UH hosts classes on cooking

The Outreach College at University of Hawaii is offering an array of cooking classes this spring. All are on the UH-Manoa campus. Visit noncred@hawaii.edu or call 956-8244.

» "Chocolate Is for Lovers" (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Agricultural Science 224, $65): Learn to temper and mold chocolate into truffles and other confections, such as crepes, pastries and chocolate almond bark.

» "Spices and Herbs of the World" (noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 19, St. John 157, $50): Learn the difference between herbs and spices, the purposes they have besides flavoring and the ways they stimulate the tongue, nose and brain.

» "Healthy Breads and Rolls" (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 5, Agricultural Science 224, $65): Learn to make whole wheat and multigrain breads and rolls, pizza dough, English muffins and crumpets.

» "Sushi, Sushi and More Sushi" (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30, Agricultural Science 224, $65): Make makizushi (rolled sushi) and nigirizushi (hand-formed, single-piece sushi) using local fish and vegetables. 

Vino pours wine for tastings

This month’s wine tastings at Vino in Restaurant Row will feature offerings from the California and Mediterranean regions. Tastings are by reservation only; call 533-4476 or e-mail svillatora@dkrestaurants.com.

» At 6 p.m. Saturday, the overlooked and underappreciated California vintage of 2006 will be the focus, including the Peirson Meyer Chardonnay "Untitled," Hartford Zinfandel "Highwire Vineyard," Ambullneo Pinot Noir "Mastiff" and Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon "Spring Mountain." Cost is $36.

» At 6 p.m. next Wednesday, four difficult-to-acquire "macho Mediterranean reds" will be offered in a blind tasting, featuring a 2007 Domaine D’Aupilhac "Le Carignane" from France, 2004 Donnafugata "Mille e Una Notte" from Italy, 2004 Valsacro Rioja from Spain and 2004 Quinta do Carmo "Reserva" from Portugal. Cost is $39.

Big Island offers V-day fundraiser

If you’re escaping to a minivacation on the Big Isle, celebrate Valentine’s Day early at ‘Q’uisine of Hearts, an annual brunch that benefits Kona-Kohala keiki through the American Culinary Federation Chef and Child nutrition awareness programs.

The event will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

A bruschetta buffet will be prepared by culinary students; it will include omelets and eggs Benedict stations, bite-size pastries and assorted beverages.

Tickets are $45, $20 children 5 years through 10 years. Call 326-2350.

Food discussions set for library

Food-minded folk will want to be at the Kahuku Public & School Library this week and next for discussions about eating and growing food.

Admission to all events is free. Call the library, 56-490 Kamehameha Highway, at 293-8935.

» 11 a.m. Monday: The Kahuku Book Club will discuss Michael Pollan’s "Omnivores Dilemma," focusing on the fundamental question, What shall we have for dinner? Pollan describes different types of food chains: industrial, organic or alternative and foraged food.

» 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Doctors Hector Valenzuela and Melissa Yee join taro farmer Danny Bishop for "Focus on Foods: The Importance of Local Farming, Food Sovereignty, and Non-GMO Foods." Learn about genetically modified seeds and the role science plays in feeding our families.

» 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22: Farmer Travis Overley will share information and discuss his techniques on how to grow food organically.