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Social soup discussion

Jen Castle and Blake Spalding, owners of the award-winning Hell's Backbone Grill and authors of "With a Measure of Grace" are the guest speakers at the January edition of "Social Soup." Castle and Spalding will explain how their restaurant is helping residents in Boulder find new ways to improve the local food system. Social Soup, a monthly discussion about the social, economic and environmental issues surrounding food, is sponsored by the University of Utah's Department of Social Work.

When • Wednesday, Jan. 30, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Where • J. Willard Mariott Library, Gould Auditorium, 295 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City

Cost • free; includes free vegetarian soup made with local produce.

Spa Cuisine from The Biggest Loser Resort

Chef Cameron Payne, the chef at the The Biggest Loser Resort near St. George, offers recipes and techniques to guide guests toward healthier cooking at home.

When • Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Where • Harmons Bangerter Crossing, 125 E. 12800 South, Draper

Cost • $65; harmonsgrocery.com

Better burger finalist

Mark Pyne, of Lehi, is one of 10 finalists in Sutter Home Winery's "Build a Better Burger" recipe contest. Pyne's burger, which was inspired by his love of Southern food, includes grilled green tomatoes and a garlic lemon mayonnaise, and is served with shoestring fries and homemade barbecue sauce. Pyne and the other national finalists will compete for the $100,000 grand prize in May during a special cook-off at the Sutter Home Winery in St. Helena, Calif.

Food and science at The Leonardo

"Create What You Crave," a new series of classes offered at The Leonardo, kicks off with a class on sous vide cooking. Participants will learn how this low-temperature method cooks food and changes its internal structure. They also will get tips on how to create a sous vide system at home. The class will be taught by Michael Petralia, who previously taught the "Science and Cooking" course at Harvard College. He will be joined by culinary instructor Katie Weinner, co-owner of SLC POP. The class is open to those 21 and older.

When • Friday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Where • The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $29; $24 for members

Details • theleonardo.org or 801-531-9800 extension 202

Utah Basque Club dinner dance

The Utah Basque Club's 30th annual dinner and dance starts at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour and features traditional Basque cuisine. The Utah 'ko Triskalariak Basque dancers will perform, followed by dancing to live music by Jean Flesher.

When • Saturday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m.

Where • St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City.

Tickets • $22 per person; $12 for children younger than 12.

Details • Reservations are required. E-mail Mary Gaztambide at mtgaz@accessld.net or call 801-262-7673.

Free pancakes Feb. 5

IHOP restaurants across the country — including Utah — will give away a free stack of buttermilk pancakes as part of National Pancake Day, which is a fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

When • Tuesday, Feb. 5, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where • participating IHOP restaurants

Cost • Pancakes are free, but guests are encouraged to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Details • ihoppancakeday.com.

Trio wine event

Sample and learn about the sustainable wines produced at Napa Valley's Honig Winery.

When • Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Where • Cafe Trio Cottonwood, 6405 S. 3000 East, Cottonwood Heights; 801-944-8746

Cost • $25 for five small-plate offerings. Optional wine pairings are an additional $35. Tax and tip not included.