This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Tuesday, May 8 - Thursday, May 10
Farmers' markets continue firing up all over southern Wisconsin. We call your attention to several more opening this week, with a special shout-out to one in Verona, which features the wood-fired personal pies (made from local ingredients) of Verona Farmers' Market, now in its third year of operation, commencing for the 2012 growing season. Hometown Junction, corner of S. Main St. and bike trail, 3-7 p.m. Call 217-6359 for more info.
Friday, May 11
We are heading into heavy-duty brat season here in Wisconsin. You might want to get in practice for the brat-heavy Memorial Day weekend by noshing a few at this fourth annual Brat Bash to benefit the Oregon Senior Center. The menu features brats and hot dogs, along with chips and beverages. Music will be by UW Marching Band members, with true Fifth Quarter flourish. Oregon Senior Center, 219 Park St., Oregon, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $1-3. Call 608-835-5801 for more info.
Isthmus a la Carts is sold out! Thanks for your support! The inaugural Madison Madison Craft Beer Week concludes its ten-day run on Sunday. This second annual schedule featuring more tastings, pairing dinners, special taps, and other brewing-themed celebrations. Pace yourself.
More events this week
Tuesday, May 8
Kitchen Chemist, a session for kids to make ice cream and learn about the science of freezing and melting. Madison Children's Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., noon, free with $8 admission. Call 256-6445 for more info.
City Chickens 101 class, with instructor Alicia Rheal of Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Wednesday, May 9
Rooftop Farmers, a weekly session for kids to explore gardening, raising animals, harvesting, and cooking. Madison Children's Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., 3:30 p.m., free with $8 admission. Call 256-6445 for more info.
Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 4:30-6 p.m., $10. Call 233-9566 for more info.
In the Kitchen with Cathy: Almonds class, with instructor Cathy Thomas covering how to prepare almond milk and use it to prepare crème sauce and a non-dairy alfredo sauce, as well as a raw ice cream with chocolate sauce. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Thursday, May 10
Hallie Klecker book reading, with publisher of the blog The Pure Kitchen discussing "how to go gluten-free with ease and share tips for transitioning to a whole foods diet." Middleton Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, 7 p.m. Call 827-7403 for more info.
Friday, May 11
Kids in the Kitchen: Scrumptious Spring Rolls!, a class for kids ages 6-12, with instructor Lily Kilfoy covering the basics of preparing spring rolls with a variety of fillings. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 4-5:30 p.m., $10 owners and $20 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Saturday, May 12
Spring Open House at Botham Vineyards, 8180 Langberry Rd., Barneveld, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission. Call 888-478-9463 for more info.
Moms' Farm Picnic, a Mother's Day-themed family outing and benefit for , W7675 Hwy. 12, Fort Atkinson, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $8 admission. Call 920-691-6742 for more info.
Free community meal prepared by volunteers. Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 11:15 a.m., free. Call 257-4576 for more info.
Brennan's Craft Beer Tour, a benefit in support of , 8210 Watts Rd., 6-8 p.m., $5. Call 833-2893 for more info.
Bark & Wine, an annual fundraiser for the Liliana's, wine from Eno Vino, beer from the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd., 7-10 p.m., $50. Call 838-0413 for more info.
Sunday, May 13
Savory Sunday, with volunteers need to prepare and serve a fresh, hot meal for the hungry. Lutheran Campus Center, 325 N. Mills St., 11 a.m. Call 233-6967 for more info.
Monday, May 14
Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 4:30-6 p.m., $10. Call 233-9566 for more info.
Creative Ways with Container Gardening class, with the instructor covering the basics of growing a container garden, with an emphasis on design, plant selection, soil building, and organic techniques. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 6:30-8:30 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Save the date
Wednesday, May 23
Step Forward to Local, the sixth annual meeting of the conference featuring exhibits, workshops, and a keynote speech by Alliant Energy Center - Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $60. Please RSVP by May 14, and call 266-6389 for more info.
Wednesday, June 13
Terroir Tasting, a wine tasting in the L'Etolie Oenophile series, with wine director Michael Kwas discussing the concept of terroir though tastings that highlight "the grey slate of the Mosel, limestone beds of Chablis, the chalk of Champagne, and the Jory Soil of Dundee Hills Pinot in Oregon." L'Etoile, 1 S. Pinckney St., 6:30 p.m., $65. Call 251-0500 for more info.
