This weekend offers one of the best and most convenient ways to order a Mediterranean meal without having to travel far. The 45th annual Greek Festival will be under way 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Sacramento Convention Center, 13th and J streets.
The $5 general admission gets you in the door, where you can buy Greek cuisine samples. Each day there will be cooking demonstrations and entertainment. For details and information about free and discounted admission, call (916) 443-2033 or visit www.sacramentogreek festival.com.
Apple Hill ripe for visit
This is opening weekend at Apple Hill, east of Sacramento near Camino on Highway 50. There will be all kinds of events throughout the fall, featuring lots more than apples. The Apple Hill Growers Association schedule of events for the 50-plus ranches can be found at www.applehill.com, or call (530) 644-7692.
Cheese and sausage
Say "cheese" and head up to Placerville on Sept. 9 to learn about making cheese, then follow that up with some sausage know-how Sept. 16. The free instruction is provided by the Master Food Preservers of the University of California's Cooperative Extension. Classes are 10 a.m. to noon, 311 Fair Lane. Details: (530) 621-5503 or ceeldorado.ucdavis.edu.
A Scandinavian delight
Mark your calendar for the Scandinavian Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at Divine Savior Catholic Church, 9079 Greenback Lane, Orangevale. A $4 admission gets you in the door, where you can pony up for baked goods and other cuisine inspired by the Danes, Finns, Norwegians and Swedes. For details, call (916) 682-4888 or (916) 987-8193.
Sake Fest is coming
It's still a month off, but you might want to make note of the Northern California Premium Sake Fest, to be held Oct. 1 at the Sheraton Grand, 1230 J St., Sacramento. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday. Cost is $55 in advance and includes such sake flavors as Fuji apple, lychee and blueberry . For reservations, call (916) 373-1111, ext. 120. Proceeds benefit the UC Davis Children's Hospital and the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation.
Submit items about cooking classes, food and wine festivals – most anything you want to share with fellow foodies – to Potluck via an e-mail to taste@sacbee.com.
