Grab your antihistamines and clear your palate. There are several culinary events coming up in the near future that you may want to schedule (if you aren't sneezing every two minutes):

Old Soul Friday Night BBQs
Starting tonight, Old Soul at the Weatherstone (812 21st btw. H and I) is holding the "first of many" Friday Night BBQs. Join them on the patio for Baby Back Ribs (Bledsoe pork, of course), homemade corn bread, and greens. Price is $7 per person, which sounds like a tasty deal. They will begin serving at 4 pm and go until 7 pm or so (or until sold out). I'd bet on getting there on the early side.

New Co-op Classes Scheduled
The newest cooking class schedule is out at the Sac Co-op. Sign up for a series, like Spring in the Mediterranean or The Indian Oven, or try a single class. Popular Co-op instructor Shankari Easwaran and I are teaming up to lead a class on April 15 on One Vegetable Five Ways. We'll show you how to incorporate tender, fresh spinach into five different international dishes. You can also sign up for gardening, composting, and kid and teen cooking classes. See the full schedule or call 916-455-2667.

Wine Appreciation Class
Beginning May 13, Corti Brothers wine merchant Donal Smith will again offer his introductory class. Over three Tuesdays evenings, Donal will help you taste and discuss California and international wines. You learn to indentify major grape varietals, buy and cellar wines, understand the meaning of "terroir," and taste and match hors d'oeuvres with the wines. Contact Donal at 916-203-4641 or donalswines@yahoo.com. Classes held at the Art Foundry Gallery, 1021 R St., May 13, 20, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. $90 gets you handouts, support materials, and all the wine and food you can taste during each class session.