FREE COOKING CLASSES Watch a demonstration using Asian ingredients, while sampling food. Wed., March 16. 11 a.m. Learn to make an all-green menu. Wed., March 16. 6:30 p.m. Cook up anything healthy and make it taste wonderful. Sat., March 19. 11 a.m. Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater (727-443-6703 or www.naturesfoodpatch.com).
KOMPLETELY KOSHER The chefs at Chef's Warehouse invite you to a Kosher cuisine cooking class. $35. Wed., March 16. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Louis Whol & Sons, 11101 N. 46th St., Tampa (813-985-8870 ext. 134).
CONVERSATIONAL CUISINE Learn to speak conversational Italian, plus enjoy dinner and a five-week course that immerses students in Italy's language, foods, culture and customs. $185. Each Wed. March 16-23. 6-7 p.m. Bellini Restaurant, 487 Main St., Dunedin. Or try beginner's Spanish, with a three-course dinner. Each Thurs. March 17-24. 6-7 p.m. Castellano & Pizzo Italian Gourmet Foods, 4200 S Henderson Blvd., Tampa. Reservations required (727 866-6892 or www.learnitalian.us).
VEGETARIAN COOKING CLASS Debby DeGraaff focuses on the theme of mellow millet. Free. Wed., March 16. 7-8 p.m. & Thurs., March 17. 10-11 a.m. Nature's Harvest Market, 1021 N MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-873-7428 or www.naturesharvestmarket.com).
SPIFFS FOLK FAIR Travel around the world in a day at SPIFFS. Visit many countries with cultural exhibits, a market place and delicious ethnic foods. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children. 3-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., March 18-20. Expo Center, 10601 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park (727-552-1896 or www.spiffs.org).
EASTER DINNER Jurgen Gross and Jim Snyder will host a Sunday dinner featuring rosemary-roasted leg of lamb, seared scallops and lavender-lemon bundt cake. $35 per person/$175 for 6 classes. March 20. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Williams-Sonoma, 8066 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa (813-920-6939).
TAMPA BAY VEGETARIANS Do you dig exchanging information about the vegetarian lifestyle while eating delicious food? Then try an all-vegan buffet with foodies just like you. $12.50 (plus an additional $2 fee for nonmembers).Tues., March 22. Zaeem Palace, 3333 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (727-461-2636 or 813-269-4665). Reservations must be made by Noon Fri., March 18.
COOKING WITH CHEF FRED Chef Fred teachs how to prepare an Italian Feast, which you then get to eat. Indulge in minestrone soup, chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, and decadent crème puffs for dessert. $29.99. March 23. 7 p.m. Reservations required. Drew Coffee Shop, 1907 Drew St., Clearwater (727-441-2572).
EASTER BUFFET The Ramada Plantation House hosts an elegant and delicious buffet featuring breakfast and dinner, two chocolate fountains, and much more. The kids can enjoy cookie decorating and an Easter egg hunt. Adults $28, seniors $24, 12 and under $14, free for children under 5. March 27. Reservations required. Ramada Plantation House, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City (813-752-3141 or www.ramadaplantation.com).
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Come out and experience a culinary wonder at the Feast of Fantasy: a six-course gourmet feast. $50. Daily at 1 p.m. Then, meet the Queen at her Royal High Tea, a four-course luncheon featuring scrumptious desserts. Daily at 3:30 p.m. (Both include entertainment.) Until April 10. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 11315 46th Ave. (Fowler Avenue and 46th Street), across the street from the USF Sun Dome (800-601-4848 or www.renaissancefest.com).
CHOCOLATE CRAZIES Join pastry chef Michael Baugh, make 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 This week's classes include brunch techniques, a girl's night out, and St. Paddy's day themes. Apron's classes require reservations and are located at Publix at Shoppes of Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465 or www.publix.com/aprons/schools/Tampa/Calendar.do).
LA MAISON GOURMET Cooking to perfection is the topic of choice for these classes: seafood, steak and much more. Classes at La Maison require reservations and are located at 471 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-3070 or www.lamaisongourmet.com).
Farmers Markets
YBOR CITY FRESH MARKET 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each Sat. Centennial Park, Eighth Avenue and 18th Street, Tampa (813-241-2442 or [email protected]).
SAFETY HARBOR FARMERS' MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each Thurs., until April. 200 Main St., Safety Harbor. Located downtown on the corner of Main Street & Bayshore Boulevard (Linda 727-726-6407 or [email protected]).
HYDE PARK FARMERS' MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each Sat., until April. Old Hyde Park Village, Tampa. Off Swann Avenue, in the fountain area (813-251-3500).
BRADENTON FARMERS' MARKET 8 a.m.-Noon each Sat., until April. 1515 .W. 10th Ave., Brandon. Corner of West Manatee Avenue and 15th Street W (Carol 941-748-5862).
DADE CITY FARMERS' MARKET 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Second Sat. of the month, until April. U.S. 301 & Meridian Avenue, Dade City. Located in front of the old historic courthouse (Deborah 352-521-0744 or www.localharvest.com).
OLD PALM HARBOR FARMER'S MARKET 8 a.m.-1 each Fri., until Apr. 29. Rheba Sutton White Chapel/Harbor Hall Parking Lot, 1190 Georgia Ave., Located Between 11th & 12th streets, one block south of Florida Avenue, in downtown Palm Harbor (727-934-7001 or [email protected]).
DOWNTOWN LARGO ORGANIC MARKET 8 a.m.-1 each Thurs. until May 26. Located on the south side of West Bay Drive between SW 5th and 6th streets (Anne Buck 727-518-8442).
