCH "SOIREE PROVENCALE" TASTING Menu includes shrimp veloute, roasted guinea hen on Savoy confit, praline-filled cream puff with chocolate sauce and more, paired with wines from the south of France. $62.50. Fri., March 11. 7 p.m. Café Largo, 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo (727-596-6282 to RSVP).
CAJUN ZYDECO CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Enjoy Cajun, Creole and Louisiana culture at the fifth annual festival, which features Cajun cuisine, 10,000 pounds of crawfish, arts and crafts, a kids tent and live music. $10/$25 for a three-day pass. (Children 10 and under enter free.) March 11-13. Noon. Vinoy Park, Bayshore Drive and Seventh Avenue, N.E., St. Petersburg (727-892-5767).
FESTIVAL OF THE SUN Beach fest with reggae music, local BBQ food vendors and more. Proceeds benefit Surf Riders Foundation and TASCO/St. Pete City Teen Programs. $12 in advance, $15 at gate. Sat., March 12. St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island (727-544-7705).
FUN WITH FRESH HERBS Children can learn all about herbs ? the what, why and how, as well as make a tasty treat from herbs. $1 per child. Sat., March 12. 10-11 a.m. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12175 125th St. N., Largo (727-582-2671).
LIGHT & LEAN Debbie Degraff teaches how to make orzo-shitake pilaf, grilled polenta, and roasted red pepper sauce. Free. Sat., March 12. 11 a.m. Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater (727-443-6703 or www.naturesfoodpatch.com).
ABILITIES FESTIVAL Abilities Wine and Food Festival features food from 40 restaurants, and a silent auction of chef-prepared in-home dinners, fine wines, Harley-Davidson motorcycle and more. $150, or $175 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation. Sat., March 12. 6-9:30 p.m. Tropicana Field, First Avenue and 16th Street S, St. Petersburg (727-538-7370 ext. 345 or www.abilitiesfoundation.com).
LET THEM EAT COOKIES Pastry chefs Michael Ostrander, Michael Baugh and Mary Bowyer demonstrate how to make special springtime desserts, plus candy for filling Easter baskets. $110 includes lunch and beverages. Sun., March 13. 9-5 p.m. Reservations required. Let Them Eat Cake, 3805 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-837-6888).
TEA IN THE GARDEN See the art and floral designs in the galleries and then enjoy homemade pastries, sandwiches and tea in the Membership Garden. $5 plus museum admission. Tues., March 15. 3-4 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N., St. Petersburg (www.fine-arts.org).
SECRET SAMPLING The Tampa Culinary Club will meet for a unique demonstration and sampling by chef Brian St. Arnold: turkey in a garbage can. $10. Sat., March 19. 11 a.m. Reservations required by March 16. Thirsty Marlin Grill & Bar, 1023 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor (727-789-2605).
APRON'S COOKING CLASSES Learn how to prepare a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables and sauces, at regularly scheduled classes. Reservations are always required, prices vary, and classes take place at Publix at Shoppes of Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465 or www.publix.com/aprons/schools/Tampa/Calendar.do).
CLASSES AT LA MAISON Classes for couples, kids and singles about on a regularly scheduled basis at La Maison. Reservations are required, prices vary and La Maison is located at 471 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-3070 or www.lamaisongourmet.com):
This article appears in Mar 9-15, 2005.
