Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008

First Course

Vietnamese appetizer

Shrimp rolls will be on the menu when Annie Thu Henrich teaches how to make this Vietnamese appetizer. Participants will learn to hand roll rice paper filled with cooked shrimp, pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs and bean sprouts. "You will also learn to prepare a savory peanut sauce to go with the fresh rolls," said Henrich. "You will sample your own summer rolls and sip on freshly brewed Vietnamese iced coffee." Cost is $25, with a $15 materials fee. The class will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Direct Appliance, 2424 McHenry Ave., Modesto. To register, call Modesto Junior College Community Education at 575-6063 or visit www.mjc.edu.

Market cheese tasting

Cheese from around the state will be featured at Saturday's farmers market in downtown Modesto. Participating vendors include Marin French Cheese and Mozzarella Fresca. The Modesto Certified Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to noon Thursdays and Saturdays at 16th and H streets, next to the library.

See chefs in action

The Modesto Art & Wine Festival will feature cooking demonstrations with chefs from Modesto restaurants Galletto, Vito's, Tresetti's, Clayton's and Étouffeé. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday around J at 11th street. Tickets are $10 for adults. For more information, call 529-3369.

That's a lot of dough

The first 100 people in line on opening day of Boudin SF in Stockton will receive a complimentary Boudin sourdough bread every day for one year. The bakery/eatery opens at 9 a.m. Monday at 5615 Pacific Ave., in Stonecreek Village. For more information, call 952-2000 or visit www.boudinbakery.com.