HEALTHY HEARTS Learn to prepare good-for-you food with Debby DeGraaff. Free. Wed., Feb. 16. 7-8 p.m. & Thurs., Feb. 17. 10-11 a.m. Nature's Harvest Market, 1021 N MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-873-7428).
GRILLING GURU Steven Raichlen returns with his latest cookbook, Indoor! Grilling. Demonstration with tasty samples and a paperback book is $39.95 plus tax, or $49.95 for hardcover. Wed., Feb. 16. 6:30 p.m. Reserve your books and your place at the table. Mise en Place Restaurant, 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-5373.)
FREE COOKING CLASSES Kerrie and Robert Broe will teach basic cooking techniques and several fabulous sauces to top Quinoa. Wed., Feb. 16. 6:30 p.m. Melissa Basham will prepare delectable macrobiotic foods. Sat., Feb. 19. 11 a.m. Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater (727-443-6703 or www.naturesfoodpatch.com).
BEER SNOBS UNITE Come out to the sixth annual Florida Brewers Guild BeerFest. Sample beers from Belgium, Canada, and Germany while enjoying live entertainment. $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Sat., Feb. 19. 1 p.m. Ybor City, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Centro Ybor, Tampa (727-866-7350 or www.floridasbrewersguild.org).
MAKE A SPLASH! Tampa Bay Culinary Club will be hosting a demonstration by Chef Griffith Lohrman. Create mescaline salad with toasted cashews and roasted red peppers, pan-seared flounder romanesque with prosciutto and garlic butter, and mango crème brule. $5 per person. Accepting reservations until Feb. 19. Splash! An Ocean Grill, 3973 Van Dyke Road, Lutz (727-789-2605.)
SUSHI SOCIETY SINNER Deborah Albert & Regan invite you to enjoy a delicious deluxe sushi and sashimi buffet along with soft drinks and wonderful entertainment. $32. Sat., Feb. 19. 7 p.m. 5115 W. Poe Ave., Tampa (813-839-1717 or www.sushisociety.com).
CHILI COOK-OFF Does your chili have enticing spice and sparkling flavor? Then rent a table for $10 and make 3 gallons of it. If you just want to be a taster, buy a bowl for $3 and chow down. Gates open at 8 a.m. and judging is at noon. Sat., Feb. 19. E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin (813-671-7655).
SEAFOOD TASTING & DEMONSTRATION Join Chef Gui as he hosts a magnificent seafood event on the beach. Watch cooking demonstrations, try exquisite seafood recipes, and taste delicate wines. $25. Sun., Feb. 20. 6 p.m. 17811 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727-391-2000).
DECADENT DESSERT Jurgen Gross and Jim Snyder will make over-the-top confections such as chocolate decadence cake, chocolate espresso bars, chocolate fondue, and mocha cake w/ caramel-spiced sauce. $35 per person/$175 for six classes. Sun., Feb. 20. 9:30 a.m. Reservations Recommended. Williams Sonoma, 8066 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa (813-920-6939).
CELEBRITY CHEF TOUR Join Chef Luke Palladino and Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi for hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, and a five-course dinner open to the public. The tour benefits the James Beard Foundation. $150 per person. Fri., Feb. 25. 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., (813 313-3196 www.celebritycheftour.com).
FLAN FEST 2005 Think you have the best flan recipe? Then enter it to be judged in Ybor City's annual Fiesta Day, a unique celebration of Latin heritage and culture. Recipes are now being accepted. Festivities begin Feb. 26 and include complimentary Cuban bread, Spanish bean soup and café con leche. Judging will take place Feb. 28 (813-241-2442).
CHOCOLATE CRAZIES Join premier pastry chef Michael Baugh, make fabulous dessert creations you take home, and nibble on hors d'oeuvres while you learn. $40 per person. Baking 101: 5-8 p.m. each Tues. Chocolate Sculpture 101: 5-8 p.m. each Wed. 3805 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-837-6888 or www.chocolateismycrayon.com).
APRON'S COOKING CLASSES Classes at Apron's require reservations and are located at Publix at Shoppes of Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Hwy., Tampa (813-926-4465 or www.publix.com/aprons/schools/Tampa/Calendar.do):
STOCK MARKET Chef Mike Grimes will teach you to prepare your own sauces, broths, and stocks. The menu includes Shrimp Bisque (Shrimp stock) as well as Strip Steak Flambéed with Peppercorns
KIDS COOK DINNER Each child will take home a meal for four of mini pizza, meatloaf, and apple pie. $35. Thurs., Feb. 17. 4 p.m.
CELEBRITY STYLE Celebrity Chef, Arthur Schwartz will show you a menu that will reflect his travels through Italy merged with the influence of his New York City style. $50. Fri., Feb. 18. 6:30 p.m.
HOMESTYLE INDIAN CUISINE Learn to cook exotic Indian cuisine with Chef Sreejaya Grass. $40. Sat., Feb. 19. 10 a.m.
COUPLES COOK The couple that cooks together just has more fun. Join Chef Grimes in making Marinated Mussles, Smoked Turkey Cannelloni, and Mocha Truffles. $80. Sat., Feb. 19. 6:30 p.m.
WEEKNIGHT GOURMET Add some spice to your week and learn to make delicious dishes such as Jerk-Style Shrimp with Sweet Potatoes, Conch Chowder, and more. $35. Mon., Feb. 21. 6:30 p.m.