This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Wednesday, February 9
Wednesday Night @ the Lab is a weekly exploration of scientific, engineering, and technology research at UW-Madison sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Foundation. This week's talk is titled "Chocolate Confection" -- it spotlights the work of food science professor UW Biotechnology Center Auditorium, 425 Henry Mall, 7 p.m., free. Call 265-2420 for more info.
Thursday, February 10
Just what is an Eco-Salon? They're described as "think & drink" events -- imagine a socially-conscious happy hour with progressives. Organized locally by "Drinking Sustainably, When What You Want Isn't Local" is the group's second such effort ever. It features a talk with Mike Miller of , and a Skype-based conversation with a coffee bean grower from South America. Beer, wine and treats from Madison Sourdough will be on hand to prime the progressive thinking pump. Artisan Warehouse, 310 S. Few St., 7 p.m., free. Call 819-0689 for more info.
Saturday, February 12
February has a thriving existence as a time for benefit bashes. Bashes that involve food. And drink. A big one this weekend is Hearts for Helping, an annual benefit that brings together four favorites: chocolate, cheese, beer and wine. Held in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, it also features live music and a silent auction. Concourse Hotel, 1 W. Dayton St., 7 p.m., $75. Call 257-2606 to RSVP or for more info.
More events this week
Wednesday, February 9
EnAct, a "greener living group meeting" featuring guest speakers Kay Jensen of discussing the benefits of community supported agriculture and the basics of signing up for the upcoming growing season. Madison Environmental Group, 25 N. Pinckney St., Ste. 100, 6:30 p.m., free. Call 204-2888 for more info.
Thursday, February 10
Sneaker Soiree, an annual fundraiser for Brickhouse BBQ, 408 W. Gorham St., 6 p.m., $30 advance or two for $50. Call 227-4687 for more info.
Mediterranean Odyssey with Chef Sabi, a cooking class with Chef Sabi Attiyeh preparing recipes featuring pomegranate for a romantic meal. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $25 owners and $35 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Saturday, February 12
"Taste of the Market" breakfast at the preparing a Mediterranean-style menu of pork and lamb meatball or Chevre fritter pitas, red bean hummas, root vegetable slaw with beauty heart radishes and Chioggia beets, wheat berry celery root spinach salad finished with a local sumac vinaigrette, and apple hickory nut patry. 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.
Spring Opener for the Radisson, 517 Grand Canyon Dr., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., $10 or $20 with food. Call 231-3163 for more info.
Winter Film Series screening of the documentary Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 6:30 p.m., free. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Wine Tasting for Parkinson's Disease, a benefit in support of the Blackhawk County Club, 3606 Blackhawk Dr., 6:30-10:30 p.m., $45. Call 217-1600 for more info.
Sunday, February 13
Market & Meals for Hope, a farmers' market and breakfast that benefits the Harvest of Hope Fund for Wisconsin farm families facing distress. Pancake Extravaganza, a benefit breakfast in support of the , 1795 Lafayette St., Janesville, 7:30-11:30 a.m., $4 advance and $5 door. Call 608-314-8500 for more info.
Pancake Breakfast, a monthly fundraiser for Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 8:30-11 a.m., $8.50 adults and kids free. Call 259-9050 for more info.
Meatless Main Dishes, a cooking class with Kristie Chijimatsu preparing tortilla soup, seitan enchiladas, and a cilantro sour cream. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Dexter's Beer & Chocolates, a tasting benefit in support of Dexter's Pub, 301 North St., noon-4 p.m., $20. Call 358-2531 for more info.
Winter Film Series screening of the documentary Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 4 p.m., free. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Valentine's Eve Bash, a fundraiser for the Lothlorien Co-op, 244 W. Lakelawn Pl., 6-10 p.m., donations encouraged. Call 262-9036 for more info.
Monday, February 14
Family Dinner Night, a weekly meal hosted by The Crossing, 1127 University Ave., 6:30 p.m., $5. Call 257-1039 for more info.
Beer Monks & Maidens, an official monthly robed meeting and membership drive for craft beer fans. Babe's Restaurant & Cocktails, 5614 Schroeder Rd., 7:30 p.m. Call 628-9806 for more info.
