Food & Drink

With cocktails and mixology the latest buzz, this class is great if you’re interested in learning more. Join Kris James, chef and culinary instructor, as she teaches you tips and tricks to wow your guests next time you make drinks. She will provide a variety of both drink and appetizer recipes as well as demonstrate techniques to ramp up your culinary skills. $35 member/$45 non-member. 9 a.m. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chanhassen; 952.443.1400; arboretum.umn.edu Read more about Cocktails, Muddling and Simple Syrups

The first Excelsior Girl's Night Out of the season kicks off in downtown Excelsior on Thursday June 5.This season Excelsior Girl's Night Out is partnering with Go Red For Women and the American Heart Association. Come out opening night for exclusive Girl's Night Out store and restaurant specials.  Enjoy live music right on Water St. Meet the women of the Excelsior Fire Department who will be doing hands only CPR demos.  Tour the famous Mammo-a-go-go Mammogram bus or get a mammogram. To schedule a mammogram during the evening of June 5th call 952-993-2900. Read more about Excelsior Girl's Night Out Opening Night

Nothing says summer quite like a farmers’ market with fresh produce and homemade goods. Stroll through the streets of Excelsior, support local farmers and pick up some fresh ingredients for your own meals, from heirloom tomatoes from Ridgeroll Farms to a fresh loaf of bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. This will be the second year in the new location along Water Street. Free. 2 p.m. Downtown Excelsior, Water Street, Excelsior; 763.238.2702; excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com Read more about Excelsior Farmers’ Market

Excelsior Farmers' Market strives to be a local destination where the community can engage with the locally grown healthy food movement. The goal at hand is to promote awareness and education surrounding the food products offered. Read more about Excelsior Farmers' Market

Our annual fundraiser event on Lighthouse Island is THE kick off to the summer social season. The live auction is always interactive and lively as guests bid on ski trips, guided fishing outings, mountain homes and private tours aboard classic boats, and more.  Read more about Lake Minnetonka Sailing School Annual Fundraiser Event

We’ve gathered our favorite gluten-free products and resources for this FREE, jam-packed event—filled with easy meal solutions and snacks for you and your family.

Read more about 7th Annual Gluten-Free Round-up

What better way to celebrate Easter with your family at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum? Come to the arboretum on Easter Sunday for a traditional springtime brunch buffet. After eating, take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy all that spring has to offer. Call for reservations. 952.443.1400. Read more about Easter Bunny Brunch

Valentine’s Day might be over, but here is one more excuse to eat chocolate. This unique self-guided tour provides the opportunity to explore unique bed-and-breakfast inns in the Wisconsin and Minnesota border area, while enjoying several kinds of chocolate. There will be prize drawings, too. Read more about Chocolate March 2014

Who needs Mrs. Butterworth? Forego the store-bought concoction for the real deal. Line up your silver dollar pancakes at the Maple Syrup Festival with freshly tapped maple syrup; you can even tap a tree and boil sap. $5, children under 2 free; discounts are available for groups of four or more Read more about Maple Syrup Festival

Chef Peter is cooking up something saucy this month. Learn how to spice up your dishes with the likes of hollandaise, gravy and marinara. The menu also includes vinaigrette varieties, pesto, caesar, béchamel and rum caramel sauce Read more about Simple Sauce Cooking Class