Today
Strawberry Week Presents: How to Farm a Strawberry. 7-9 p.m. Tantre Farm, 2510 Hayes Road, Chelsea. See with your own eyes how local organic strawberries are produced. Richard Andres and Deb Lentz will lead us on a tour of their strawberry fields. Maybe we’ll even get to sample some of the tasty fruit. Registration is required at 734-972-4798 or visit www.a2ecology.com/strawberryweek.

Introduction to Home-Brewed Kombucha with Brittany Massey. 7-8:30 p.m. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom, 114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Hosted by People’s Food Co-op, this class will teach the basics of safely and successfully brewing your own kombucha, a fermented tea used by people for centuries for its health benefits and refreshing taste. $5 for PFC members, $10 for non-members. www.peoplesfood.coop.

Savory Pies. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Is it dinner or a pastry? In this class we'll delve in to a few of the delicious savory pies found in just about every culture, like the empanada, so common in Spain, Portugal, Central and South America, and the knish, a Jewish staple in Eastern Europe. How about the pasty, served up by the thousands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula? You'll leave with the knowledge to make these pies at home, several recipes and everything you made in class. $125. 734-761-7255.

Condiment Creations. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Learn to make homemade versions of your favorite everyday condiments - just in time for grilling season. Menu: Slightly sweet tomato ketchup, spicy Guiness mustard, South African harissa, blueberry barbecue sauce, sesame gomashio. $65. 734-645-1030.

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: Sauvignon Blanc. 734-997-7500.

Friday

Strawberry Week Presents: Mark’s Strawberry Carts Party. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Food Cart Courtyard, 211 W. Washington, Ann Arbor. All day event at Mark’s Carts with vendors offering strawberry inspired food. The party really gets going in the evening with two energetic sets of music from the four piece string band, Wire in the Wood. Come for the food, stay for the dancing. No admission charge; price of purchases. 734-972-4798 or www.a2ecology.com/strawberryweek.

Velvet Hammer Release Party and Burlesque Show. Beer release at noon, show at 9 p.m. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. Velvet Hammer Day is a special burlesque-themed extravaganza celebrating the Velvet Hammer - an old ale aged for 12 months in a gueuze-inoculated oak barrel and then corked in a 750 ml bottle and bottle-conditioned for a minimum of two months. The festivities kick off at noon when bottles of the Velvet Hammer Fourth, Fifth and Sixth all go on sale. A weird costume contest will follow the burlesque show in the evening. The winner of the contest will receive a Velvet Hammer Vertical, (that's a bottle each of the fourth, fifth and sixth.) The Burlesque and Performance art show includes hula hoopers, magic, fire spinners, palm readers, a gypsy Balkan band, derby girls, and the area’s hottest burlesque dancers. No cover charge. 734-480-2739.

All You Can Eat Chicken, Rib and Fish Dinner. 5-8 p.m. The Livingston County Wildlife And Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36, Hamburg. Dinner Includes: BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, oven fried chicken, fish, macaroni and cheese, French fries, vegetable, coleslaw, rolls and butter, homemade desserts, coffee, lemonade and ice tea. Cash bar available. Adults: $10. Seniors: $9. Children ages 6-12: $5. Children 5 and under eat for free.

Alabama Bacon BBQ Dinner. 6-8 p.m. Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. Zingerman’s Roadhouse chef Alex Young is joined by Highlands Grill (Birmingham, AL) chef Frank Stitt to host a bacon-centric buffet feast of classic Alabama BBQ. A prelude to the annual daylong Camp Bacon ($195) at the Roadhouse on June 2. $55. 734-663-3663.

Saturday

Learn How to Make Sushi with Jan Kemp. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Whole Foods, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. It’s time to take the mystery out of assembling sushi. This course is a hands-on class for anyone who wants to discover the fundamentals of making sushi at home. You will learn the basic skills of cooking sushi rice, and the essentials of preparing, rolling and presenting sushi. Each person will get to create and roll their own sushi using an assortment of plant based fillings and garnishes. Participants will get to enjoy them at the end of class. All students are required to bring a sushi mat to class. You may bring your own from home or purchase one at the time of registration. You may also wish to bring an apron to wear in class when making your sushi roll. $35 (does not include price of sushi mat). To register, visit the customer service desk or call 734-975-4500.

Fondant Fondamentals. 8 a.m.-noon. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Ever wonder how those smooth fancy fondant-covered cakes are made? What exactly is fondant anyway? In this class they take you through the steps of making fondant - that’s right, hand-made fondant! - and the techniques to shape it while we decorate a six-inch cake for you take home. The next time there’s a birthday in your house, you’ll know how to make a cake that will leave everyone asking “How did you do that?” $100. http://www.bakewithzing.com.

The Camp Bacon Main Event. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. If you want to be in on the bacon world, learn about the past, take the pulse of the future, hear some poetry and eat a whole lot of great bacon from all over the world, Zingerman’s Roadhouse is the place to be on June 2 for music, meat and talks by bacon experts. The event will feature history, cooking, poetry and of course, lots of bacon eating. This year’s guest presenters (tentative lineup) include Sam Edwards, Emile DeFelice, Ari Weinzweig and many more. $195. Tickets include breakfast, lunch and more bacon than you knew you could eat. http://zingermanscampbacon.com.

Dexter Senior Center Ice Cream Social. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monument Park, Baker Road at Main Street, Dexter. All invited for ice cream. The event also includes craft and food vendors, in the center of downtown Dexter. Free admission. 734-426-7737.

Creative Cookies. 1-5 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. Unleash your creativity on cookies! Decorated cookies make great gifts, party favors, stocking stuffers and holiday centerpieces. In this class you'll learn to make tasty butter cookies and use a variety of decorating techniques. You'll make your own cookie dough and fresh fondant. We'll provide an assortment of cookie cutters, but you're welcome to bring your own (three to four inches please). You'll leave with a couple recipes, the knowledge to recreate them at home, and at least a dozen dazzling decorated holiday cookies. $100. 734-761-7255.

Legion Riders Steak Dinner. 5-7:30 p.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. The Legion Riders Steak Dinner, sponsored by the Pinckney American Legion Riders Chapter #419. $10. 734-878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

Spaghetti Dinner benefit for the Norm Melby Scholarship Fund. 5-8 p.m. Pinckney Masonic Temple, 210 Mann St., Pinckney. Livingston Lodge #76, F&AM, is having a spaghetti dinner to benefit the Norm Melby Scholarship Fund. This dinner is to help raise funds for next year’s scholarship for a Pinckney High School Senior. We have awarded five scholarships in the past three years. The cost is $6 for adults. Children 12 and younger eat for free.

Sunday

Taste of Ann Arbor. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Several blocks of Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. This annual community event features local restaurants offering visitors bite size, and some not so bite size, tastes of what they do best. Tickets for food tastes can be purchased at the event for 50 cents each.

Camp Bacon Street Fair. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. This event is a fundraiser for 4-H Club of Washtenaw County, open to the public with a suggested donation to Washtenaw County 4-H . This street fair features an array of vendors selling, sampling and showcasing all things bacon. It’s great way to have lunch, sample new bacon wares, or just have some fun with bacon-based games for kids of all ages. Admission by donation. 734-794-6255.

Breakfast with Cinderella. 8:30-11 a.m. St. Mary's Catholic Parish, 10601 Dexter Pinckney Road, Pinckney. St. Mary’s Men’s Club in Pinckney is sponsoring an encore of "Breakfast With Cinderella" at the Parish. Cinderella invites all her little princess friends to come in costume and join her in song to create memories that will last a lifetime. Proceeds from the event are going to help support our upcoming Parish Festival. Our delicious menu is considered to be the best in the area. Bring the grandparents and the cameras for an event the whole family will enjoy. The cost is a free-will donation. 734-878-3161.

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

Swordfish Risotto with Francesca Giaraffa. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Whole Foods, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. Seafood is an important dietary staple to a country such as Italy that boasts 4,700 miles of coastline bordering the sea. Combine seafood and rice and you have the classic Italian dish of Swordfish Risotto. Calamari is then stuffed with breadcrumbs and olives simmered in a tomato based wine sauce. Asparagus and carrots are dressed in a light vinaigrette dressing for the perfect southern Italian experience. $45. Pre- registration with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation is required at 734-994-2300 ext. 53203 or www.aareced.com.

Gluten-Free Gourmet. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Are you living with a gluten allergy or intolerance? Are you trying to navigate the gluten-free world and are a little overwhelmed in the kitchen? These classes are designed to help you out with education and plenty of new ideas! Menu: Sweet potato biscuits with blackberry jam and orange butter; quinoa salad with lemon yogurt dressing; salmon cakes with remoulade; chocolate flour-less cake. $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

Noodles Chinese Style with Angela Yang. 6-8 p.m. Ann Arbor Whole Food, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. Although the Chinese, Arabs and Italians all claim to have created the noodle, the first written account is from the Chinese East Han Dynasty, between 25 and 220 AD. Noodles remain a staple in modern Chinese cuisine. Great variety exists depending on the ingredients used to make them, their size and shape, manner of preparation and the region in which they are produced. Using a traditional stir-fry technique, instructor Angela Yang will share a few of her favorites from Southeast China and Taiwan: pan-fried noodles, rice noodles and cold sesame flavored noodles. All of these dishes include a large variety of healthy vegetables, are prepared with lighter sauces to enhance the natural flavors and can be made with or without the addition of meat. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom. Tuition: $29. Mandatory fee: $13.

Super Foods. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. We are taking super foods and amping up the flavor. Now is your chance to eat great and boost vitality with these nutrient-packed delicious recipes with a focus on seaweed, dark berries, cruciferous vegetables, nuts and seeds. Menu: Kale with arame and ginger; roasted cauliflower with broccoli pesto; triple berry crumble; homemade almond/cashew milk. $65. 734-645-1030.

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

Rustic Italian Cooking: Vegetarian with Francesca Giaraffa. 5:30-8:30 p.m. In this course a complete rustic Italian meal is prepared featuring a vegetarian 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 eggplant parmigiana (sliced and fried eggplant layered with mozzarella and parmigiano cheese and baked in a light tomato basil sauce), zucchini parmigiana (layers of fried zucchini slices baked with homemade bread crumbs, mozzarella and parmigiano cheese and fresh basil), frittata di cipolle (onion frittata made with caramelized onions, eggs and parmigiano cheese, then served on a bed of mixed greens) and a seasonal fruit dessert, followed by the entire meal enjoyed together family style. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom. Tuition: $39. Mandatory fee: $15. Register on-line through www.wccnet.edu /lifelong-learning.

Bake Me a Cake. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Zingerman's Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. The first thing a lot of people learn about making anything with batter is to not over mix it. Unfortunately, that's all a lot of folks ever learn and there's a lot more we have to teach you about how to make a great cake. In this class you'll learn how to make (and take home) three complete cakes each requiring a different mixing technique — Butter Cake, Angel Food and Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake — so the folks you're baking for can enjoy the fun, too. $125. www.bakewithzing.com.

JCC Maccabi Dinner. 5:30-9 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor was recently able to fill a team for the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games. The games, which take place in Memphis, Tenn. this year, bring together Jewish teens from all over the world! We are holding a dinner to recognize our athletes, as well as to raise money to help fund the athletes' flight to Memphis. $10 per person or $25 per family. Details: rachaelhoffenblum@jccfed.org.

Soft Shell Crabs 101. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Unlock the mystery of this perennial summertime favorite: Soft-Shell Crabs. Menu: Classic soft-shelled crab sandwich with basil-pesto dressing; tempura soft-shelled crabs; cornmeal-crusted soft-shelled crabs; corn salad; jicama slaw. $65. 734-645-1030.

Wednesday Wine Tasting. 6:30 p.m. Paesano's Italian Restaurant, 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. This informal wine tasting allows patrons to sample five up and coming wines from Italy. Joined by one of Paesano's knowledgeable wine purveyors, the staff creates tasty appetizers to accompany the bold flavors. $25. www.paesanosannarbor.com.

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, June 7

Coney Dog and Root Beer Float Night. 5-8 p.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. $1.25 per Coney Dog. For more information call 734- 878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

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: TBD. 734-997-7500.

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