New chef at Rancho Valencia: C. Barclay Dodge has been appointed the new executive chef at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe. Dodge has more than 20 years in the restaurant business, most recently as chef de cuisine at Terra at the Auberge Encantado Resort in Santa Fe, N.M. Dodge will introduce his menu at the resort on June 1. It will specialize in market-fresh vegetables, free-range meats and local seafoods, as well as flavors from Spain, Morocco, Africa, Asia and Central America. Daily "Chef's Inspiration" menu items are available for $19.89 (in honor of the year the resort opened) from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Labor Day (appetizer or soup and an entree). Call 858-759-6216 or go to ranchovalencia.com.

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Dan Aykroyd coming to Escondido: Calling all Coneheads! Actor Dan Aykroyd will be making a special appearance at Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido at 3 p.m. Friday to promote Crystal Head Vodka. This is his only San Diego appearance and a chance to have your purchased bottles autographed by Aykroyd. The wine cellar is at 302 W. Mission Ave. in Escondido; go to holidaywinecellar.com or call 760-745-1200.

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Cookbook author comes home: Chula Vista native Erin McKenna is back home and will be appearing at Warwick's in La Jolla at 7 p.m. Thursday to sign copies of her new cookbook, "BabyCakes: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes" (Potter; $24). McKenna is the owner of BabyCakes bakery in New York City, which creates desserts for those who cannot eat wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy or refined sugar. Go to babycakesnyc.com. Warwick's is at 7812 Girard Ave.; call 858-454-0347 or go to warwicks.com.

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Side Bar reopens:Following a $1 million makeover, San Diego's Side Bar reopened last weekend at 536 Market St. in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The 5,000-square-foot bar first opened in 2003, then closed last fall. Although it was the first high-end bar in the region to offer VIP table service, the recession made it hard for the pricey bar to compete in the busy Gaslamp. Owner David Laurent and management team decided to remodel the bar over the past few months to reopen it with a hip, urban vibe. The remodeled Side Bar has a new entrance, new art deco interior, eclectic Gypsy-style decor and paintings of artistic nudes and more than 30 birdcages suspended from the ceiling. The club's DJs spins music in a birdcage-style booth. Another new addition is a late-night menu that includes New York-style pizza (from nearby Ciro's pizzeria), burgers, marinated chicken skewers, panini sandwiches and specialty cocktails. Side Bar opens at 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Side Bar offers daily dining specials and a happy hour runs from 5 to 9 p.m. with $4 draft beers, half-off wines and $6 calls. Visit www.sidebarsd.com.

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Karl Strauss named best brewery: Karl Strauss Brewing Company was named Best Brewery at the 25th annual Gold Medallion Banquet for the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. The brewery is celebrating its 20th anniversary and recently expanded to double its capacity. Call the brewery at 858-273-2739 or go to karlstrauss.com.

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Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival: Twenty-two wineries will offer tastings at the annual festival, which will also feature artisan foodmaker booths, food and wine pairings, live concerts, a freestyle motocross show and balloon launches, from June 5-7 at Lake Skinner Recreation Area, 37701 Warren Road, Winchester; $18 for adults, free for children 12 and under on June 5; $22 for adults, $5 youth 7-12, free for children 6 and under on June 6; $15 for adults, $5 for youth age 7-12 $5.00 and free for children age 6 and under on June 7 (two-day package $30 for June 6-7); tvbwf.com.

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Marine Room summer specials: The Marine Room is offering a couple of summer prix-fixe menus at its La Jolla restaurant at 2000 Sprindrift Drive. The three-course Lobster Menu is served from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and is $40 per person ($55 with wine pairings). The three-course Passport to the Seasons Menu is served from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and is also $40 per person ($55 with wine pairings).Call 858-459-7222 or go to marineroom.com for menus.

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Maurice Car'rie wins awards: Temecula's Maurice Car'rie Winery and Vineyard won a Double Gold menu and Chairman's Award for its vintage 2008 Sara Bella blush wine at the 2009 Riverside International Wine Competition this month. The winery also took home four silver medals for its 2008 chenin blanc, 2008 riesling, non-vintage Heather's Mist white wine blend and pineapple-flavored sparkling wine. The winery is at 34225 Rancho California Road; call 951-676-1711 or go to mauricecarriewinery.com.

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La Cereza takes home awards: Just off winning six medals at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, La Cereza Winery and Gallery took home eight medals at this month's Riverside International Wine Competition. Its non-vintage "Girlfriends" white wine blend won gold; the 2006 cabernet sauvignon, 2008 pinot grigio, 2008 viognier and 2008 gewurtztraminer won silver; and the 2005 cabernet franc, 2006 tempranillo and non-vintage Vaquero del Vino red wine blend won bronze. The winery is at 34567 Rancho California Road; call 951-699-6961 or go to lacerezawinery.com.

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Encinitas Farmers Market now open: The new Encinitas Farmers Market, Food, Craft and Community Fair is now open and runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays at Flora Vista Elementary School, 1690 Wandering Road. The market features fresh produce, flowers and plants, craft vendors, entertainment and more. Call 760-687-6453 or e-mail rhythm_central@yahoo.com.

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Buca for grads: Buca di Beppo is offering banquet packages for families wishing to celebrate their graduates. Banquet packages are recommended for groups of 15 or more. The packages range from Primo (one salad, two pastas and unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea) to Glorioso (two appetizers, two salads, two pastas. two entrees/baked pastas, two side dishes, two desserts and unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea). Go to bucadibeppo.com.

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Dining events

Memorial Day BBQ: Kashtan Bistro, which now offers 298 beers, is having a barbecue at 3 p.m. Saturday to mark Memorial Day with hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. Kashtan is at 12125 Alta Carmel Court in Rancho Bernardo; call 858-485-5856 or go to kashtanbistro.com.

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Vista Village Chocolate Festival & Street Fair: The annual festival will feature more than 140 booths, a chocolatiers' alley, chocolate bake-off and candymaker competition, children's rides, live music and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on Main Street in Vista. Admission is free. Visit www.vvba.org.

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2009 Ethnic Food Fair: The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages hosts its annual celebration of foods from more than 32 countries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Balboa Park. Twenty-one cottages will be selling ethnic food with live music and dance and costumed performers. Admission is free. Call 619-234-0739.

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High-tide dinners: The Marine Room in La Jolla is holding its high-tide dinners from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays this week and June 19-24; July 4; July 18-23; Aug. 16-21. Weeknight happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (two-for-one lounge items Thursdays and Fridays). The Marine Room is at 2000 Spindrift Drive; call 858-459-7222 or go to marineroom.com.

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Taste of Little Italy: Mark your calendar for the annual food tour of this downtown San Diego district from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. More than 750 diners are expected at the event, which will feature more than 20 restaurants and a beer tasting by Karl Strauss Brewery. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the gate. Visit tasteoflittleitalysd.com.

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Wine, Brews & Blues Festival: The Rotary Club of Bonsall presents its 14th annual festival from 4 to 10 p.m. May 30. The event features tastings by more than a dozen local restaurants, more than 50 wineries and eight breweries, along with live music on two stages at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. There is also a silent auction to raise money for Rotary charities; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $40 in advance; $60 at the door; bonsallrotary.com.

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The Shores tasting menus: The Shores Restaurant offers monthly wine tasting menus, which include a three-course meal from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The menu is $35 with wine and $25 without (regular menu is also available). The Shores is at 8110 Camino del Oro in La Jolla; call 858-456-0600 or go to theshoresrestaurant.com. Featured items (complete menus are online):

- May: Country meadow lamb

- June: Alaskan king salmon

- July: Baja shrimp

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Winemakers Dinner: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula is hosting a winemakers dinner at 6 p.m. May 29. The five-course meal and wine pairing includes a bottle of wine autographed by the winemakers; tickets are $125 per person ($115 for wine club members). Call 951-587-9463, ext. 7210 or go to wineresort.com. South Coast is at 34843 Rancho California Road.

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Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival: The second annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival benefiting the Women's History Museum and Educational Center will be held at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park from 6 to 9 p.m. May 29. The festival boasts tastings from local chocolatiers, gourmet cheese shops and wine purveyors, as well as music from the Sue Palmer Trio. Tickets are $30 ($25 each for two or more; $25 each for WHMEC members); buy them at whmec.org.

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Flavors of the Village: Carlsbad Village hosts a downtown culinary tour of 20 of its restaurants from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Restaurants and bars along Carlsbad Village Drive, State Street, Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard will offer samples from their menu. Palomar Limousines will offer shuttle service to outlying restaurants. Participants include Dini's Bistro, Fish House Vera Cruz, Gregorio's, Hennessey's, Knockout Burgers, Las Olas, Ocean House, Pizza Port and the Wine Spot, among others.There will also be live music, street performers and an ourdoor art show. Cost is $25 for adults and children 12 and under can share a ticket with an adult. For tickets, call 760-434-2553 or shopcarlsbadvillage.org.

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"Dinner on the Farm: A Culinary Celebration at the Source": Festivities Catering & Special Events and Ramona's Connelly Gardens have teamed for a five-course family-style dinner featuring local farmers, food artisans, chefs and winemakers at 4 p.m. May 31 at Connelly Gardens, 252 Steffy Road, Ramona. Cost is $80, which includes wine, tax and service charge (save 10 percent if you register by Friday). Seating is limited to 80. Register at 858-586-2121 or e-mail ChristyK@festivitiescatering.com.

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Phil's BBQ fundraiser: Phil's BBQ in San Diego and Big Brothers Big Sisters are teaming to help the Operation Bigs program, which benefits children of military families, with a tailgate party fundraiser at 5 p.m. June 1 outside Petco Park. "Phil's Big BBQ at the Ballpark" tickets are $20 and include admission to the tailgate party and the San Diego Padres game against defending World Series Champions the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05. Children from Oceanside elementary schools will benefit from the fundraiser (Phil's is hoping to raise $20,000). Go to philsbbq.net.

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Fresh Farm dinner: Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers "Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen," a seasonal dinner series that allows guests to dine with those who produce, harvest and catch the ingredients for their meal. The next event, at Loew's Mistral Restaurant from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 4, will feature micro- and petite greens and edible flowers from Fresh Origins farm. Cost is $48. Call 619-424-4000, ext. 4476.

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Encinitas Wine Festival: Quail Botanical Gardens will host the Encinitas Rotary Club's annual wine-tasting event from 5 to 8 p.m. June 6 at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. Attendees will support local charities while enjoying a celebration of international wines and gourmet food at the outdoor festival. The event also will feature live music and a silent auction. Cost is $75 to $500, with the option to choose among 12 charities of choice. For tickets, call 760-753-7343 or visit encinitaswinefestival.com.

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Microbrew fest at Pechanga: Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula is hosting the Pechanga Microbrew Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity from 1 to 5 p.m. June 20 in its Grand Ballroom at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy. Participating breweries include Stone Brewing Co., Port, The Lost Abbey, Alesmith, Coopers and more. The festival is $40 per person (21 and up, of course) and includes a souvenir glass, entertainment, access to a chili cook-off and more. Call 877-711-2WIN or go to pechanga.com.

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Beer & Sake Festival: The Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana hosts its seventh annual festival from 6 to 10 p.m. June 25 at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego. The beer, sake and rice wine tastings event will be highlighted by the SushiMaster's California Regional Competition pitting the state's top sushi chefs against one another in a live sushi styling contest. Cost is $60. Visit www.japansociety.org.

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San Diego County Wineries Barrel Tasting: Julian's Menghini Winery hosts a tasting of barrel samples of new wines and recent releases from 1 to 5 p.m. June 27 at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive. Call 760-765-2072.

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Taste of Adams Avenue: More than 30 restaurants will offer tastings at this self-guided culinary tour of the San Diego neighborhoods of Kensington, Normal Heights and North Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Call 619-233-5008.

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Orfila Vineyards Grape Stomp: The Escondido winery hosts its annual crushing of the grapes from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 at 13455 San Pasqual Valley Road. Event includes grape stomp, buffet dinner, dancing to live music, hay rides, wine tasting and winery tours. Cost is $85 and always sells out all 400 tickets in advance. Reserve to 800-868-9463.

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Celebrate the Craft at Torrey Pines: Artisans and gourmet chefs will return to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 for "Celebrate the Craft," a showcase for regionally grown ingredients, cooking and winemaking. Food and wine will be paired with The Torrey Pines Plein Air Invitational. Featured events include a reception and art auction on Oct. 31 (dinner is $125) and a picnic on the Arroyo Terrace on Nov. 1 with food stations ($65). Call 858-453-4420 or go to lodgetorreypines.com.

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Classes

Behind the Scenes Catering & Events: The catering company teaches customers to prepare not-so-typical foods on the grill in its kitchen at 9888 Waples St., San Diego. Call 858-638-1400 or go to btscenes.com. Upcoming:

- 6:30 p.m. June 16: Hot off the grill; $45

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Cafe Merlot: The restaurant at Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo, will hold a wine and cooking class on "BBQ Grill Favorites" at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The class is $50 and includes food and wine. Call 858-582-7785 or go to cafemerlot.com.

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The Kitchen Witch: The Encinitas school hosts cooking classes at 127 N. El Camino Real; call 760-942-3288 or go to www.kitchenwitchonline.com:

- 6 p.m. Thursday: Spring Dinner Party; $59

- Noon Friday: Learn-a-Lunch -- Spicy Dining; $34

- 6 p.m. Friday: Fab Friday -- Roman Dinner Favorites; $59

- 11 a.m. Saturday: Gourmet Burgers and Sandwiches (tweens only); $44

- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Casual Entertaining -- Gourmet Sandwiches; $59

- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Pucker Up -- Cooking with Citrus; $59

- 6 p.m. May 28: Japanese Cuisine for Beginners; $59

- 6 p.m. May 29: Fab Friday -- Spanish Specialties; $59

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Children cook: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids hosts classes for children with a new organic menu every week: "Lil Explorers" (ages 4-7) from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays; "First Mates" (ages 7 to 13), 3:30-5 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays; and for older kids (ages 13-18), 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Classes cost $40 or $120 for four. Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.

- Next week: Asian fusion -- Lettuce wraps (veggie or chicken), avocado California rolls, banana mango spring rolls with chocolate

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Captain Cook's adult classes: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids is hosting adult classes at 7 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are $45 (or $120 for three). Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.

- Thursday: Sweet and Spicy -- Spicy cucumber salad, Caribbean pork tenderloin with strawberry salsa, mango yogurt mousse

- May 28: Tuscan Treats -- Scallop chips with garlic dip, gnocchi with wild mushrooms and sage, chocolate and raspberry panini

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Quail Botanical Gardens: Chef Elizabeth Podsiadlo, also known as the "Opera Singing Chef," holds cooking classes at Quail Botanical Gardens; classes are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036, ext. 206, or go to qbgardens.org:

- 1:30 p.m. June 6: Cooking 101 -- beginner course teaches how to make linguine with shiitake mushrooms; homemade chicken soup; and cumin-scented pork roast with wild mushroom gravy

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Macy's School of Cooking: The school is in the Macy's Mission Valley Home Store, 1555 Camino de la Reina, San Diego. Call 888-424-FOOD or go to macys.com/events and type 92108 in the ZIP code field:

- 11 a.m. July 13-17 or 11 a.m. July 27-31: Macy's Kids in the Kitchen with Janet Burgess; $175

- 11 a.m. Aug. 3-7: Macy's Teens in the Kitchen with five local chefs; $210

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Culinary series at The Grand Del Mar: These monthly two-hour sessions take place year-round, conducted by the resort's chefs. Call 858-314-2000. The Grand Del Mar is at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court. Classes are in the resort kitchen unless otherwise noted. Upcoming:

- 6:30 p.m. June 10: Wines for Summertime -- Wine tastings, and suggested food pairings for summer lunches, dinners, picnics and more; $95

- 6:30 p.m. July 13: A Taste for Tomatoes -- Chef William Bradley teaches how to make Tomato Vinaigrette, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Tomato Sorbet; $95 (at Addison)

- 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12: Summer on Ice -- Lobster Cocktail, West Coast Oysters, Organic Shrimp, Dungeness Crab and Gazpacho; $95

- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23: A is for Apples -- Apple Tart Tartin, Apple Cider and Apple Chutney; $95

- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14: Wines for Fall Feasts -- Reds and whites for fall, and pairings such as Braised Short Ribs with Apple Puree and Seared Scallops with Parsnip Puree; $95

- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18: Save and Savor -- Techniques on preserving and curing. Recipes include Gravlax and Beet-Cured Salmon, Duck Confit and Pear Marmalade; $95

- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2: A Baker's Holiday -- Pastry Chef Thierry Delourneaux will demonstrate Chocolate Ganache Buche de Noel, Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Painted Cookies and Citrus Panna Cotta; $95

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Great News! Discount Cookware & Cooking School: The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788 Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and Jewell Street); reserve to 858-270-1582, ext. 3, or go to www.great-news.com. Reserve early; classes fill quickly:

- 10:30 a.m. Thursday: Thai One On; $49

- 6 p.m. Thursday: One Dish Meals -- Casseroles for All Occasions; $49

- 6 p.m. Friday: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Pacific Rim Cuisine; $49

- 11 a.m. Saturday: Hands On Tamales; $69

- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Fast and Fabulous Chicken Breasts; $49

- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Enchanting Indian Cuisine; $49

- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Going Hog Wild; $49

- 10:30 a.m. May 28: Trader Joe's -- Mega Flavors in Minutes; $44

- 6 p.m. May 28: Fast and Fabulous Chicken Breasts; $49

- 6 p.m. May 29: Foodies Night Out -- Mediterranean Style; $49

- 11 a.m. May 30: Beef It Up!; $49

- 2 p.m. May 31: Basic Knife Skills; $49

- 6 p.m. June 1: Steaks, Steaks, Steaks!; $59

- 11:30 a.m. June 2: Quick and Easy Lunch -- California Wine Country Style; $29

- 6 p.m. June 2: Mastering the Grill; $49

- 6 p.m. June 3: Delicious and Easy Rice Bowls; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 4: Back to Basics -- Simple Home Cooking; $49

- 6 p.m. June 4: Wholesome Foods -- Vegetarian Cuisine; $49

- 6 p.m. June 5: Entertaining on a Budget -- Hearty Party; $49

- 11 a.m. June 6: Canning for Dummies -- Beginning Home Canning; $44

- 11 a.m. June 7: Calling All Kids -- Sing Around the Campfire; $49 adult, $39 child (7-14)

- 6 p.m. June 8: Italian Style Grilling; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 9: Light and Healthy Everyday Entrees; $49

- 6 p.m. June 9: My Big Fat Greek Cooking Class; $49

- 6 p.m. June 10: Do-ahead Father's Day Dinner; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 11: Hot Off the Grill; $49

- 6 p.m. June 11: Entertaining Entrees with Wines Under $10; $49

- 6 p.m. June 12: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Gourmet Sandwiches for Casual Entertaining; $49

- 11 a.m. June 13: Hands-on -- On Techniques in Vegetable Carving; $49

- 6 p.m. June 15: The "Man" Class; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 16: Hands-on Cake Decorating; $59

- 6 p.m. June 16: De-mystifying Convection Cooking; $49

- 6 p.m. June 17: Seafood and More!; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 18: Hands-on Tamales; $69

- 6 p.m. June 18: Martinis and Grilling -- Delicious Combinations; $59

- 6 p.m. June 19: Cooking with Beer; $59

- 11 a.m. June 20: Entertaining at Home -- Southwestern Tapas and Sangria; $49

- Noon June 20: Wusthof Knife Sharpening Event; $2 donation

- 4 p.m. June 20: Wusthof Trident Knife Maintenance and Seminar; $10

- 6 p.m. June 22: Pucker Up, It's Lemons!; $44

- 11:30 a.m. June 23: Quick and Easy Lunch -- Sensational Summer Food; $29

- 6 p.m. June 23: Basic Knife Skills; $49

- 6 p.m. June 24: Cool Summer Do-ahead Appetizers; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 25: Chinese Dinner Party; $44

- 6 p.m. June 25: Summer Salad Suppers; $49

- 6 p.m. June 26: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Hawaiian Flavors; $49

- 1 p.m. June 27: Hands-on Basic Sushi; $69

- 9 a.m. June 28: Nijiya Japanese Market Tour; $49

- 11 a.m. June 28: Calling All Kids -- Pasta Makes Perfect; $49 adult, $39 child (7-14)

- 6 p.m. June 29: An Evening with Kensington Grill; $49

- 10:30 a.m. June 30: Fast, Fresh and Easy Everyday Dishes; $49

- 6 p.m. June 30: Keeping it Simple -- Full Flavor with Few Ingredients; $49

- 6 p.m. July 1: Tuscan al Fresco; $49

- 10:30 a.m. July 2: We All Scream For Ice Cream!; $44

- 6 p.m. July 2: Backyard BBQ Entrees with Marinades and Rubs; $49

- 6 p.m. July 6: Homemade Ravioli -- The Lotsa Pasta Way; $49

- 10:30 a.m. July 7: Great Sauces on Simple Grilled Entrees; $49

- 6 p.m. July 7: Hands On Tamales; $69

- 6 p.m. July 8: Hands On Advanced Sushi -- Beyond the Basics; $69

- 10:30 a.m. July 9: Authentic Vietnamese; $49

- 6 p.m. July 9: Fresh, Fast Fish; $49

- 6 p.m. July 10: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Asian BBQ; $49

- 11 a.m. July 11: Working with Phyllo Dough; $49

- 11 a.m. July 12: Calling All Kids -- Dinner & a Movie; $49 adult, $39 child (7-14)

- 6 p.m. July 13: Understanding Miso; $59

- 10:30 a.m. July 14: Teens Only -- Basic Knife Skills; $49

- 6 p.m. July 14: The Greatness of Garlic; $49

- 6 p.m. July 15: Vegetarian Delight; $49

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Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio: Rosanne Zinniger's cake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, offers classes in cake decorating. Call 760-744-0447 or rozsweetartstudio.com.

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In the spirits

Carlsbad Wine Merchants: Hosts tastings at 5 p.m. Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays for a fee at 5814 Van Allen Way, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call 888-750-WINE or visit www.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.

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ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del: ENO, the wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, has announced its 2009 classes for ENO-Versity, classes that explore the history, type and flavor of wine by suggesting cheese and chocolate pairings. Classes are $35 per person and space is limited; call 619-522-8546 or go to hoteldel.com. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado.

- 2 p.m. Sunday: Hill Family Estate

- 4 p.m. June 27: Malm Cellars from Sonoma County

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Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room: Hosts tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Call 760-696-2998 or go to carlsbadcoastal.com.

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Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar: Wine tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.

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Holiday Wine Cellar: Daily tastings from 5:30-7 p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays feature five wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and "Hop Over the Hump Wednesdays" are weekly beer-tasting events for $5. Call 760-745-1200.

- 5:30 p.m. Thursday: Napa Valley's Hill Family Estate Winery; $15

- 5:30 p.m. June 4: Sonoma's Christopher Cameron Wines; $15

- 5:30 p.m. June 13: Quintessa Barrel Sampling; $20

The North County Wine Company: Tastings daily at 1099 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, plus special events from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Call 760-744-2119 or visit www.NorthCountyWineCompany.com.

- Thursday: Girls' Nite Out

- 5 p.m. Friday: Italian Wine and Dine -- food from Bruno's, Italian wines; $45

- Saturday: Come Wine With Us!

- Sunday: Sundays with James Allyn and Friends

- Tuesday: Monster Wine Buying Day

- Wednesday: Come Wine With Us!

- May 28: Girls' Nite Out

- May 29: Rudi Wiest Collection -- rieslings from Germany

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T&H Prime Meats & Sausage: The shop now offers tastings from 10 San Diego wineries from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays for $5, which includes four tastes and a San Diego Vintners Association souvenir wine glass, at 735 E. Mission Road, San Marcos. Call 760-471-9192.

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Vino100: Wine tasting events offered every evening at 5 p.m. at its store at 133 S. Las Posas Road in San Marcos. Also, on Wednesdays in April, dollar tastings are offered. Call 760-591-9113 or go to vino100sanmarcos.com.

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Vinz Wine Bar: Full restaurant menu with wide wine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come with charcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. Call 760-743-8466 or visit vinzwinebar.net.

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The Wine Spot: Hosts tastings from 2-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; noon-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays at 2801 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad. Six tastings and an appetizer cost $20. House tastings any time are $15. Call 760-434-9463 or visit the-wine-spot.com.

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Wine Street Inc.: Weekly tastings from 3-7 p.m. Fridays, with appetizers. Wine Street is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite D, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-8455 or visit www.winestreet.com.

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Wine Styles: The Encinitas wine store hosts tastings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays. Cost is $15 or $10 for WineClub members and includes six to eight wines and snacks. The shop also hosts WineDown Fridays, where guests enjoy wine and live music and can bring in food to socialize. Call 760-633-0057.

Send information about local food products, food events or classes to Food Editor Pam Kragen, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; fax to 760-745-3769, or e-mail to food@nctimes.com.

CORRECTION: Incorrect phone number for Aykroyd appearance

A brief in Thursday's Food section about actor Dan Aykroyd visiting Escondido's Holiday Wine Cellar at 3 p.m. Friday gave an incorrect phone number for the shop at 302 W. Mission Ave. The correct number is 760-745-1200. We apologize.