This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Restaurant servers, wine brokers and others can learn more about wine through the The Culinary Wine Institute (CWI), a new, online wine education and certification company based in Park City. The company is owned and operated by Kirsten Fox, who also operates the Fox School of Wine.

The wine institute is currently testing its first course which covers the weight — or body — of wines. Other courses include: the difference between red and white wine; why some wine is sweet and others are dry; and what foods pair best with red wine.

Courses cost $15 each or $45 per level (four courses). However, The Institute is currently offering pilot course for $10 to restaurant servers who would like to be a part of the beta testing. Those who pass the 15 question test at the end of each course receive a certificate of completion from CWI.

Fox said the video courses and online certifications will provide new restaurant employees with basic, easy-to-remember information. She said wine education has been shown to increase wine sales for restaurant servers by as much as 25 percent. It also provides patrons better overall wine service.

For more information or to register call 435-655-9463 (WINE) or visit http://www.CulinaryWineInstitute.com

The Human Race

Registration is now open for the 2012 Utah Human Race. Proceeds from the annual 5K and 10K events help the Utah Food Bank fight hunger.

When • Thursday, Nov. 22; 10k starts at 7:30 a.m. 5k at 8 a.m.

Where • Planet Play (VF Outlets), 12101 S. State St., Draper

Cost • 5k is $20 per person before Nov. 18; 10k is $25 per person before Nov. 18. Groups of 5 to 10 people will receive $5 off the individual rate.

Details • utahfoodbank.org/utah-human-race-info

A hot time at 'Chili Affair'

Tickets are still available for the Great Salt Lake Chili Affair, the annual fundraiser for The Road Home. Live music and a silent auction area also part of the event.

When • Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Where • Salt Palace Convention Center – Exhibit Hall E.

Cost • Adults, $42; children 12 and under free. Admission includes chili samples, salad, bread, and dessert, from some of Salt Lake's most popular restaurants.

Details • Purchase tickets online at http://www.theroadhome.org/chiliaffair; or at the door.

Festa di Colombo

In honor of Columbus Day, the Italian-American Civic League will host a night of Italian culture and cuisine. The Festa di Colombo includes a four-course meal, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit charities supported by the league.

When • Saturday, Oct. 6, social hour at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.

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

Cost • $40 per person. For an additional $5, guests will be able to view The Leonardo's current exhibit, "DaVinci The Genius" (Regular admission is $20).

Details • To purchase tickets, visit UtahItalians.com

'Books & Bites' for cheese lovers

The October "Books & Bites" event at Harmon's Grocery Store in Draper features Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge. Author Gordon Edgar's irreverent look at the world of cheese from behind the cheese counter. For this event, Edgar will chat live from San Francisco via telephone, while Harmons Cooking School Chef Evan Francois, who hails from Wisconsin cheese country, serves tomato and goat cheese tarts and pancetta and chive Brie en croute. The evening also includes a tour of Harmon's cheese island. Catherine Weller, with Weller Book Works owner, will lead the discussion.

When • Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Where • Harmon's Bangerter Cross, 125 E. 13800 South, Draper (just off I-15 at exit #289)

Cost • $49

Register • call 801-617-0133 or go online at http://www.harmonsgrocery.com

Winter cocktail contest in Park City

Mixologists from 16 bars and restaurants will compete in the Park City's semi-annual "Signature Cocktail" contest. The winning drink will be featured on menus across town for the 2012-13 winter season. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the People's Health Clinic.

When • Friday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Where • Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, 7700 Stein Way in Park City

Cost • $10; must be 21 or older. Includes snacks, and a chance to vote for the "People's Choice" cocktail

Details • parkcityrestaurants.com

Argentinian dinner dance

Argentina is the inspiration for an upcoming dinner/dance event at La Caille. Learn the tango and dance to the music of Quinteto Noir. Black tie is suggested, but not required.

When • Saturday, Oct. 13. Appetizers at 6 p.m. dance instruction at 6:30 p.m. Followed by dinner and entertainment.

Where • La Caille, 9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy

Cost • $75 per person, includes dinner, dancing, tax and tip. Cash bar available.

Details • call 801-942-1751 or visit lacaille.com

Meatball Mondays at Lugano

"Meatball Mondays" have returned to Lugano. On that day, diners can get a plate of spaghetti with a homemade meatball and sauce for $10. In addition, a glass of Merlot is only $5. The meatball special also is available for take out. Lugano als has "Tortellini Tuesdays" and "Wood-Oven Wednesdays." On Tuesday, get an order of handmade tortellini filled with seasonal ingredients in a savory sauce for $10. Tuscan wines are $5. On Wednesday, get a specialty pizza or a baked pasta of the day for $10.

Where • Lugano Restaurant, 3364 S. 2300 East, Holladay

Hours • Open Monday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 to 9 p.m.

Details • 801-412-9994.