Every Wednesday we post delicious educational opportunities in New York for the approaching weekend and the following week. All classes listed still have openings, but if you hear otherwise, please let us know.

'Techniques of Asian Cooking' at ICE
Monday, December 1, through Thursday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, $425
Learn the ins and outs of wok cooking, identifying ingredients and types of rice, making sushi, and preparing dishes in Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines. Dishes include pad thai, green & red curries, Filipino adobo, pork potstickers, pan-fried ramen with beef and broccoli, grilled eggplant with miso sauce, and coconut mango rice--to name a few.
The Institute of Culinary Education, 50 West 23rd Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan; 800-522-4610; web.iceculinary.com for more info and registration

'Desserts First' at Murray's Cheese
Monday, December 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., $75
Mmmmm. This is advertised as a "decadent tasting of after dinner duos." Get ready to taste some luscious wine and cheese. There are 4 seats available.
Murray's Cheese, 254 Bleecker Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan; 212-243.3289; murrayscheese.com for info and registration

'Italian Fish and Shellfish Intensive' at the Italian Culinary Academy
Tuesday, December 2 through Tuesday, December 9 (Tuesdays and Thursdays), 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., $825
This three session class is focused on Italian seafood dishes, cooking alongside the academy's best instructors. You'll have your own workstation in a really awesome (I know, I've been there) Italian kitchen.
Italian Culinary Academy, 462 Broadway (at Grand Street), Manhattan; 888-324-CHEF; italianculinaryacademy.com for info and registration

More classes--and a free NYPL lecture--after the jump.

'Holiday Bootcamp - Are You Ready for the Madness?' at the Chelsea Wine Vault
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m., $30
Get cracking with your holiday wine knowledge and learn to pair with seafood, roasts, and brunch dishes.
Chelsea Wine Vault, 75 Ninth Avenue (at 16th Street), Manhattan; 212-462-4244; chelseawinevault.com for info and registration

'Gifts of Food: Crafting Edible Presents for the Holidays' at Whole Foods Bowery
Wednesday, December 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., $35
Susan Simon, author of The Nantucket Holiday Table, leads a demo, tasting, and hands-on class all about creating edible gifts for the holidays. The menu includes cranberry syrup, caramelized fruits and nuts, and Leila Coffin Ray's potato fudge.
Whole Foods Bowery, 95 East Houston Street (at Bowery), Manhattan; 212-420-1320; acetva.com for info and registration

'Develop Your Nose: France vs. Australia & New Zealand' at Astor Center
Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $95
Join David Lombardo of Landmarc for a dinner table discussion and wine tasting. Dinner will NOT be served, but there will be bread and cheese.
Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street (at East 4th Street), Manhattan; 212-674-7501; astorcenternyc.com for info and registration

'Holiday Cocktails' at ICC
Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $195
This demo and tasting, a collaboration with Edible Manhattan, provides tips for perfect cocktails by utilizing the farmers' market, classic recipes, and experimental ingredients.
International Culinary Center, 462 Broadway (at Grand Street), Manhattan; 888-324-CHEF; internationalculinarycenter.com for info and registration

'Travel Writing with a Culinary Focus' at ICE
Wednesday, December 3, 7 to 9:30 p.m., $75
Saveur editor-at-large Sofia Perez delves into culinary travel writing for food and travel publications--from prep to reporting to recipes to pitches.
The Institute of Culinary Education, 50 West 23rd Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan; 800-522-4610; web.iceculinary.com for more info and registration

'Seasons Meatings' at Murray's Cheese
Thursday, December 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., $50
Murray's VP Liz Thorpe sets the record straight on cured meats and provides plenty of tips for entertaining with this easily stored "ancient fast food." 8 seats available.
Murray's Cheese, 254 Bleecker Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan; 212-243.3289; murrayscheese.com for info and registration

Free Lecture

'Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine," with Marion Nestle' at the Mid-Manhattan New York Public Library
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 p.m., free
Marion Nestle discusses food safety and how it affects pets, farm animals, and people.
Mid-Manhattan Library, 40th Street at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan; 212-340-0883; nypl.org for info