NEW YEAR'S EVE Kick off 2005 with a six-course meal a short walk from the Channelside festivities. $75 per person, $95 with wine pairings. 6 and 8:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31. Cafe Dufrain, 707 Harbor Post Drive, Tampa (813-275-9701 or www.cafedufrain.com).
COUPLES COOKING CLASS Chef Debbie ushers in the new year with this hands-on class, preparing favorites such as beef tenderloin and butterscotch custard. $45 per person, $85 for two. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 7. La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-3070 or www.lamaisongourmet.com).
FREE VEGETARIAN COOKING CLASSES Join Debby DeGraaff as she shows you how to prepare different vegetarian foods every week on Wed. (7-8 p.m.) and Thurs. (10-11 a.m.). Please call for additional information. Nature's Harvest Market, 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-873-7428).
CHOCOLATE CRAZIES Join premier pastry chef Michael Baugh for classes. Make fabulous dessert creations you take home at the end of each class, and nibble on wine and 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. Let Them Eat Cake, 3805 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-837-6888 or www.chocolateismycrayon.com).