Foodie Calendar

Where food and your social life collide: Here are a few culinary excursions happening this month in 417-land.

By Kaitlyn McConnell

Food From Around the World
Take an international culinary excursion this month at Hy-Vee. A series of five classes feature recipes from South America, Italy, France, Japan and China. Each week is a different country, so be prepared to learn a lot of tips, techniques and recipes that you can use in your own home kitchen.
$10 per class; February 1, 6, 11, 18, 28; Hy-Vee, 1720 W. Battlefield, Springfield. Call 417-881-1950 to register for classes.

Make Your Valentine’s Dinner One to Remember
Forget the reservations: This year, make your very own delicious Valentine’s Day feast right at home. Chef Chadwick Isom teaches class participants how to make shrimp cocktail, beef, pork and salmon wellington, chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as tips on pairing it with the perfect wine.
$10, Hy-Vee Club Room, 1720 W. Battlefield, Springfield. February 4. Call 417-881-1950 to register for classes.

Superbowl Party
Make your Superbowl experience one that you don’t have clean up after. This year, 7c’s Winery is hosting a party, complete with two televisions broadcasting the game and an all-you-can-eat buffet full of munchies. You can also accompany that plate of food with some of the winery’s wine and beer selections.
Free to attend, $10 for buffet; February 5; wine is $12–20 a bottle, $5 per glass; beer is $3 a bottle. 502 E. 560th Rd., Walnut Grove. Call 417-788-2263 or log on to 7cswinery.com for more information.

For the Love of Wine and Chocolate
One of the best symbols of romance is the perfect combination of wine and chocolate. Visit the Gourmet Grocer in Branson West for an evening showcasing some of those amazing duos. And it gets better: The tasting is free.
Free, February 10, 5–7 p.m., Gourmet Grocer, 15038 S. Hwy 13, Branson West. Call 417-739-1985 or log on to gourmetgrocerbranson.com for more information.

The Art of Molecular Gastronomy
Chemistry doesn’t just belong in a lab; it also has a place on your dinner plate. Learn how innovation and creativity work together to bring a new style of food to the table. Chef James Clary presents several cutting-edge food-styling techniques in addition to teaching how to use natural chemicals to enhance your cooking.
$25, 6 p.m., February 16, Taste Culinary Classroom by Price Cutter. Visit pricecutteronline.com/taste/ for more information or to register.