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.

Today

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 course; individual classes $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Monday

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

Thursday, Sept. 17

Thai cooking

Learn how to make authentic Thai dishes with traditional ingredients and seasonings.

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke

Cost: $31 per person

Contact: 772-7529 or roanokecountyparks.com

Saturday

Salute to summer

Shrimp, blue crab, oysters, crawfish, potatoes and corn. Reservations required.

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

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

Tuesday

Chopping for charity

Local chefs square off to benefit the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com