Ann Arbor food and drink calendar

Fifth annual Ribs & Blues event. 4 p.m.-midnight. Carr Park, off Main Street in Manchester. The Manchester Men's Club is hosting its fifth annual Ribs & Blues event: ribs, BBQ & all the trimmings available for purchase. Five great blues bands will play. Carr park is just west of downtown Manchester. $5 admission. http://www.facebook.com/events/122185814527780/.

German Club May Dinner/Dance. 6-11 p.m. Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. GBU District 630, a German Club in Ann Arbor, hosts its annual May Dinner/Dance. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. The Menu includes chicken cordon blue, German potato salad, green beans, tossed salad, bread and butter and cakes with coffee. Beer, wine, and pop is also included. Entertainment is provided by the “Vagabonds,” playing German music for listening and dancing. There are opportunities to sing along. Raffle prizes will be awarded. A May Queen will be crowned. $25, paid at the door. To make reservations contact Klaus Kummer at 734-913-9371 or Marianne Rauer at 734-954-0057. Deadline for reservations: May 17.

Coffee Tour. 11 a.m.-noon Zingerman’s Coffee Co., 3723 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. One of Zingerman’s Coffee managing partners, Allen Leibowitz or Steve Mangigian, offers a free tour of the coffee company and talk about the intricate world of java. Free. 734-929-6060.

Learn to Make Fresh Mozzarella. Noon-2:30 p.m. Zingerman's Creamery, 3723 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Come learn with the masters of mozzarella how to stretch your own from-scratch fresh mozzarella at home. They will guide you through the steps to set up the curd from milk and teach you the technique we employ to stretch the rather plain-tasting curds into marvelous mozzarella of your very own. First and third Saturday of each month, September through May. $60 (or $55 if paid in advance). Reservations required at 734-929-0500.

Sunday

Hands-on: Five Course Lunch Menu with Thais Anne Peterson. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hollander's, 410 N. Fourth Ave., first floor of the Kerrytown Shops, Ann Arbor. Tackle a number of cooking techniques while making and enjoying a great five course lunch menu. Begin with a mango and avocado salsa (with chips) appetizer, followed by an orange and asparagus salad and then creole shrimp en papillote. The main course will be herb-crusted Cornish hen with lemon-coconut roulade for dessert. Class limit is 8. $65. 734-741-7531.

Wedding cake tasting. Noon-3 p.m. Glee Cake & Pastry, 117 S. Main St., Chelsea. Glee Cake & Pastry is offering a series of wedding cake and dessert tastings for brides; the first tasting was in February. Glee Havens acquired the love of baking from her talented mother at a very early age. After pursuing an economics degree at SUNY/Buffalo, Glee went on to study at the Baltimore Culinary Institute; at BCI Glee trained under the famous Austrian Chef Jan Bandula. Later, she acquired the position of executive pastry chef for the Omni Hotel & Convention Center. In 1991 Glee married and moved to central Michigan. The past few years Glee has built a loyal following of gourmet connoisseurs while raising a family. Brides and grooms may attend free, and additional guest tickets may be purchased for $5. Participants will be able to sample a variety of cakes, desserts and cupcakes accompanied by free, locally roasted coffee. Reservations required by stopping in at the shop or by phone at 734-475-3000.

Tours of the Creamery. 2 p.m. Zingerman's Creamery, 3723 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Cheesemaker and managing partner John Loomis leads the whey and gives the inside scoop on how they make artisan cheeses and old-fashioned gelato (that’s Italian ice cream). $5. You will receive a $5 coupon to spend in The Cheese Shop. 734-929-0500.

Monday

Baking Bread: Whole Wheat Bread. 6 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Join bread-baker Jessie and learn the basics of bread baking with whole wheat. $10. To register, stop by the customer service desk or call 734-997-7500.

Bonny Doon Wine Dinner. 7-10 p.m. Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. Zingerman’s Roadhouse chef Alex Young is joined by Bonny Doon Vineyard (Santa Cruz) founder Randall Graham for a meal featuring five different Bonny Doon wines paired with a menu designed to highlight their different flavors. $85. 734-663-3663.

Fresh Mozzarella Workshop. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Learn how to make fresh mozzarella by hand by stretching curd and then use it in these delicious summer dishes! Menu includes mozzarella pinwheels with prosciutto, sundried tomato and fresh basil; heirloom tomato salad with fresh mozzarella and basil; grilled flatbread with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, olives and fresh herbs. $65. 734-645-1030.

Open dance and wine tasting. 6 p.m.-close. Passport Restaurant and Lounge, 3776 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Open dancing and free wine tasting from 6 p.m. to close. No cover charge; price of purchases. 734-222-1111.

Milan Senior Nutrition Program. 11:45 a.m. Milan Senior & Community Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court, Milan. In partnership with the Washtenaw County Senior Nutrition Program, they offer a nutritionally balanced meal three afternoons a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone who is 60 years or older and a fee of $5 for anyone under the age of 60. They do ask for 48 hour advanced reservations. Call or stop by the office. 734-439-1549.

Tuesday

Tower Power Fundraiser for Ypsilanti Public Schools. 5-9 p.m. Tower Inn Café, 701 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. Families and community supporters are invited to attend the annual Ypsilanti Public Schools Foundation Fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to fund student scholarships and teacher mini-grants to enhance the classroom experience. Besides a meal, there will be entertainment and prize drawings. No admission charge; price of food purchases. 734-487-4000.

Veg 101. 8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Meatless meals made easy and healthy is the theme of VegMichigan's "Veg 101.” The class includes a cooking demonstration, tasting and talk by members of VegMichigan, the state's largest vegetarian nonprofit organization. After the May 22 kickoff, the Ann Arbor class will take place the third Tuesday of each month. Food demos and topics will vary. VegMichigan is best known for its annual Metro Detroit VegFest, which recently drew more than 4000 to Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Free. Registration is required at the store's customer service desk or by phone at 734-997-7500.

Lunch is Served. Noon-1 p.m. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Repeats every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations are required with two days prior notice. Suggested donation for those over 60 years of age is $2.50, for all others, $5. Call 734-998-9353 for reservations.

Wednesday

Beer Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser Event. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. Lauren Metzendorf and Eva Solomon host the third annual silent auction event to benefit Make-A-Wish. This year, a beer tasting and appetizers will accompany the silent auction. As people sip on their beers, they will have the opportunity to bid on auction items including hotel stays, spa and fitness packages, rounds of golf, a Motawi Tilework, Revo Sunglasses and more. Last year, the event raised more than $5,000 for Make-A-Wish. $33. Registration required: www.imathlete.com/events/BeerTastingSilentAuctionEventtobenefitMakeAWish.

Cheers to British Breads. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. The baked goods of the United Kingdom are different from what most Americans eat every day. In this class we’ll investigate the techniques behind Scottish oatcakes, Irish soda bread, Scottish baps and English muffins (which are an ocean apart from what you can get at the supermarket). It’ll be no surprise if, after taking this class, you start calling your friends to high tea at 4 o’clock every day. You'll leave with the knowledge to make these breads at home, four recipes and everything you made in class (that you didn't eat right out of the oven). $100. 734-761-7255.

Wine Tour of Italy. 6:30 p.m. Paesano's Italian Restaurant, 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. Paesano is hosting A Wine Tour of Italy on Wednesday, May 23. Special guest Fosco Amoroso of Tricana Imports will be on hand to talk about his wines being featured that evening and share his vast insight. The event includes five regional wines paired with five seasonal dishes from Paesano's Chef Davido. $65 (does not include tax/gratuity). www.paesanosannarbor.com.

Italian Summer Suppers 3 Rustic Italian Cooking: Game Hen with Francesca Giarraffa. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Whole Foods, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. In this course a complete rustic Italian meal is prepared featuring a game hen entree, side dishes and dessert. The course is led by an instructor born into the Italian cooking tradition, who apprenticed at a specialty restaurant in Naples, Italy. Students will assist in preparing roasted game hen (rubbed with white wine and herbs, then topped with a citrus vinaigrette and fresh tarragon), creamy mushroom polenta, fennel au gratin and a seasonal fruit dessert, followed by the entire meal enjoyed family style. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom. Tuition: $39 Mandatory fee: $15. www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning.

Wednesday Evening Farmers Market. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. Join the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on May 2 for the kickoff of the second season of the Wednesday Evening Farmers Market. You'll find local produce and food from some of your favorite farmers and vendors from the Saturday markets, plus many innovative new vendors. There will be live music, food carts, and throughout the season a non-profit sponsored beer and wine garden, as well as educational food demos and more. Buy your groceries from local farmers and enjoy yourself while you're at it at the Wednesday Evening Farmers Market. The evening market runs from 4:30-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday, May 2-Sept. 26. Free admission; price of purchases. 734-794-6255 or www.a2gov.org/market.

Thursday, May 24

Springtime in Paris! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. There is nothing quite like the spring in Paris. If Paris isn't in the cards for you this spring, join us for an engaging and delicious evening as we transport ourselves, even if just for a little while. Menu: Spring vegetable garbure; spring chicken with fresh morels and cream; Potatoes Anna; asparagus; tarte au citron. $75. 734-645-1030.

A Memorable Memorial Day Meal. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor. Join Rory as he cooks up some favorite Whole Foods recipes in anticipation of Memorial Day. He’s make grilled chicken with fresh herbs, and a green bean salad with goat cheese dressing. There will be samples and recipes for all participants. $10. To register, stop by the customer service desk or call 734-997-7500.

Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar. 5-8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, at the wine bar. Each Thursday evening, experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. This week’s topic: Great wines for grilling time. 734-997-7500.

To submit events for this calendar, e-mail calendar@annarbor.com.