This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Wednesday, November 16
Back to school. It's Wednesday Nite at the Lab again, and tonight's topic of the weekly lecture series is cranberries. This is certainly the time -- and the place; cranberries play an important role in Wisconsin's agricultural economy. Emeritus Professor of Horticulture Brent McCown will speak on innovations in growing better cranberries and their economic potential. UW Biotechnology Center Auditorium, 425 Henry Mall, 7 p.m., free. Call 265-2420 for more info.
Saturday, November 19
Allons, enfants de la Wisconsin -- Le Ruby Nouveau est arrivé! Yes, Wisconsin has its own version of Beaujolais Nouveau, from Prarie du Sac's tasting party today to debut its 2011 vintage of Ruby Nouveau, which will be accompanied by paired cheese samples, tours, and live music. You might even spy an eagle while you're there. Wollersheim Winery, 7876 Hwy. 188, Prairie du Sac, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free. Call 608-643-6515 for more info.
While baking for the holidays always seems like a good idea in theory, what are the chances that you'll actually do so and not end up running out to a certain national store that sells lots of frozen goodies that are oh-so-easy to pop in the oven? Yeah, we thought so. Then the Dial-A-Baklava sale is for you. The good folks of the fundraiser. More plus: Greek coffee and pastries will be on hand at their Kafeneion (café). Three words to keep in mind: while quantities last. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 11 N. 7th St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 274-639 for more info.
More events this week
Wednesday, November 16
Wine tasting, an annual fundraiser for the , featuring Spanish, Chilean, and Argentine wines from Cardinal Bar, 418 E. Wilson St., 5-8 p.m., $40. Call 712-2520 for more info.
Gluten Free Cooking Group with Judy Haight: Seasonal Breads class, with students preparing vegan soy-free yeast-raised dinner rolls and baking powder-leavened pumpkin 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.
Thursday, November 17
Beaujolais Nouveau release party, a tasting celebration marking the new vintage of Beajolais Nouvea by Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 5-7 p.m., free. Call 233-9566 for more info.
Screening of Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave., 7 p.m., $7. Call 241-8633 for more info.
In the Kitchen with Cathy: Raw Traditions cooking class, with instructor Cathy Thomas demonstrating how to make a raw harvest feast, with dishes that include stuffing and pumpkin pie. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Friday, November 18
Pies for Ponies, a fundraiser for , 3003 Town Hall Rd., Mount Horeb, orders invited through November 18, pick-up from noon-7 p.m. on November 23, $10 per pie. Call 774-2526 for more info.
OxFam America Hunger Banquet, an annual educational dinner hosted by OxFam America, with an organic, vegan meal served in portions commensurate with three "income levels" of diners selected by lottery. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 5 p.m., free. Call 206-6219 for more info.
Thanksgiving Basket donations, with the Dane County Food Pantry Network working with the Thanksgiving meals, complete with turkey and fixin's, to 1,000 families in the region, to be distributed from November 20-23. Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., donations accepted from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on November 14-17 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on November 18, with volunteers also needed for sorting and distribution. See Facebook and call 241-1574 x. 279 for more info.
Saturday, November 19
Holiday Craft Fair at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Dr., Sun Prairie, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., free admission. Call 837-3798 for more info.
Madison Women's Expo, an annual two-day information and sales exhibition, featuring exhibits on food, fitness, fashion, careers, crafts, and more. Alliant Energy Center-Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $7. See Facebook and call 848-6705 for more info.
Gingerbread Casas for CASA, an annual two-day holiday-themed benefit in support of Holiday Art Fair at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, donations requested to decorate. Call 358-4448 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.
Peace, Love & Spaghetti, a 10th anniversary celebration and fundraiser for the Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 5-8 p.m., $12 or $10 advance for adults and $6 or $5 advance for kids. Call 695-2695 for more info.
Sunday, November 20
International Fair Trade Holiday Sale at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Rd., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 271-7212 for more info.
Savory Sunday, with volunteers need to prepare and serve a fresh, hot meal for the hungry, now serving once again in the Wisconsin Capitol cafeteria. Lutheran Campus Center, 5 N. Mills St., 11 a.m. Call 233-6967 for more info.
Holiday Fair & Angel Tea, an annual , featuring a bake sale, a tea party, craft vendors, and more. Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Hwy. M, Middleton, noon-4 p.m., free admission. Call 698-6826 for more info.
Tuscan olive oil tasting, featuring Terry and Debra Hart discussing the olive oil harvest (la raccolta) at the Lombardi family estate Sardine, 617 Williamson St., 3:30 p.m., $25. Call 441-1600 for more info.
The Dish launch party, a celebration of a new UW-Madison student food publication named Union South-Varsity Hall, 1308 W. Dayton St., 7-10 p.m. See Facebook and call 263-2600 for more info.
Monday, November 21
Party in a Snap cooking class, with instructor Hallie Klecker of the blog 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
Thursday, November 24
Free Thanksgiving Meal at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, working with the St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St., noon, free. Please RSVP by noon on November 21 for home delivery, and call 251-8405 for more info.
Free Thanksgiving Meal at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave., noon-2 p.m., free. Please RSVP betweeen 3-5 p.m. on November 23 for home delivery, and call 256-4357 for more info.
Free Thanksgiving Meal at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1609 University Ave., noon-3 p.m., free. Please RSVP by 4 p.m. on November 21 for home delivery, and call 233-9751 for more info.
