Compiled by Chuck Martin

Just In

A dozen pastry chefs will create desserts for guests at the Sweet Adventures "Dessert Competition and Tasting," beginning at 6 p.m. next Thursday at the Cincinnati Club (30 Garfield Place), downtown. Proceeds benefit "Adventures for Wish Kids," which enhances the quality of life for children diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Tickets are $35, or $50 per couple. Reservations: 769-0393, Ext. 265.

April's issue of Cooking Light features stories on angel food cakes, spring brunch menus and economical "Dinner on a Dime." $3.99.

Sip It

Fess Parker Winery Frontier Red 2000 ($12): A rustic, zesty wine from the actor long remembered as television's Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone. Now a respected California winemaker, Parker has created a great weekday wine for burgers, pizza and other casual fare. A blend of zinfandel and Rhone-style varietals creates an approachable, earthy red.

Amy Simmons

Market Scan

Panko is a special, large, dried and toasted bread crumb used for coating Japanese fried foods. It also provides a light and crispy coating for American foods, such as pork, shrimp, chicken and vegetables. Panko is available in most Asian groceries and from mail-order sources such as www.asiafoods.com and www.pacificrim-gourmet.com.

Hot Date

Get ready to sip. Cincinnati's International Wine Festival offers the chance to sample more than 600 wines from 150 wineries. The festive pouring happens 6:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center. Tickets, which include a commemorative wine glass and appetizers, are $60. 723-9463 or www.winefestival.com.