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, Sept. 6

A raw day's night

Dinner menus with raw food means no baking, frying or waiting.

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $5 per class; free to co-op members

Contact: 343-5652

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Wine 101

Learn about wine and wine terminology. No prior wine knowledge needed.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person; $50 per couple

Contact: 400-8466 or www.wine gourmet.biz

Thursday, Sept. 10

Kitchen essentials

First class in a 10-week course teaching the basics of cooking.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $450 per person for the entire course; individual classes $50 each per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Monday, Sept. 14

Raw a la mode

Learn the secrets of desserts and sweets in the raw.

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $5 per class; free to co-op members

Contact: 343-5652

Thursday, Sept. 17

Essential knife skills

Sharpen your abilties to slice, dice and chop.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Asian zing

Make your own Asian-inspired dishes including soup, beef teriyaki, coconut curry chicken and crab wontons.

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $25 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Saturday, Sept. 12

Salute to summer

Enjoy a low-country boil of shrimp, blue crab, oysters, crawfish, potatoes and corn. Reservations required by Sept. 5.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Local Roots Cafe, 1731 Grandin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Menu prices

Contact: 206-2610

Thursday, Sept. 24

Signature Chefs Auction

Local chefs and caterers present signature dishes in a tasting menu during a cocktail reception to benefit March of Dimes.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Roanoke Hotel and Conference Center, 2801 Hershberger Road

Cost: $75 per person

Contact: Tina Cannon, 989-8030

Saturday, Sept. 26

Perfect pairings

Sample cider and artisan cheeses at Foggy Ridge Cider and mead and varietal honey at Blacksnake Meadery. One admission covers both tastings.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Foggy Ridge Cider, 1328 Pineview Road. Blacksnake Meadery, 605 Buffalo Road, Dugspur.

Cost: $5 per person

Contact: (276) 398-4041 or foggyridge cider.com or blacksnakemead.com