Today

Tips with Tips: Basic Cake Decorating. 5:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse , 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Before people find out how good the cakes taste, they comment on how good they look. Decorating might be the funnest part of cake making and it’s your chance to really put your personal touch on what you’ve baked. Learn the basics for a finished cake. We’ll split several cakes, crumb coat and ice them, and then add borders and a few flowers. Practice makes perfect so you’ll get plenty of that. You'll leave with basic knowledge to decorate cakes at home and one decorated cake you made in class. $100. Register at http://www.bakewithzing.com/class.php?id=5.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels annual Celebrity Benefit Dinner. 5-9 p.m. Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. The Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels announces its Annual Celebrity Benefit Dinner at Bentley’s in the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The celebrity wait staff will be: Morell Boone, president, YMOW and dean of the College of Technology at EMU; Karen Lovejoy Roe, clerk, Charter Township of Ypsilanti; Dave Rutledge, State Representative Michigan House, District 54; Mark Ouimet, State Representative, Michigan District 52; Keith Gieselman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti; Brenda McKinney, Treasurer, Superior Township; Greg Sheldon, president of the EMU Alumni Association; Mike Martin, trustee for Ypsilanti Township; James Hawkins, former superintendent (retired) of the Ypsilanti Public Schools; Betty Stremich of the EMU Foundation; James Fink, Fink of and Valvo PLLC; and Peggy Wilson of Huron Valley Financial. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal, merry music by John E. Lawrence and the WCC Jazz Combo, and of course, fantastic service. All tips collected will go directed to Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels to help deliver meals to local homebound individuals in Ypsilanti and the surrounding townships. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are accepted for corporate tables only. The buffet is $19.95 per person, $8.95 for children. For additional information, call 734-487-9669.

Flat Breads! 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. This class takes you all the way back to the origin of bread. Flat breads have been around since humans first picked wheat off the stalk and decided to grind it and heat it. Roman soldiers used to put dough on their metal shields and bake it over an open fire. For this class we’ve developed four flat bread recipes for pita, matzo, Spanish torta de aceite, and naan. We'll even fire up our wood fired oven! You’ll learn everything you need to make these versatile, full-flavored breads. Shield not included. $100. 734-761-7255.

March Madness fun day. 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Espresso Royale, 214 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. The Espresso Royale in the Woodland Plaza Shopping Center will be having a March Madness fun day, with free coffee, samples all of our own locally baked goods, as well as having a raffle for a $50 gift card. No cover charge. 734-668-1838.

Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar. 5-8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, at the wine bar. Each Thursday evening, experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. This week’s topic: Spanish whites. 734-997-7500.

Friday

Exotic Flavors of North Africa with Brigitte Romero. 3-4:30 p.m. Hollander's, 410 N. Fourth Ave., first floor of the Kerrytown Shops, Ann Arbor. Experience the exotic flavors of North Africa, including tagine of lamb with prunes and almonds prepared with Ras-El-Hanout and served with couscous grain. Dessert will feature orange pie, from a celebrated fruit in this part of the world. $25. 734-741-7531.

Date Night! 6:30-10 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. You asked, and we listened: introducing the first of our ongoing Date Night series. Bring your special someone and have some fun in the kitchen cooking up this entire menu. And please feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal. Menu includes Green Papaya Salad; Drunken Noodles; Panang Curry; Mango & Sticky Rice. $130 per pair. 734-645-1030.

Fish Fry: Dexter Knights of Columbus. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dexter Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Road, Dexter. Every Friday, Feb. 24-March 30: Fried shrimp, baked and fried fish, sides and salad bar. 734-426-5558.

34th Annual Lenten Fish Fry. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Old St. Patrick, 5671 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor. Come for a fish fry every Friday, Feb. 24-March 30. Menu: Fried Alaskan Pollock, choice of potato, salad bar and beverage. Desserts are available for a nominal additional charge. Beer and wine are available for a donation. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children ages 5-11. Children 4 and younger eat for free. 734-662-8141.

Fish Dinners on Fridays during Lent. 4:30-7 p.m. St. Mary's Catholic Parish, 10601 Dexter Pinckney Road, Pinckney. The Men’s Club of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Pinckney is proudly sponsoring its annual Fish Dinners on Friday evenings during Lent. The Parish is located south of M-36 at 10601 Dexter Pinckney Road in Putnam Township. Our delicious dinner includes baked or beer battered fried fish, choice of French fries, scalloped or baked potato, beets, coleslaw, homemade macaroni and cheese, cut vegetables, Jell-O, homemade rolls and dessert and assorted beverages. Take outs are available! The cost is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $4 for children (under age 12). Immediate family price: $30. 734-878-3161.

Sloppy Joe and Boston Cooler Night. 5-8 p.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. Boston Coolers are $1, Sloppy Joe plates are $2 with additional Sloppy Joes for $1. For more information call 734-878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

Empty Bowls Dinner to Benefit SOS Community Services. 6 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Community members are invited to an Empty Bowls dinner hosted by Whole Foods Market Cranbrook to benefit SOS Community Services and help end hunger in our community. Participants can enjoy a dinner, and then choose a keepsake bowl from among a selection of bowls hand made by members of the Ann Arbor Potter’s Guild. All of the proceeds benefit SOS Community Services. $20. Space is limited. To purchase tickets and for more information, call 734-961-1207 or visit soscs.org.

Saturday

The Perfect Egg with Mark Hodesh. 10 a.m.-noon. Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor. Downtown Home & Garden owner Mark Hodesh founded the Fleetwood Diner in 1972, where he cooked 500,000 eggs over the course of three years. Today, he will teach you how to cook the perfect egg. The demonstration will include over-easy, straight up, scrambled, soft boiled, poached and omelets. All are performed on his beloved 1935 Magic Chef stove right here at the store. Free. 734-662-8122.

Golden Wine Tour. Noon-5:30 p.m. Tour starts at Palio, 347 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Gather in Ann Arbor to join our fabulous wine tour created for a day of exquisite tastes and beautiful friendships in the abundant Michigan countryside. Tours include wine and appetizers at a select Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant. Enjoy tastings at three Michigan wineries hosted by a Golden tour guide. $60 and up. Pricing varies. Visit www.goldenlimo.com/winetours.

Decorating Cupcakes. 2-3:30 p.m. Ypsilanti District Library - Superior Township branch, 8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township. Create edible art with yummy cupcakes, frosting, and candy. For children ages 7-18. Free, but registration is required by calling 734-482-4110 ext. 1391.

Chef's Table. 7-10 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Instead of making your usual weekend restaurant reservations, join us for a different experience — an interactive evening where we do the cooking right in front of you with the area's finest local ingredients, sourced from our local farms and markets. You get to relax, socialize with fellow foodies, and watch as we prepare and serve your entire meal. Throughout the evening you will be at arm’s length of the chef and interaction is highly encouraged. You will receive a recipe packet to take home with you detailing the evening's entire menu. So come yourself, with a friend, or a group for a great evening of food, conversation, and so much more. Menu: Poached white asparagus with ramp Bearnaise, crispy speck and poached duck egg; halibut with minted pea puree; fresh herb and micro-green salad with champagne vinaigrette; tahini buttercream cake with citrus lace tuile; brown sugar ice cream; candied citrus; orange cardamom reduction and sesame brittle. You are welcome to bring wine to enjoy with your meal. $55. 734-645-1030.

Three Whites from Alsace. 2-4 p.m. Morgan & York, 1928 Packard, Ann Arbor. Alsace makes some of the longest-lived and most interesting aromatic white wines in the world. Join us to taste three of the best. This tasting is free of charge, and no registration is required. 734-769-9770.

Green Thumb Series: Garden to Table. 2-3 p.m. The Garden Mill, 110 S. Main St., Chelsea. Join us for a free series of workshops featuring ideas, tips, and recipes to enjoy your garden’s bounty, every Saturday in March at 2 p.m. The March 22 topic is Herbs: From Your Garden to Your Table. Master gardeners Merrill Crockett and Rita Hermann will discuss growing and using herbs in the kitchen and home. 734-475-3539.

Sunday

Country Breakfast. 8-11:30 a.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. $6 for adults, $5 for seniorsm $3 for children 9 and under. 734-878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

Petite Fours and Coffee with Rachel Wolpo. 1-2:30 p.m. Hollander's, 410 N. Fourth Ave., first floor of the Kerrytown Shops, Ann Arbor. from ganache tartletts to éclairs, this tasty array of simple yet elegant pastries is sure to wow any party guest. Teaming up with local Roos Roast Coffee Works, Chef Rachel focuses on creating gluten-free and dairy-free pastries that everyone can indulge in. $25. 734-741-7531.

Mark’s Carts Preview Party. 6-8:30 p.m. Wolverine State Brewing Co., 2019 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. Five food carts will each serve a special dish to be paired one of Wolverine Brewing's hand crafted beers. Participating carts will include Darcy's Dart, Debajo del Sol, The Lunch Room, San Street and Hut-K. The cost of each item will be set by the individual carts and beer will available for purchase at the bar. No cover; price of purchases. 734-224-8859 or info@markscartsa2.com.

Tours of the Creamery. 2 p.m. Zingerman's Creamery, 3723 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Cheesemaker and managing partner John Loomis leads the whey and gives the inside scoop on how they make artisan cheeses and old-fashioned gelato (that’s Italian ice cream). $5. You will receive a $5 coupon to spend in The Cheese Shop. 734-929-0500.

Monday

Bread Baking: Brioche. 7 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Learn about the science behind baking with yeast and how to create the perfect brioche. All proceeds from this class will benefit the Whole Planet Foundation: http://wholeplanetfoundation.org. $10. To register, call 734-977-7500 or stop by the customer service desk.

Chinese Regional Cooking Lessons. 7-9:30 p.m. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. A series of cooking lessons will be presented by local restaurant chefs and special food experts. All proceeds go to Food Gatherers. Enjoy learning to make healthful and tasty Chinese food. March 26: Chef Frank Zhong from Ypbor Restaurant - Sichuan Cuisine. $25 per lesson ($100 for all five lessons) . 734-998-9353 or A2casaa@gmail.com.

Open dance and wine tasting. 6 p.m.-close. Passport Restaurant and Lounge, 3776 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Open dancing and free wine tasting from 6 p.m. to close. No cover charge; price of purchases. 734-222-1111.

Milan Senior Nutrition Program. 11:45 a.m. Milan Senior & Community Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court, Milan. In partnership with the Washtenaw County Senior Nutrition Program, they offer a nutritionally balanced meal three afternoons a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone who is 60 years or older and a fee of $5 for anyone under the age of 60. They do ask for 48 hour advanced reservations. Call or stop by the office. 734-439-1549.

Tuesday

Seafood Risotto with Francesca Giarraffa. Noon-1:30 p.m. Hollander's, 410 N. Fourth Ave., first floor of the Kerrytown Shops, Ann Arbor. In this class, Francesca will teach how to make Risotto with shrimp stock and swordfish. Served with a fresh seasonal salad or vegetable. $25. 734-741-7531.

BuzzSaw Release Party. 6-8 p.m. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington, Ann Arbor. The Buzz Saw is a big, bold hop-forward west coast style IPA. The malt character is subdued to showcase a blend of Simcoe, Amarillo, and Centennial Hops creating a lingering dry finish with notes of pine, grapefruit, and apricot. The recipe is the creation of head brewer Bill Gerds. It was named in honor of Treetown’s original industry and was named best of show at the 2011 World Expo of Beer. Free for Mug Club members, $10 for nonmembers. 734-213-1393.

Wines: Really Good Ones You've Never Tried. 6-9:30 p.m. Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. This class will introduce you to less familiar wines and wine regions of the world. We'll discuss grape varieties and the elements that influence their flavors. You'll get a chance to taste eight to 10 lesser-known wines. For each wine sample, we'll discuss its uniqueness, the growing region, food pairings, and other similar wines. $39. www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/.

Lunch is Served. Noon-1 p.m. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Repeats every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations are required with two days prior notice. Suggested donation for those over 60 years of age is $2.50, for all others, $5. Call 734-998-9353 for reservations.

Wednesday

Appreciate + Reciprocate Benefit Dinner. 6 p.m. Jack Roth Stadium Club (Michigan Stadium), 1 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. Have you ever wanted to eat dinner with a Michigan football legend? Here is your chance. Appreciate + Reciprocate, a sponsored student organization at the University of Michigan, is holding its annual benefit dinner and silent auction. Speakers for this event include Coach Lloyd Carr, Coach Brady Hoke, Dhani Jones, and Mike Martin. All proceeds will directly benefit the LSA Emergency Student Aid Fund, which provides assistance to Michigan students facing extreme financial hardship. $100. Students: $50. VIP: $200. To purchase tickets for this event, visit umichappreciate.org.

Easter Dinner: Roast Leg of Lamb. 6 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Join our meat expert, Hank, and learn how to perfectly roast a leg of lamb for your Easter dinner table. There will be samples. All proceeds from this class will benefit the Whole Planet Foundation: http://wholeplanetfoundation.org. $10. To register, call 734-977-7500 or stop by the customer service desk.

Pick me up! Tiramisu. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. In this class you’ll be making and assembling a world-class tiramisu from scratch! Make your own ladyfingers, learn how to make mascarpone cheese at home, and see how magically each flavor blends together to make one of our favorite Italian sweets. You’ll find you can make a tiramisu that’s more creamy, rich, and light than any restaurant serves. You'll leave with several tested recipes, the knowledge to recreate them at home and complete tiramisu to enjoy at home. $100. http://www.bakewithzing.com.

Wednesday Wine Tasting. 6:30 p.m. Paesano's Italian Restaurant, 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. This informal wine tasting allows patrons to sample five up and coming wines from Italy. Joined by one of Paesano's knowledgeable wine purveyors, the staff creates tasty appetizers to accompany the bold flavors. $25. www.paesanosannarbor.com.

Thursday, March 29

Rustic Italian Cooking: Everyday Pasta with Francesca Giarraffa. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Whole Foods, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. Pasta is more than just a delicious entrée or side dish; it’s an essential part of Italian culture. Italians have been creating pasta dishes for generations, varying the shapes and sauces to reflect regional traditions. In this hands-on class, led by our native Italian cooking instructor, you’ll prepare and enjoy mezza luna (half-moon shaped pasta filled, in this version, with sautéed artichoke hearts and cheese, topped with a white cream sauce, parmigiano cheese and fresh parsley), sautéed zucchini (with pancetta and onions), and traditional tiramisu. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom. Tuition: $39. Mandatory fee: $15. www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/.

Mayacamas Wine Dinner. 6:30 p.m. The Chop House, 322 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Meet Mayacamas winemaker Chris Travers and taste unique menu creations by Chef Jeff Bliven, with wine pairing by Certified Sommelier Eric Arsenault. Course 1: Mayacamas 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley). Seared halibut cheek, with arugula, avocado and fresh grapefruit sections, drizzled with tarragon oil and grapefruit emulsion. Course 2: Mayacamas 2008 Chardonnay and Library Release Chardonnay (Napa Valley). Pork belly with miso butterscotch glaze and Fuji apple slaw. Course 3: Mayacamas 2006 Merlot (Napa Valley). Pan roasted lamb loin with a barley and fava bean ragout, fresh goat cheese and sour cherry almond relish. Course 4: Mayacamas 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) Smoked Peppercorn Dusted Snake River Wagyu Ribeye with celeriac au gratin and chanterelle mushrooms, finished with a cabernet reduction . Course 5: Blood Orange Creme Caramel. Coffee or tea. $100 (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations are required by calling 888-456-3463.

Bake Me a Cake. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. The first thing a lot of people learn about making anything with batter is to not over mix it. Unfortunately, that's all a lot of folks ever learn and there's a lot more we have to teach you about how to make a great cake. In this class you'll learn how to make (and take home) three complete cakes each requiring a different mixing technique — Butter Cake, Angel Food and Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake — so the folks you're baking for can enjoy the fun, too. $125. www.bakewithzing.com.

Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar. 5-8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, at the wine bar. Each Thursday evening, experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. This week’s topic: Red Bordeaux. 734-997-7500.

To submit events for this calendar, e-mail calendar@annarbor.com.