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.

Sunday

Layers of flavor

Learn how to turn phyllo into baklava and spinach-with-feta-cheese roll-ups.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road, Roanoke

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: 598-8334

Wednesday

Taste of Persia

Aromatic Middle Eastern dishes will be demonstrated and sampled.

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

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 951-1995

Thursday, May 7

Indian and French

Master eight recipes in one class including naan bread, mango chutney and grilled prawns.

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

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $65 per person, $85 per couple

Contact: 400-6049

Tuesday, May 12

Knife skills

Learn how to choose, use, store and care for your kitchen knives.

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

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 951-1995

Wednesday, May 13

Engine 2 Diet

Lose weight the firefighter way with plant-based recipes designed to reduce fat and cholesterol.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $45 per person

Contact: 776-3693

Thursday, May 14

Sushi party

Maki, nigiri and inari are explained, demonstrated and sampled.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693

Tuesday, May 19

Shopping and stocking

Pick up a few new strategies for smart food shopping.

Where: Mountain View Community Center, 714 13th St., Roanoke

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: 853-2236

Wednesday, May 20

Grilling season

Recipes for grilled dishes.

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

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 951-1995

Thursday, May 21

Cook out

Recipes for baby back ribs, chicken with pecan honey glaze and south-of-the-border pasta salad.

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

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $65 per person, $85 per couple

Contact: 400-6049

Tuesday, May 26

Locally grown cuisine

Prepare a healthy three-course meal made from locally grown ingredients.

Where: Mountain View Community Center, 714 13th St., Roanoke

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $60 per person

Contact: 853-2236

TASTINGS

Saturday and Sunday

Serious cider

Sample newly released ciders during an open house event.

Where: Foggy Ridge Cider, 1328 Pineview Road, Dugspur

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Cost: Free samples

Contact: (276)398-2337 or foggyridgecider.com