Classy Stuff--This Time At Charlie Palmer, Bloomie's

OK, so Marché Moderne's cooking classes are all booked up - as I noted last week. But if you're quick off the mark you can sign up for one of the "kitchen technique" classes at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's, South Coast Plaza. According to our sources, they're likely to sell out very quickly.

Running from April through August, the classes--which have marvelous names such as "Poaching--The Lost Art"--cost $75 per person, but that also includes a three-course meal in the restaurant. Two are being taught by Palmer himself, the rest are with Executive Chef Amar Santana.

But if you're too slow off the mark with those, it's worth considering a Winemaker Dinner ($130; the next ones are Roar Vineyards on March 23 and Cakebread Cellars on April 27) or, if your budget doesn't stretch that far, a regular wine tasting, held on Tuesdays from 5 to 6.30pm ($35). These also have interesting themes, among them "New Zealand--
Not Just Sauvignon Blanc" and Unusual Whites--Off the Beaten Path and Truly Worth the Journey".

For further details on the cooking classes, click here. For the Winemaker Dinners and wine tastings, click here.

Reservations are required for all classes, dinners and tastings - call (714) 352-2525.