Down to Earth to host cooking classes

Free vegetarian cooking classes are now accessible to more folks since all Down to Earth stores — the recently opened Kapolei branch, plus Honolulu, Kailua, Pearlridge, Kahului and Hilo locations — have begun holding classes.

Call 947-3249 to reserve a space at the Kapolei location or for more information on any of the Oahu classes. See phone numbers below for Kahului and Hilo stores. Here’s the lineup:

» Kapolei (5 to 6 p.m.): tofu dishes (July 20), vegetarian barbecue (July 27)

Plus: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, summer dishes such as stuffed portobello mushrooms, Cajun fries, cucumber salad, lilikoi cheesecake tarts and a watermelon drink.

» Kailua (4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday): Picnic food such as pesto panini, rocky road bars and a salad with barbecue ranch sauce

» Pearlridge (5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday): "Hogwarts Feast" features Burrows Bites, 3 Broomsticks Delights and Honeydukes Treats.

» Kahului (5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 808-877-2661): vegetarian Hawaiian favorites (Tuesday) and raw foods, from appetizers to desserts (July 26)

» Hilo (808-935-5515): Raw food classes (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) feature pesto (Thursday), potato salad (July 21) and Moringa soup (July 28).

Vegetarian classes (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) include barbecue fare (Friday), sweet treats (July 22) and classic salads (July 29).

More options in isles to buy local beef

The availability of local beef and veal is continuing to increase in local markets. Foodland supermarkets statewide are offering ground beef provided by the 50-member Hawaii Cattle Producers Cooperative Association, which represents ranchers on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island.

Hawaiian Red Veal, also produced by the co-op, is now available in select Times Supermarkets.

The beef and veal are both raised naturally on open pasture, free of hormones and pesticides.

It’s estimated that 1,250 pounds of local ground beef will be available to isle consumers weekly.

Chef employs whole grains in class

Ancient grains take on a modern twist at the latest Wellness Cuisine cooking class at Castle Medical Center, slated for 6:30 p.m. July 27.

Chef Paul Onishi will use whole grains such as farro, quinoa and bulgur wheat to create unique dishes.

Fees are $15, $20 couples, $10 seniors and students. Reservations are required; call 263-5400 or visit castlemed.org.

Fundraiser tasting to benefit the arts

It’s not too early to save yourself a space at August Moon, the annual fundraiser for arts education. This year’s event will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

The tasting event features eateries from around town plus a selection of fine wines and an art sale.

Tickets are $85, with tables of four for $600 and tables of eight for $1,200.

Call 532-3671 or visit www.honoluluacademy.org.