Food calendar

Saturday, March 15

Pasta cooking demonstration and tasting

, with James Beard Award-winning author Laura Schenone, who will also discuss and sign her new book,

The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken: A Search for Food and Family

. Free, but reservations recommended and available by calling 856-772-1636, Ext. 3375. 1-3 p.m. at the Camden County Library, 203 Laurel Rd., Voorhees.

Double Happiness

, food sculpture and sushi preparation hands-on class with chef Joseph Poon, who will also lead students on a visit to an Asian grocery store. $95 plus tax and gratuity; includes lunch. Meet at noon at 1010 Cherry St., 2nd floor. For reservations, call chef Poon at 215-928-9333.

Sunday, March 16

ChefAID black-tie gala

to benefit MANNA (which delivers nourishment to people with life-threatening illnesses) and featuring live music, cocktails, wine, hors d'oeuvres and a multi-course sit-down dinner, with food prepared by local chefs, including Patrick and Terence Feury, Matthew Levin, and many more. $500 per person. 5 p.m. at the Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Tickets available at 215-496-2662, Ext. 136. or by e-mailing

» READ MORE: chefaid@mannapa.org

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Monday, March 17

Cooking for Life

, a hands-on class focusing on greens for people affected by cancer. Free, but reservations required by Friday and available by calling 215-879-7733. 6:30-8 p.m. at the Wellness Community of Philadelphia, the Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland, Chamounix Drive, West Fairmount Park.

Wednesday, March 19

Sommelier Smackdown

, with wine writer Eric Arnold challenging Wine School founder Keith Wallace to see who will create the better food and wine pairing, with the audience acting as tasters and judges. $53.99. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wine School of Philadelphia, 2006 Fairmount Ave., 800-817-7351. Repeats March 20 at 7:30 p.m. with Eric Miller of Chaddsford Winery as challenger.

Plan Now

March 22: Cooking demonstration

by chef Donald Smith of Old City Cheese Shop and Restaurant, who will create dishes starring cheese for those present to sample. Free. 2 p.m. at Foster's Homeware, 399 Market St., 215-925-0950.

- Barry Zukerman