— COOKING CLASS: “The Italian Experience With Nick Stefanelli” begins L’Academie de Cuisine’s series “Foods of Italy.” Stefanelli is the executive chef at Mio.
$125. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 16006 Industrial Dr., Gaithersburg. For reservations, call 301-670-8670 or go to . — COOKING CLASS: Mother’s Day breakfast-in-bed menu. $45 per pair nonmembers. 9-10:30 a.m. Young Chefs Academy of Rockville, 5626 Randolph Rd. 301-816-2433 or . — FOOD DRIVE: Campbell Soup Co. and the U.S. Postal Service will partner to deliver food to Feeding America for distribution. Place non-perishable food item donations in your mailbox before mail pickup. — COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER: The area’s top bartenders join to celebrate World Cocktail Week with a cocktail hour featuring five specialty drinks, plus dinner. $145. Proceeds benefit the Museum of the American Cocktail. 7 p.m. Proof, 775 G St. NW. Tickets available through . — DESSERT FUNDRAISER: At the Sweet Charity event, local chefs create chocolate and sugar dresses and accessories. Attendees will sample sweet and savory fare along with specialty beer and wine. $95 in advance, $115 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Heart of America Foundation, a children’s literacy organization. 6-9 p.m. Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-347-6278 or . — WINE DINNER: Five-course dinner is paired with Marchesi di Gresy selections and attended by winemaker Alberto di Gresy. $75. 6:30 p.m. Spezie, 1736 L St. NW. 202-467-0777 or . MAY 13
— SPICE LECTURE: Fred Czarra, a professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, talks about facts and fables of spice history. Organized by the Smithsonian Associates. $25 nonmembers. 6:45 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. 202-633-3030 or .