Classes, fests and wine

Just in case you’ve hit the midsummer doldrums, several food-related events are on tap this week.

Economic stimulus is an important thing — and if the first round doesn’t do everything you wanted, then it’s time for a second round. At least that’s the theory behind TWARP II — the second edition of the Troubled Wine Assets Relief Program, led by wine guru Carl Carlsteen at the Rocket Market on Friday evening. Part of the ongoing Friday wine-class series, TWARP II will demonstrate that plenty of dang tasty wines are available for no more than $10 per bottle.

Sip 10 different bargain quaffers, accompanied by cheeses and La Brea breads, while Carlsteen holds forth on the virtues of each vintage and shares stories about the wineries.

Speaking of Rocket Market, it’s also the place for the Sunday Brunch With DJs, featuring food by Chef Shilo Pierce and Pastry Chef Dena Carr, complemented by tunes spun by a different guest DJ each week. The music runs 11 am-2 pm, but the food is available both earlier and later. This week’s tune-spinner is Breezy Brown.

The Post Falls Food Festival is set for this weekend, too, albeit in a new location — on Fourth Street by the Post Falls City Hall. Organizer Tim Mitchell of Mangia Catering says to expect plenty of live local music and a variety of food vendors, along with arts and crafts booths at this second annual event.

The Main Market Co-op will host a fundraiser at the Fox Theater next Thursday, Aug. 20, with readings by local authors Jess Walter and Cheryl-Anne Millsap plus musical performances by pianist Brad Greene and Kaylee Cole and her band. Food for the event is catered by the Glover Mansion, and there will be raffles for prizes as well.

Also next Thursday, Huckleberry’s will offer the first in a series of classes on food canning, led by new Executive Chef Anne Bauer and Bakery/Cheese Specialist Amy Clark. This class will explore pickling — “It’s not just for cucumbers!” they tell us — along with canning basics. Preserving local produce is the way for locavores to stay local during the lean winter months, not to mention a way to save on the grocery bill. But even more important, it’s the path toward tasty treats like spicy pickled green beans. Yum.

Finally, we hear that State Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown of Spokane will be taking a turn as guest chef at Santé next Thursday; call the restaurant (315-4613) for more details. — ANN M. COLFORD

The TWARP II wine class will be held at Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave., on Friday, Aug. 14, at 7 pm. Cost is $20 (plus tax). Call 343-2253 to preregister.
The Post Falls Food Festival, on Fourth Street in Post Falls, Idaho, is set for Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 15-16. Visit postfallsfoodfest.wordpress.com.
“Local Artists for a Local Food Co-op” at the Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague, is Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 pm. Cost is $25 until Aug. 14; $35, thereafter. Visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/72743 or call 624-1200.
Canning class at Huckleberry’s, 926 S. Monroe St., will be Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 pm. Cost is $10 per person; must preregister and prepay. Call 624-1349.