FRI. MAR 1 •• 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Date Night: April in Paris

•• Hands-On
“I never knew the charm of spring, never knew my heart could sing…” Paris truly is for lovers. It's a city with charm where visitors are quickly swept up with the magic and the cuisine. Visit the “City of Light” for an evening celebrating wonderful Parisian food and culture.  What have you done to my heart!  MENU: Cheese Tart & Mesclun Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette; Coquilles St. Jacques Parisienne; Provençal Braised Lamb with Potatoes; and Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce. $120 per couple

To register go to:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

SAT. MAR 2••9:30 am -12:30 pm

New Orleans Brunch

•• Hands-On

New Orleans is known for its lavish brunches and elaborate egg dishes, where plates are loaded with local foods and no one leaves the table hungry. You will work in groups to create three recipes and, as you cook up some New Orleans brunch favorites, learn all the skills for hosting a delicious brunch. We'll make some Mimosas, sit down to enjoy our feast, and give a toast to the Crescent City! Each group will create one eggs benedict recipe. MENU: Pain Perdue with Mixed Berry Compote; Shrimp & Grits Cakes Benedict Stack with Asparagus; and Corn Cakes Benedict with Ham & Swiss Cheese Sauce;

$65

To register go to:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Our Prepared Foods team is bowl-ing for bragging rights! Our chefs and friendly competitors will be sampling and serving up their homemade gumbo varieties, perfect for warming up what looks to be a chilly afternoon. Try one, try them all, and pick your favorite!

Shed Winter’s chill and dullness with a free mini-facial and Visia Complexion Analysis (a $200 value), compliments of MyChelle Dermaceuticals. We'll have some sips and nibbles on hand, as well as other surprises--sign up at our Whole Body desk, and join the festivities on our Third Level.

And if you're also looking to ease away tension, make your way to our Whole Body department, where Elements Therapeutic Massage will provide chair massages. A suggested donation to Whole Planet Foundation can extend your massage time!

MON. MAR 4 •• 6:30-8:30p                      

Fast & Fresh Weeknights

•• Demonstration

Finding it hard to get healthy dinners on the table on hectic weeknights? Begin building a repertoire of simple, fast, and healthful dishes that your whole family will enjoy without sending your schedule into overdrive. We’ll share some of our favorite weeknight recipes using fresh ingredients that pack in great flavors. These are dinners you can feel good about serving and great about eating! MENU: Southwestern Grass-Fed Steak Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing; Thai Shrimp Curry with Jasmine Rice; and Chicken with Leeks, Watercress, & Radish with White Wine Sauce. $35

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket,com/saludcharlotte

TUES. MAR 5 •• 6:30 – 8:30p

Kitchen Techniques for Healthy Cooking

••Demonstration

Ready to learn how to incorporate the Health Starts Here™ guidelines in your kitchen?  See first-hand the tips, techniques, and shortcuts she uses in her own kitchen. In this class you will learn how to sauté without processed oils, how to substitute fruit-based sweeteners for sugar, how to create creamy, delicious dairy substitutes and tasty, low sodium options, as well as the practice of batch cooking, and flavorful, recipe add-ins. 

 MENU: Green Garbanzo Guacamole; Green Salad with 1-2-3 Dressing Ideas; Spiced Sweet Potato & Spinach Soup; Cajun Grass-Fed Beef Skillet Dinner; and Cocoa-Oat Truffles. $35

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

WED. MAR 6 •• 6 – 9pm

Spring in Northern Italy

•• Hands-On

Italy is a country well-endowed with the extraordinary and its food is no exception. Shaped by its history and certainly its landscape, the food of Northern Italy is as varied as its art. Students will discover the breadth of its cuisine while preparing authentic dishes celebrating Spring. La dolce vita! MENU: Crespelle with Spinach, Proscuitto & Parmesan Filling; Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops in White Wine with Egg and Lemon; Agrodolce Onions; Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus; and Ricotta Fritters. $65

REGISTER NOW

THUR. MAR 7•• 6-9p

Knife Skills & Basics

•• Hands-On

Jump-start your cooking skills in this relaxed, fun-filled class. We will get you on your cooking feet, teaching you how to use knives skillfully, safely, and efficiently and the proper way to sharpen and care for your knives. You will practice proper techniques and timesaving skills for slicing, dicing, and chopping and in the process, prepare a lovely meal. You will also learn the basics of sautéing and making a pan sauce. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy sitting down to enjoy the meal that you prepared. Your mother would be so proud! Students are requested to please bring a chef’s and paring knife to class, but a knife is not required. MENU: Potato & Leek Soup; Easy Vegetable Stir Fry; Sautéed Chicken Breast with Mushrooms & Pan Sauce; and Rustic Apple Tart. $49

REGISTER NOW

FRI. MAR 8 •• 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Wines from Chile & Argentina Tasting

•• Demonstration

In the last 30 years, spectacular new vineyards have developed in Chile and Argentina producing phenomenal wines. Most of the wines made in these two countries are international varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and others) but there are notable differences between the two countries including Chile’s Carmenere and Sauvignon Gris and Argentina’s Malbec and Torrontes. Join us for a tasting and discussion on the development of these vineyards and experience for yourself the magnificent wines from Chile and Argentina. $19

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

SAT.MAR 9••9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kids Cook: A Special Weekend Breakfast

For ages 10 -12

 •• Hands-On

Kids will learn to make breakfast all by themselves as they measure, whisk, knead, and pour their way through the morning.  At the end of class they will proudly serve breakfast to a special invited guest. Guests are invited to arrive promptly at 11:30am. MENU: Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup; Egg and Cheese Baked Frittata; Easy Breakfast Potatoes; Candied Bacon; and Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits. $35 per child and 1 invited adult guest

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Your local Whole Foods Market is one of the stores across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that will simultaneously crack and sample more than 400 wheels of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano at 3 p.m. EST! Join us at this fun and entertaining sight to see (and taste).

Come a little early (between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and take advantage of some Parm-a-licious recipe samples from our department teams.

Breaking into a wheel of our 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano is like cracking open a bit of happiness. And our cheesemongers take cracking these wheels very seriously. There is a centuries-old art to opening the cheese wheels by using official tools (five different types of knives) so the internal crystalline structure and crumbly texture is left intact.

SAT. MAR 9 •• 3:30 – 6:30 pm

EAT THIS NOW! A Celebration of Spring Ingredients

••Hands-On

Nothing causes butterflies in the tummy quite like spring! Blink, and you might miss its fleeting harvest and that sublime anticipation of abundance to come. We’ve captured the excitement in this hands-on class devoted to the ingredients of the season—arriving at their peak from local farms, straight to our communal table. MENU: Spring Lettuces with Caramelized Walnuts and Goat Cheese Crisps; Heritage Pork Roast with Wild Mushroom Sauce; Carolina Gold Asparagus Risotto; and Sweet Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake with Crème Anglaise. $65

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Make a difference in the lives of female entrepreneurs worldwide at this special afternoon event. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and wine sampling while perusing an array of art and other items on display for silent auction. All money raised will benefit Whole Planet Foundation, which funds poverty alleviation in 49 countries where Whole Foods Market sources products, and empowers impoverished women living in these communities to expand or create a home-based business through microcredit loans.

TUES.MAR 12 ••6-9pm

••Hands On

Farm to Table:  Carolina Spring Harvest

Guest Chef Cassie Parsons, Harvest Moon Grille

Join us for a delightful evening with local farmer and chef Cassie Parsons.  Chef Cassie is passionate about local food and flavor.  She prides herself in fresh, tasty food that is true to nature.  She will share stories of her farming and restaurant experience and help you prepare a fabulous meal from fresh, local ingredients. $65

To REGISTER:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

WED.MAR 13 •• 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Healthy Eating Made Easy

•• Demonstration

Ready to learn how to incorporate the Health Starts Here™ guidelines in your kitchen?  See first-hand the tips, techniques, and shortcuts she uses in her own kitchen. In this class you will learn how to sauté without processed oils, how to substitute fruit-based sweeteners for sugar, how to create creamy, delicious dairy substitutes and tasty, low sodium options, as well as the practice of batch cooking, and flavorful, recipe add-ins.  MENU: Green Smoothies Made Easy; Quick Breakfast Couscous; Mighty Bowl of Goodness; and Southwest Sweet Potato Scramble. $35

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

What will you find at the end of the rainbow? Join us on a scavenger hunt around the store, with each discovery earning you a treasure on your way to a sweet reward for the expedition. All ages welcome.

THUR. MAR 14 •• 6:30 -8:30 pm

Appetite For Asia: Korea

•• Demonstration
You’ll learn the traditional technique to fashion Korean dumplings, grind your own house-made chili powder, and fire up the grill for some classic Korean barbecue. Oh, and for those of you who think kimchee’s just a trend, discover why this delightful hot, sweet, and fermented food has been a staple of Korean cuisine throughout the ages. MENU: Take-Home Kimchee; Bulgogi (barbecued beef); Yachae Mandoo (vegetable dumplings); and Jap Chae (glass noodles with vegetables). $40

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

FRI. MAR 15 •• 6:30 – 7:30 pm

St. Patty’s Day Beer Tasting

•• Demonstration

When St. Patrick's Day rolls around, it seems there's a wee bit o' the Irish in most of us. Join us for a discussion and tasting of a selection of beers from Ireland. You’ll enjoy them along with special Irish cheeses and soda bread with Irish butter. Don’t miss this special celebration on St. Patrick’s Day! $19

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

SAT. MAR 16 •• 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

French Pastry: Doughs You Knead to Know

•• Demonstration

Julia Child called French pastries “one of the true arts.” In the first of a series of two-part classes, you’ll create three classic doughs—puff pastry, croissant and brioche—and turn them into masterpieces that will be the centerpiece of your dessert table.   Participants in this hands-on class will also learn the proper techniques in rolling, kneading and sifting.  A light lunch will be served.

MENU: Puff Pastry, used to make Palmiers, Turnovers and Brie en Croûte; Croissant Pastry, used to make Classic Croissants and Pain au Chocolate; and Brioche, used to make Brioche Buns. $59

to register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Join us for the keynote event of our Whole Planet Foundation Prosperity campaign. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. we’ll be serving up ready-to-go meals for a suggested donation to Whole Planet Foundation. Throughout the day we'll also sample products from our Supplier Alliance for Microcredit members, and Charlotte-based Oneaka Dance Company will be onsite for some scheduled performances.

SAT. MAR 16 ••  3:30 – 6:30 pm

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 •• Hands-On

Ages 6-9
Young gourmets will have the opportunity to cook and have fun in the kitchen with an authentic menu from Mexico. Your little niño will learn how to work with some of the ingredients and flavors in Mexican cooking as they whip up a table full of Mexican favorites. MENU: Authentic Guacamole; Chicken Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce; Ranch Beans; Mexican Rice and Churros with Mexican Chocolate Sauce. $35

To Register

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

MON. MAR 18 •• 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Meatless Mondays!

•• Demonstration
Discover delicious ways to turn some of your favorite meat dishes like chili, burgers, and pasta Bolognese into delicious hearty vegetarian dishes with big flavors. You’ll pack lots of fiber and nutrients into your diet, and won’t even miss the beef as you learn healthy and fabulous dishes for three meatless Mondays! MENU: Pasta Primavera ‘Bolognese’ with Basil Pesto; 5-Bean Chipotle Chili with Cheddar; and Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce. $35

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Health starts with you! Join us as we traverse the aisles of Whole Foods Market to explore the healthy options we offer. We’ll cover all the basics to help get you started and hopefully introduce you to a few new pantry staples.

Our friends at NoDa Brewing Company always are impressing us with their small-batch, premium craft beers. In fact, their label is a draft staple at our Queen’s Corner bar. Now they’ve gone above and beyond in welcoming Whole Foods Market to Charlotte—they’ve brewed up something just for us. Even better: They invited NoDa Brewing Company and Whole Foods Market fans alike to name it!

The winning entry: Weizen Up.

As part of Charlotte Craft Beer Week, join NoDa Brewing Company owners Suzie and Todd Ford at our Queen's Corner bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., when we'll be sampling Weizen Up along with some nibbles from our chef's kitchen. Can't wait until 5 p.m? We'll have Weizen Up on draft ($4 pints) during the Queen's Corner's regular hours (noon to 9:30 p.m).
 

WED. MAR 20 •• 6:30 – 8:30 pm

India: A Cook’s Tour
•• Demonstration
Explore the mysterious tastes, textures, and aromas of Indian cooking as you take a hands-on cooking tour. In addition to cooking fabulously flavorful Indian fare, you’ll learn about the exotic and aromatic spices employed in Indian cuisine and discover some of the interesting ingredients that are unfamiliar to Western palates. MENU: Tandoori-Style Shrimp; Mughlai Chicken with Almonds & Raisins, Spiced Basmati Rice; Yogurt with Walnuts & Fresh Coriander; and Drunken Orange Slices. $40

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

THUR. MAR 21 •• 6:00-8:30 pm              
 Sushi Workshop
•• Hands-On
You will work hands-on to discover the techniques for making and rolling sushi. You’ll learn the basics including making and forming sushi rice, assembling fillings, and rolling ingredients using a bamboo mat to make beautifully shaped sushi. Of course, a glass of sake will complete our evening! MENU: Inside-Out California Rolls; Nigiri Sushi (Hand-Pressed Sushi with Salmon & Tuna); Spicy Tuna Rolls; and Cucumber Rolls. $59

To Register

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

What we eat influences our health in so many ways, and unfortunately, too many of us are living with a crucially weakened immune function. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., a leading expert and board-certified medical specialist in prevention and reversing disease, presents a complete guide to exceptional health. Based on scientific research, Super Immunity details how we can become almost totally resistant to colds, influenza and other infections.

FRI. MAR 22•• 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Wines of Italy

•• Demonstration

Italy may be viewed as one long vineyard offering up glorious wine selections from north to south. The wines of Italy can offer a challenge to any wine lover, first because of the dramatic differences posed by the various soils and climates of the many regions and then because of the astounding variety of grapes, each with its own character and its own story. This class will familiarize students with the essentials of Italian wine, including the effects of geography on wine production and the Italian wine classification system. Students will be guided through the diverse wine country traditionally known as Enotria­­­­, “The Land of Wine,” tasting glorious wine selections from north to south. $19

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

SAT. MAR 23 •• 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Easter Brunch Buffet with a Southern Accent

•• Hands-On

Easter in the South means family time. Each dish in this menu can be made in advance, so the cook or host has plenty of time to make the Easter egg hunt and return in time to serve a wonderful meal to family and friends!

MENU: Deviled Shrimp-Stuffed Eggs; Bacon-Asparagus Strata; Ginger Bourbon Glazed Ham; Heavenly Angel Food Cake with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting; and Champagne Easter Punch. $55

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Sample your way around the store, and vote for the most egg-celent recipe! We'll also have a themed "photo booth" and natural egg dyeing for the kids.

SAT. MAR 23 •• 5 – 8pm
Date Night: Chocolate Desserts

 •• Hands-On
Calling all chocolate lovers! Join us as we spend an evening celebrating all things chocolate while making a host of fabulous chocolate desserts. Students practice the techniques for soufflés, rolling and shaping truffles, and making perfect brownies. And remember, what happens in chocolate class, stays in chocolate class! Each couple takes home a selection of desserts made in class. A light dinner will be served. MENU: Chocolate Amaretto Soufflés; Chocolate Brownies; Truffles; and White Chocolate Ginger Cheesecake Bars. $120 per couple 

To register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

A la street and stadium vendors, we’ll have a roaming hot dog cart in the store for an on-the-go lunch for just $2. All money raised from hot dog sales will help Whole Planet Foundation help a million more people change their lives by funding poverty alleviation worldwide.

This is a group for those interested in coming together and talking about healthy eating. Our special guest this month is Diane Stoner, NASM-CPT, and her husband, who will discuss their journey to a plant-based diet and answer questions. Diane is a vegan who completed her first marathon in 1996 and has continued to pursue her passion as a distance runner over the years, including at the Boston Marathon. Her focus is now geared toward Ironman triathlons.

TUES. March 26•• 6 -9 pm

Just Rustic Enough!  Italian Comforts for the Busy Cook

••Hands On

With Marco Lubrano, La Cucina Di Marco

Marco Lubrano began making fresh pasta and ravioli when he was five years old with his “Mamma Anna” in Casale Monferrato in the Northwest region of Piedmont, Italy.  During a relaxing evening of cooking together, Marco will share his knowledge of Italian food through the history, culture and legends surrounding the fabulous home-style food you will prepare and enjoy. $65.

REGISTER NOW

WED. MAR 27 •• 6-9pm

Hors d’Oeuvres for Spring

•• Hands-On

(Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Charlotte only)

Let’s pop open the Champagne and get ready for your next soirée! Whether you want fresh ideas for things to bring to a party or you’re hosting your own, learn a host of delicious and festive little bites that will make any party fabulous. MENU: Thai Steak Lettuce Cups; Pimento Cheese & Prosciutto Toasts; Chile-Lime Peanuts; Three-Onion Chipotle Dip; and Ricotta & Sage Meatballs. $55

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

THUR. MAR 28 •• 6:30 – 8:30 pm

The Cheese Board

 •• Demonstration

(Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Charlotte only)

Whether it’s the smooth, buttery, and elegant Explorateur triple crème, the subtle nutty flavor of the Morbier, or the lush and creamy Gorgonzola Piccante, the penetrating aromas and complex tastes of fine cheeses are a delight to the senses. Come experience the pleasures of cheese by tasting the best cheese-makers have to offer. Learn how cheeses are classified and how variations in geography, milk, pasteurization, and aging produce an incredible variety of tastes and textures. Students learn how to choose cheese at its peak, storage tips, and how to create a balanced tasting board for entertaining. $25

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

FRI. MAR 29 •• 6-9pm

Girls’ Night Out: Evening on the Mediterranean

•• Hands-On

(Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Charlotte only)

The Mediterranean is known for its translucent waters and spectacular vistas, as well as its exquisite climate and cuisine. Spend the night cooking with your girlfriends and learn how to prepare healthy Mediterranean dishes with big flavors and go home with the know-how to recreate for your next party. What a fun way to go out!
MENU: Moroccan Phyllo Cups with Almonds, Raisins, Carrots, & Chicken; Artichoke Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Herbed Goat Cheese;, Charred Tomatoes, & Saffron Rice; and Lemon Pudding Cake & Macerated Berries. $55; $95 per pair.

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte
 

SAT. MAR 30 •• 9:30 – 10:30am

Easter Treats for Tots

For ages 2 & 3 with one parent
•• Hands-On
Even the smallest family members can get in on the Easter festivities! This hands-on class allows each child participant and one parent to make snacks and sweets and then share their recipes with the rest of the family.

MENU: Bunny Munch and Frosted Sugar Cookies. Snacks will be served during class. $19

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

Join us for live music and specials to celebrate Charlotte’s support of Whole Planet Foundation.

SAT. MAR 30 •• 12:30am – 1:30pm

Easter Treats for Preschoolers

For ages 4 & 5 with one parent

•• Hands-On
Even the smallest family members can get in on the Easter festivities! This hands-on class allows each child participant and one parent to make snacks and sweets and then share their recipes with the rest of the family.

MENU: Bunny Munch and Frosted Sugar Cookies. Snacks will be served during class. $19

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte

SAT. MAR  30 ••3-5 pm
Easter Treats for Every Bunny

Ages 6-9: no adult necessary

 •• Hands-On
In this hands-on class, older children gain kitchen confidence while creating a variety of treats fit for any Easter basket. They’ll get to frost cookies, assemble snacks and learn that sweet doesn’t always mean sugar. A light lunch will be served.

MENU: Easter Cookies with Buttercream Frosting; Bunny Munch; Peter Cotton Tail Bars; and Spring Nests. Snacks will be served during class. $2

To Register:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte