Information on upcoming food classes, tastings and demonstrations can be sent to Extra, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke VA 24010, e-mailed to extra@roanoke.com or faxed to 981-3318. Deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event. For more information, call Nona Nelson at 981-3402.

Tonight Thai cooking

Learn to make classic Thai dishes including fried wontons, curried noodles and pad Thai.

Where: Doreen's Gourmet, 4210 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke County

When: 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $65 per person

Contact: 400-6049

Tonight-Sunday Big Easy menu

Celebrate Mardi Gras with authentic New Orleans-style dishes prepared by former Big Easy resident, chef Tony Pope.

Where: Tony Pope's Bistro, 2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Cost: Menu prices

Contact: 206-2611

Friday Beer tasting

Sample high-end beers and more moderately priced selections, including BFM Cuvee du 7eme, Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA, Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, 3 Horses Holland Lager and Iron City Lager.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

Tuesday Breakfast

Learn how to make early-morning favorites including eggs Benedict, pancakes and biscuits.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or cookingmadefun.com

Wednesday Cooking with fish

Liven up your fish repertoire with new recipes and techniques.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 951-1995 or gourmetpantryonline.com

Thursday, March 5 Tuscan dinner party

Dishes of the Tuscan region, including bruschetta, bean soup, osso bucco and biscotti are demonstrated and tasted.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or cookingmadefun.com

Friday, March 6 Thai cooking

Learn how to make spicy chicken with sweet basil stir-fry.

Where: Mantana Thai Cooking School, 2664 Radford Church Road, Moneta

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: 297-5789 or lakethaichef.com

Tuesday, March 10 Pasta

Learn how to make your own fresh pasta and sauces, including fettuccine, ravioli and lasagna.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or cookingmadefun.com

Wednesday, March 11 Knife skills

Learn how to take proper care of your most valuable kitchen utensils.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 951-1995 or gourmetpantryonline.com

Tuesday, March 17 Dessert

Sweet lessons in pastry, ice cream, creme brulee, peach Melba and tres leches cake.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or cookingmadefun.com

Wednesday, March 18 Beyond the wok

Create colorful and healthy meals using your wok.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 951-1995 or gourmetpantryonline.com