• © Jamesbox | dreamstime.com
• Braised pork ribs

Sit for a five-course feast of handcrafted Chinese fare from chef Vicky Regia. Start the evening with sesame-and-shiitake congee, then move on to smoked-duck salad, braised pork ribs, and hand-pulled noodles with Chinese sausage, shrimp and veggies. Savor a sweet, gingery "bird's nest" soup to finish. A vegetarian option is available.

Chinese New Year Dinner: Friday, February 16, 6-8 p.m., Brandon Music. $45, reservations required. Info, 247-4295, brandon-music.net.

More food events

Introduction to Smelting: Fishermen review the equipment and techniques used to effectively catch smelt through the ice. Thursday, February 15, 4-7 p.m., Waterbury Reservoir. Free, preregister. Info, 265-2279, vtfishandwildlife.com.

1ST Republic Beer Dinner: Chef Darrell Langworthy pairs hush puppies, bulgogi and pesto chicken kebabs with brews by Shawn Trout and Kevin Jarvis. Saturday, February 17, 6-9 p.m., 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction. $65; reservations required. Info, 857-5318, 1strepublicbrewingco.com.

Cheese 101: Learn Cheese Basics: Cheesemonger Rory Stamp guides participants through tasting, selecting and pairing cheese at this hands-on class. Sunday, February 18, noon-1:30 p.m., Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Café, Burlington. $45, preregister. Info, 865-2368, dedaluswine.com.