This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Saturday, February 26
Chili cookoffs are a lot of fun. The amazing range of ingredients, the differing levels of spices -- everything from cashews to raisins to pumpkin to cactus to tequila can show up, not to mention various chili peppers. Check out your fellow citizens' creativity at the annual Chili Cook-Off put on by the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Dr., 10 a.m., $15 entry fee and free admission. Call 222-9131 for more info.
For those who may not be chefs, $15 would be more than worth it to attend a Fete de Marquette fundraiser this evening. Along with music by the Cajun Strangers and screenings of shorts from the Acadiana Film Festival in Lafayette, this pre-Mardi Gras celebration will serve food from New Orleans Take Out, Bon Appetit Café, The Bayou, Liliana's, and Louisiannes, and Double SS BBQ of Deerfield will supply Boudin sausage. Wil-Mar CenterWell, perhaps some of us have earned a drink this week. Although if you're looking to chill and avoid crowds, Bockfest may not be the place for you. yearly release of the Blonde Doppelbock with free admission to its bier garten, music by Pupy Costello & His Big City Honky Tonk, and more. The catch? Well, only 2,500 can enter. Doors open for those who do not already have VIP tickets at noon. Dress warmly and be prepared for a long wait if you want to get in. Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., noon-5 p.m., free. Call 836-7100 for more info.
Sunday, February 27
The lateness of the winter season will likewise be celebrated at the third annual Mad City Mardi Gras, a benefit for the opens with a family brunch at midday, and is followed by an afternoon and evening-long celebration featuring music by local jazz musicians. Liliana's Restaurant, 2951 Triverton Pike, Fitchburg, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Call 258-9490 for more info.
More events this week
Wednesday, February 23
Helping Hands, a benefit meal featuring stir-fry for tips, and organized by the HuHot Mongolian Grill, 610 Junction Rd., 4-9 p.m. Call 243-5252 for more info.
Six Spices with Neet Saluja cooking class, with the chef preparing a menu of chicken curry, rice with peas pullav, and spinach pakoda. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Thursday, February 24
Circle of Women, an annual fundraising luncheon held by YWCA Madison celebrating "the power of women's philanthropy." Alliant Energy Center-Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, 11:30 a.m., $100. Call 257-1436 to RSVP and for more info.
Friday, February 25
Middleton Winterfest, a three-day celebration of the season, organized by KEVA Sports Center, 8312 Forsythia St., Middleton, noon-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, $5 for evening shows and $45 for chili contest entrants. Call 662-7529 for more info.
Madison Fishing Expo, a three-day Alliant Energy Center-Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, 4-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, $8 and kids under 12 free. Call 838-3040 for more info.
Six Spices with Neeta Saluja cooking class, with the chef preparing a menu of mint chicken, chole, and cheese-stuffed bread. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Saturday, February 26
"Taste of the Market" breakfast at the preparing a menu of a breakfast sandwich filled with eggs, pears flavored with bleu cheese, a buffalo and pork sausage hash, smoked parsnips, and a wheat berry salad with spinach pesto and chorizo, with gluten-free bread available upon request. Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., 8 a.m.-noon, $7.50 adults and $3.75 kids and smaller portions. Call 455-1999 for more info.
Men Who Cook, the 17th annual fundraiser put on by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, with audience members voting on dishes prepared by Madison male celebrities. Madison College-Truax, 3550 Anderson St., 3 p.m., $20 advance or $25 door. Call 338-5368 for more info.
Indulgence, the fourth annual fundraiser for Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., 5:30 p.m., $25 public and $20 members with $15 for designated drivers. Call 246-4550 for more info.
Sunday, February 27
Markets & Meals for Hope, a farmers' market and breakfast that benefits the Harvest of Hope Fund for Wisconsin farm families facing distress. Heritage Congregational Church, 3102 Prairie Rd., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., $7-10. Call 445-4588 for more info.
Monday, February 28
Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 6-7:30 p.m., $25. Call 233-9566 for more info.
In the Kitchen with Cathy cooking class, with Cathy Thomas detailing how to prepare a "Salad Box," as well as discussing vegetable storage, knife skills, and salad dressing recipes. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Family Dinner Night, a weekly meal hosted by The Crossing, 1127 University Ave., 6:30 p.m., $5. Call 257-1039 for more info.
Save the date
March 27
Italian Regional Wine Dinner No. 1, with a six-course menu and specially paired wines. Harvest, 21 N. Pinckney St., 6 p.m., $95. Call 255-6075 for more info.
