Chef Mattison presents wine dinner

Chef Paul Mattison will serve a five-course wine-paired dinner at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Mattison’s Forty One, 7275 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The menu will include wines from Hogue Cellars, featuring the Genesis and Reserve Tiers in Washington state. Cost: $65 plus tax and tip. Attendance is limited and reservations are required; call 921-3400 or visit www.mattisons.com and click on online shopping.

Compassionate Gourmets

The Compassionate Gourmets, a social dining group for vegetarians and vegans, will have its monthly dinner at 5:30 p.m. March 4 at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Cost: $7-$15. Reservations are required by March 1; call 923-6464.

Cooking classes

n Chef Raymond and D’Arcy Arpke, owner-proprietors of Euphemia Haye Restaurant on Longboat Key, will offer their Famous Lesson Luncheon Series through May 6. Topics include From Russia with Love, Sunday Brunch, San Francisco cuisine, Via Duck, spring lamb, birthday treats and Little Italy. Space is limited and reservations are required. Classes will be held from 10:30 a.m. to around 1:30 p.m. Call Euphemia Haye at 383-3633 or visit www.euphemiahaye.com to make a reservation.

n The Publix Aprons Cooking School holds classes and demonstrations at 2875 University Pkwy., Sarasota. Classes in February include Romantic Rendezvous, Classic Chicken Recipes, Mardi Gras Mambo, Soups for the Soul, Light the Fuse, Crawl Before You Cook, Barbecue in Your Oven, Dim Sum. Reservations are required and classes fill up quickly. Information and reservations: 358-7829. A complete schedule, menus for each class and a reservation form can be found at www.publix.com/aprons.

Wine events

n Harry’s Deli will have a wine tasting 5-7 p.m. Feb. 19 Cost: $10, $5 of which will go to the Longboat Key Library. Participants also will receive a $5 coupon. Music will be provided by Larry Wilhelm. Harry’s Deli is at 525 St. Jude’s Drive, Longboat Key; information: 383-0777.

n Vino 100 Bradenton customers will have the opportunity to sample a selection of exclusive offerings at a free tasting 5-7 p.m. Feb. 19. Vino 100 is at 5222 State Road 64 E., Bradenton; information: 747-8466 or www.vino100 bradenton.com.

n Mattison’s Riverside, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, hosts Tuesday Tasting 5-7 p.m., offering the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from a featured vineyard, varietals or regional. This is a free event with light appetizers offered. For reservations and information, call 748-8087 or visit www.mattisons.com.

n Michael’s Wine Cellar at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, offer monthly open house wine tastings and winemaker dinners that offer friendly conversation and good cheer while sampling more than 50 world-class wines. Remaining open house dates in 2009 are March 6, April 23, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 and Nov 6. Admission is free to Gulf Coast Connoisseur members; a one-time $10 fee enrolls you as a GCCC. Information: 366-0007.