The Grapes of Math The PBS series "Wired Science" has a segment airing on Wednesday that will focus on scientific advancements in wine production and the effect they have on what ends up in the bottle -- or box. How has technology influenced modern winemaking? Can you engineer a "perfect" crop of grapes? Can an expert taste the difference among the various processes? Experts will explore these topics and more. So swirl your glasses and settle back. "Wired" airs locally at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on TPT Channel 2.
Caribou turns 15 The original Caribou Coffee storefront at 4408 France Av. in Edina celebrates its 15th year on Friday with free candy cane muffins with a coffee order from 10 a.m. to noon, a talk by the chain's resident coffee roasting expert at 12:30, and drawings for prizes all day, including Timberwolves tickets for the Jan. 6 game. All Caribou Coffee locations in Minnesota will offer a Happy Hour special of 15 percent off made-to-order beverages from 2-4 pm. Patrons also may drop off children's books, which Caribou will donate to kids through the Minnesota Literacy Council. Edina Mayor Jim Hovland and Caribou CEO Roz Mallett will be at the store at 8 a.m. to guzzle some caffeine.
Kids' cookbook benefit A new kids' cookbook mixes food, fun and charity. "Kids' Favorites" offers recipes for mix-in-the-pan chocolate cake and tuna burgers, as well as craft recipes such as play dough made with cream cheese, paint made with pudding and the always popular magic slime. Warning: The recipe makes "enough for 15 children." Local author and cooking-school teacher Maurine Shink wrote the book, inspired after a family member was born with a heart defect. To order the $14.95 book, contact Shink at mslabrams@gmail.com or at 612-240-2574. The cookbook also is at The Minneapolis Children's Hospital gift shop. The Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Services Department of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota benefits from the sale of the book.
Wine and food club The Rosewood Room, part of the Visage nightclub in downtown Minneapolis, 400 3rd Av. N., has started a wine and food tasting club that meets the first Tuesday of each month. Cost is $15 at the door or $75 for a six-month membership. Chosen wines will be served with appropriate food selections from 6 to 9 p.m., and door prizes will be offered. For more information, call Jessica at 612-465-8585 or go to www.therosewoodroom.com.
