Tuesday 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.cookingmade fun.com

Thursday, Sept. 24 Advanced Thai

Learn more recipes from Thailand for the experienced home cook.

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke

Cost: $31 per person

Contact: 772-7529 or roanokecountyparks.com

It's a dry heat

Learn various dry-heat cooking methods including: grilling, broiling, sauteing, roasting and baking.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmade fun.com

Sunday, Sept. 27 Lebanese lessons

Try your hand at making tabbouli salad, hummus and eggplant dip.

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: Marcelle Melki, 598-8334 or e-mail mmelki2002@aol.com

Tuesday, Sept. 29 South of the border

Learn how to make burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and fried ice cream in your own kitchen.

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $25 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmade fun.com

Thursday, Oct. 1 Moist heat cooking

Master moist cooking methods: Boiling, poaching, steaming, braising and stewing.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmade fun.com

Friday

Al's Clubhouse Bash and Chef Showdown

In memory of Roanoke restaurateur Al Pollard. Proceeds go to scholarships for the Culinary Institute at Virginia Western. Price includes two drinks, lots of hors d'oevres, Kroger chef challenge.

When: 6 to 11 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Country Club, 3360 Country Club Drive, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person; tickets available at Corned Beef & Co., Zak's Cafe, 419 West, Annie Moore's Irish Pub and Brambleton Deli.

Contact: Charles Johnson, 345-5227

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 and Blacksnake Meadery, 605 Buffalo Road, Dugspur.

Cost: $5 per person

Contact: (276) 398-4041, foggyridgecider.com or blacksnakemead.com

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4 Open house

Dogtown Pizza will fire up the oven and Foggy Ridge will be pouring the seasonal cider. Bring "mystery apples" for expert identification.

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

Where: Foggy Ridge Cider, 1328 Pineview Road, Dugspur

Cost: Cider tasting is free; pizzas are menu prices.

Contact: (276) 398-4041 or foggyridgecider.com

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.