1. Got game?
From tonight through May 3, chef Peter McNee of Poggio will be showcasing one of his favorite cooking techniques: allo spiedo, or roasting on a spit. For a very reasonable $19, diners can sample featured roasts, ranging from partridge and pheasant to goat and suckling pig. McNee has also designed a separate menu inspired by spring in Italy.



2. Get the edge on veggies
Just in time for spring’s vegetable bounty, Williams-Sonoma editor Jennifer Newens will be holding a class for foodie technophiles at Purcell Murray in Brisbane. Using the recent Williams-Sonoma book Tools and Techniques, Newens will be teaching five ways to prepare vegetables: braising, stir-frying, creaming, roasting and grilling. Class is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch is included. The cost is $45 per person. For more information, call 415-330-5557.

3. Just cause
The San Francisco Food Bank and the California Culinary Academy are holding a series of fundraising cooking classes with top chefs from across the city. May 3 is your chance to cook with chef Laurence Jossel of Nopa fame. Each class starts with a demo and ends with students preparing the dishes themselves. To purchase your $150 ticket, send in the enrollment form at sffoodbank.org or email event coordinator Amy Gac at amygac@gmail.com. 

4. ABC
ABC stands for Anything But Chardonnay during this afternoon tasting of white summer wines. Put on by the audacious Aussies at that Oz hangout South, this Sunday-afternoon event will feature Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and other summer faves. Tickets are $35 and include nibbles. RSVP for ABC at events@southfwb.com.

5. Once upon a time
If you like fiction with your food, this is the event for you. Sociale is hosting Epicuriosity, an “enchanting evening of fine dining and curious diversions,” in which storytellers will perform magical tales while you enjoy a three-course meal with wine pairings designed by chef Tia Harrison. A mere $135 gets you an earful to go with your mouthful. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.



6. Batali battalions
Expect a crowd of fans at the San Francisco launch of Mario Batali’s latest book, Italian Grill, on May 5 at Il Fornaio in San Francisco. For $125, you get lunch, a copy of the book and the chance to hear Mr. Ponytail talk about his latest adventures in the kitchen. Call 415-927-0960, ext. 1 for more information, or visit bookpassage.com

7. Take BART to Napa
Any complaints that Napa and Sonoma are too far away must now be put to rest. It's not too often that we see an entirely new concept in the restaurant world, but Press Club, an urban wine tasting center located in the heart of the city, promises to be just that. Opening this week, Press Club features the wines of eight small-production artisan wineries from around Northern California. Each vintner will host his or her own "tasting environment," where urban wine lovers will be able to sample current releases, attend wine release parties, join wine clubs and attend gourmet food events.