Wining and Dining
Fri., Jan. 20, 7 p.m., $75-$85

Learn more than you ever wanted to know about fermented grapes while sampling five entrees paired with complementary wines. J. Lohr Vineyard and Cindy Coll of Mother's Restaurant are hosting, but we're most excited to wash down the horseradish-and-rosemary-crusted prime rib with a 2002 Cypress Shiraz. J. Lohr Winemaker Dinner, Mother's Restaurant, 34 N. Main St., New Hope, 215-862-5857.

Chef Walter Staib of the City Tavern has a cookbook of traditional Black Forest fare coming out and to celebrate he's throwing a wine dinner with maultaschen, goulash and rouladen on the menu. In layman's terms: The first one is a pasta dish similar to ravioli and the third is a type of meat roll. All proceeds go to a local Lutheran Church. Garrison Keillor would be proud. Black Forest Dinner, City Tavern, 138 S. Second St., 215-413-1443.

If you spot a co-worker with third-degree burns on his hands, it can mean only one of two things: He had a very kinky Christmas or someone gave him an espresso machine. Old City Coffee is here to show you how to work that monster and to share a few tips on steaming milk and brewing the perfect cup. Espresso Brewing Demonstration, Old City Coffee, 221 Church St., 215-629-9292.

It's the Year of the Dog, and while that pronouncement could lead to any number of ill-conceived remarks in a food column, we're gonna get right down to brass tacks. Chef Denine Gorniak is celebrating the new year by teaching folks how to make traditional Chinese dishes named after major virtues (longevity noodles and prosperity fish in black-bean sauce, for example). And you thought Williams-Sonoma was only good for spatulas and peppermint patties. Chinese New Year Dinner Party, Williams-Sonoma at The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St., 215-545-7392.