Food. Sex. The connection is undeniable. Two great tastes that taste great together. Anybody who loves food, whether it be eating it, cooking it, or concocting fantasies involving it, should hightail it to the Harriet Himmel Gilman Theater (CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach) for the Creative Cooking Expo. The event is squeezed into three orgiastic days of cooking lessons, celebrity chef demonstrations by TV personality and author David Rosengarten, winetastings (turn annoying into witty!), cookbook sales, kitchen design ideas, beer samplings (lower standards and make anyone look good!), microbrew classes, free recipe ideas (learn how to make spaetzle -- it doesn't get hotter than that!), and, oh God, here comes the money shot -- a chocolate and dessert tasting (aphrodisiac!) courtesy of Ghirardelli. The final piece of sexual imagery -- a chocolate sculpture display by students of the Florida Culinary Institute! Check out this bacchanalian event and finally answer the age-old question of which is better: good sex or a good meal? The expo will also benefit the construction of the Zen of Food, a new culinary museum set to open in West Palm Beach that will be dedicated to chronicling the culture of food and wine. Tickets range from $10 to $100, and a three-day pass costs $165. Call 954-474-7406, or visit www.creativecookingexpo.com for times and tickets. -- Audra Schroeder
SAT 10/18
Go Country
Wildlife Refuge Week
Yeah, they've got an official week for everything. But as long as it's "National Wildlife Refuge Week" October 12 through 18, why not take a trip to Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (13640 SE Federal Hwy., Hobe Sound) -- which is just over the line in Martin County. Along with Loxahatchee refuge in northern Palm Beach County, Hobe Sound provides a perfect example of the possibility of wild places existing along the coast not far from the city. The place provides a habitat for sea turtles as well as manatees, scrub jays, gopher tortoises, Eastern indigo snakes, and many more threatened and endangered species. Of course, the refuge also makes sure that, just across the Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island, the wealthiest neighborhood in the nation, doesn't have its view obstructed with new building. But we're certain that's just coincidence. Call 772-546-2067. -- Dan Sweeney
