Learn to cook: Tacos at Paco's

Owner Frank Scibelli and big chef Tim Groody will lead a cooking (and eating) class next Wednesday, June 27, at Paco's Tacos, in the Specialty Shops at the Park, 6401 Morrison Blvd.

The class will cover three Tex-Mex courses, including Unholy Guacamole and Roasted Tomato Salsa, Angus al Pastor Tacoes with roasted pineapple slaw and peach cornbread cake with peach and tequila caramel. All courses will include beer pairings from George Allen of Carolina Premium Beverage.

The class starts at 7 p.m. and costs $40. Seating is limited, so you need a rez: 704-716-8226 (TACO).

Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend gets closer

February and March are flying by in such a blur that April will be here in just a few minutes. The every-other-year Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend always feels like that, too: The last one barely seems over when it's time to get ready for the next one.

There's a flurry of news to report:

• Restaurants are pairing up for the April 19 wine and food dinners. There are 20 dinners planned, each matching a visiting winemaker with a local chef. E2 has already jumped in with Domaine Serene and Morton's is paired with Silver Oak. Go here to find the list of dinners and ticket prices. But don't wait -- these dinners sell out quickly.
• You don't think wine is your thing? The official opening event this year is a tequila dinner hosted by Paco's Tacos on April 18 and featuring Don Julio tequilas. It's $75. Go here for details on that.
• This year's Vintner Tasting is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21 at Founder's Hall. This is a great entry-level event for people who want to experience and learn but aren't ready to tackle events like the 1,000-Point Tasting. For $40, you get to experience all the wines featured during the weekend, many poured by the people who make them. I never miss this one and I always experience something that makes it worth my time. Buy tickets here.
• The weekend ends on Sunday with a new one, The Burgers, Bloodies and Brews Brunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 22 at The Green on Tryon. Tickets are $50. Go here for that.

As always, the Wine & Food Weekend is a charity fundraiser. This year raises money for the Council for Children's Rights, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Charlotte Community Health Clinic and Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center.