Tonight

Authentic Italian

Learn how to create dishes from Northern, Central and Southern Italy.

When: 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke

Cost: $40 per person

Contact: 857-6210 or www.virginiawestern.edu/bet/culinary

Friday

Holiday baking

Prepare for the upcoming season with lessons on bread and pie baking.

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Cost: Free to members, $5 for non-members

Contact: 343-5652 or e-mail info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Friday

Taste of Oktoberfest

Enjoy snacks of German food and taste a dozen different beers from Belgium, Germany and the U.S.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz

Sunday

Lebanese cooking

Wrap grape leaves around homemade fillings including beef, lamb and rice topped with lemon and mint broth.

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: Marcelle Melki 598-8334 or e-mail mmelki2001@aol.com

Wednesday

Very vegetarian

Meat-free recipes for omnivores and vegetarians.

When: 6 p.m.

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

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www. cookingmadefun.com

Thursday, Oct. 15

Modern and saucy

Get hands-on experience creating vinaigrettes, chutneys, coulis, aioli and pan sauces.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www. cookingmadefun.com

Friday, Oct. 16

Bread baking

Learn how to bake your own bread.

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Cost: Free to members, $5 for non-members

Contact: 343-5652 or e-mail info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Sunday, Oct. 18

Lebanese lessons

Learn how to stuff pitas with falefel or kafta, and top them with garlic-lemon sauce

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