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FOOD FOR THE NEEDY For the 10th consecutive year, about 100 homeowners in Seminole and Largo are participating in an event called "Lights of Lake Park Estates." They invite visitors to view their elaborate holiday displays, but there's more: They also are raising money and collecting canned goods for the needy. Last year, the neighborhood raised $30,000 for The Hospice and tons of canned goods for its Harvest Time Food Bank from generous holiday sightseers. Dec. 1-31. Lake Park Estates. For more information, call The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast at 727-586-4432. www.thehospice.org.
HOLIDAY COOKIES Chef Debby DeGraaff discusses fast and easy holiday cookies in this week's free vegetarian cooking class. 7-8 p.m., Wed., Dec. 11, and 10-11 a.m., Thu., Dec. 12. Nature's Harvest Market, 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-873-7428.
TAMPA BAY CULINARY CLUB features Chef Stafford Parker of Bellarte at the Radisson during its December monthly meeting. $10 per person. Noon, Dec. 14, Bellarte at the Radisson, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd., St. Petersburg. Reservations requested. Call Jeanne at 727-789-2605.
HOT NUTS Warm up around the fire and roast a few chestnuts in the spirit of the holiday season. Bring ornaments for the Christmas tree and listen to music by Double Time. The Whistle Stop Grill's third annual Chestnut Roast. Free. 6-10 p.m., Sat. Dec. 14, Whistle Stop Grill, 915 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-726-1956. www.whistlestopgrill.com.
JAZZ LUNCHEONWMNF-88.5 FM radio teams with Latin jazz artist Bobby Ramirez and Viva La Frida Cafe y Galeria to present a holiday luncheon. The Latin jazz lunch and concert benefits needy children. Admission is $10, or the donation of a new children's toy, game of gift, plus the price of lunch, which will be offered from the restaurant's regular menu items. Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, 5901 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-231-9199.
WINE DINNER A dinner highlighting Joseph Phelps wines features celeriac and white grape soup; duo of tuna with grapefruit confit cilantro chili water and wild chives, red snapper with red wine, braised celery heart, morrel mushrooms and parsnip puree, spiced roast venison, followed by strawberry champagne soup for dessert. $65 per person. 7:01 p.m., Wed., Dec. 17. Profusion Restaurant, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-353-8400.
SUBTLE SUSHI Profusion Restaurant's top sushi chefs demonstrate the fine art of sushi preparation. $60 per person, including sushi kit and all material needed for the class. Noon-2 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21. Profusion, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-353-8400. www.profusion.us.
