Eastbayri.com

Vietnamese cuisine

Barrington resident Mai Donahue will teach a three-week course on Vietnamese cuisine at Barrington Middle School beginning Thursday, Feb. 2. In the first workshop, “Pho, Spring Rolls and A Taste of Vietnam,” students will be taught how to recreate her recipes using a wide variety of vegetables and fresh herbs, how to use rice paper to wrap spring and summer rolls and how to make traditional Vietnamese beef or chicken soup (pho bo/pho ga). This class also includes a slide presentation on Vietnam, Mai’s native country. At the Feb. 9 workshop, participants will learn how to make Mai’s own pulled pork banh mi sandwich. The March 1 class is on vegetarian Vietnamese cooking and Ms. Donahue will show the class how to use vegetables, tofu and other ingredients. The sessions will be partially supplemented by hands-on student participation, so bring an apron. You can sign up for all three courses or take individual classes. The cost is $70 for Barrington Community School members and $80 non-members for all three workshops; $25 for members and $35 for non-members for individual sessions. All classes run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, call 401/247-0325 or visit www.barrcommschool.com.

Indoor farmers’ market

The indoor farmers’ market at Mt. Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, continues Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. Devine’s Diner is the band this week, playing Celtic and folk music. Vendors in the barn will include Wicked Natural Products, Maplewood Farm, The Coffee Guy, The Cupcakerie, Foxboro Cheese, The Local Catch, Aquidneck Honey, Aquidneck Farms, Provencal Bakery, Windmist Farm, Mapleville Farm, Wishing Stone Farm, The Reynolds Farm, Hill Orchards and Wholly Granola.

Make artisan cheese

You’ll never want to buy cheese again once you’ve made your own. Come to Seekonk Public Library from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, when Chefs Phillip Griffin and Malinda Coletta will teach participants how to take one gallon of milk and make the best mozzarella and ricotta you’ve ever tasted with only five ingredients. The free program is sponsored by Friends of the Seekonk Library and no registration is necessary. The library is at 410 Newman Ave. For more information, call 508/336-8230.

Food pantry benefit

Enjoy food, friends and music at the third annual Rock the CAN! to benefit the East Bay Food Pantry on Friday, Jan. 27, at Jacky’s Galaxie, 383 Metacom Ave., Bristol. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a free buffet, cash bar and raffles. Tickets are available online (http://eastbayfoodpantry.org) or at the door for $20. For more information, visit the website or call 401/396-9490.

Soup-making demo

A free healthy soup demonstration and open house will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Body Magic, 580 Wood St., Bristol. Chef Ricardo Costa will demonstrate several ways of making low-cost, health-conscious soups that every family will love. Tea-tasting, chair massage and reiki will also be offered. Donations will be excepted to benefit RUFF (Residents United for Furry Friends). Call 401/743-8490 or visit www.bodymagicbykaren.com for more information.

Cooking for the birds

The Audubon Society of R.I. invites bird lovers to the Environmental Education Center on Saturday, Jan. 28, for a morning of making tasty treats for their feathered friends. From 11 a.m. to noon, participants will use some of the recipes in the book “Cooking for the Birds,” by Adele Porter and create fun dinners and desserts for their winged friends. Will you make a Birdie Sundae or maybe Tweet Trail Mix? Come and find out. The fee is $3 per member child, $5 per non-member child and registration is required; call 401/949-5454, ext. 3041 or e-mail programs@asri.org. The Audubon center is located at 1401 Hope St. on the Bristol/Warren town line.

A pasta supper

A pasta supper is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the White Church, 461 County Road, Barrington. It will benefit Girl Scout Troop 426 activities and field trips, including a trip this year to Washington, D.C. Suggested donation is $7 per adult and $5 per child under 12. Tickets are available at the door.

‘Soup’s On’ night

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Department is holding a “Soup’s On” night from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Hydes Fire Station at the corner of Annawamscutt Drive and Metacom Avenue, Bristol. Enjoy several types of soup, bread, salad and dessert and take a chance on raffles for wonderful prizes. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Proceeds will benefit the auxiliary’s scholarship fund.

Pizza Tasting Faceoff

The Barrington/Mt. Hope/Portsmouth Co-op Girls Hockey Team and the Barrington Girls Hockey Association are hosting a Pizza Tasting Faceoff from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, in the Barrington High School cafeteria, Lincoln Avenue. There will be over 15 East Bay pizza restaurants and bakeries represented, along with beverages and desserts. Sample the pizzas and vote for the Best Pizza, Best Crust and Best Cheese. In addition to voting, bid on some silent auction items and take a chance on raffle items. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds support the girls’ hockey program. All gifts are tax-deductible. Tickets are available in advance from any of the players and at the door. For tickets, or more information, contact Louis Larisa at 401/246-1068 or barringtongirlshockeyassn@gmail.com.

Wine with your soup

Warm up with a steaming cup of soup paired with a glass of wine at Sakonnet Vineyards, 162 West Main Road, Little Compton. Each weekend from noon to 4 p.m. in January and February (excluding Feb. 11), Sakonnet Vineyards is offering your choice of two of Blount’s soups with the purchase of a glass of wine for $5. The choices are different each week and the vineyard makes a recommendation for a pairing. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 401/635-8486, ext. 116.

Kitchen make-over

Have a struggling restaurant you want fixed? Gordon Ramsay may be your answer. The host of the Fox hit culinary series, “Kitchen Nightmares,” is seeking nominations for dining establishments in the greater Providence area to be cast for an episode to air during the fifth season. Each week, Chef Ramsay tries to turn one ordinary and empty restaurant into the most popular, sought-after venue in town. To nominate a restaurant, e-mail kitchennightmares@thecolincompany.com. Include the restaurant name, location, website and contact information, as well as a brief explanation of why it should be spotlighted on the show. Restaurants must have been open for at least one year, offer dinner service, not be a franchise or chain, and have at least 35 seats.