1. Baking 411
Got a burning baking question? Curious about custard? Got gripes about ganache? Save them up for your meeting with Flo Braker, baker extraordinaire, who will be signing copies of her book, Baking for All Occasions, on Saturday, March 14, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Omnivore Books. Sweet treats will be provided.

2. Gastronomic Game Show
Food geeks, unite! On March 15 at 7 p.m. you’ll have a chance to show-off your culinary know-how in a no-holds-barred game of “Edible Pursuit.” Buy a ticket to compete (you must have a team of two or more players) and wow the crowd with your food knowledge—and win great prizes, including generous gift certificates to restaurants, gift certificates and more. This event, held at Acme Chophouse, will sell out, so get in on the action now.

3. Chef Challenge: Kinch v. Flay
Hot on the heels of Mourad Lahlou’s recent Iron Chef victory over Cat Cora, Manresa chef David Kinch will take on Bobby Flay in a battle on Sunday, March 15. Frankly, we’re pretty confident that our local boy will make good—but tune in to find out for yourself!

4. Luck of the Irish
Before you go getting too carried away with that green beer, perhaps you want to consider something just as traditional but a big more soigné? In that case, book a table at Hayes Street Grill on March 17 and enjoy their Irish menu—corned beef with all the trimmings, fried fish with remoulade and, of course, freshly baked soda bread.

5. Unique University
Thinking about going back to school? We recommend a degree from Cortez’s cocktail college. On the third Thursday of every month (this month, that’s March 19) you’ll learn about another spirit and its various uses. This month it’s vodka—your shaking and sipping will be complimented by snacks from the kitchen and, best of all, the whole thing is free!

6. From Basque, with Love
If you can’t tell your Rioja from your Txakoli, then you might want to attend the Spanish wine and tapas class with Kevin Hogan of the Spanish Table. The event will be held at 18 Reasons on March 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.—look forward to lots of Iberian bubbly and the tapas to go with. The class is $10, $5 for members, visit 18reasons.org to purchase your ticket.

7. A Passion for Pinot
Our very own wine and spirits editor, Jordan Mackay, has a brand new book—Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America’s Pinot Noir Country. On Saturday, March 14, at 5 p.m. Mackay will be hosting a “Twitter Taste Live Online Wine Tasting.” Old world, meet new! Wine lovers can join the interactive discussion and tour of America’s finest pinots, and you’ll be able to ask questions through the real-time twitter feed. Check it out: http://www.twittertastelive.com/events/twitter-taste-live-a-passion. Locals, you can meet Mackay in person—he’ll be hosting an in-store tasting at the Jug Shop simultaneously, from 5 to 7p.m. for a $5 tasting fee; RSVP at info@jugshop.com