Lots 'o Scotch: Nicholson's hosts the annual Burns Dinner, a raucous party for Scotch and haggis lovers. Check it out: There are Scotches galore, a three-course dinner, bagpipers, the Scottish band Highland Rain, complimentary haggis and author John McDougal (Wort, Worms & Wash-backs) there to answer questions and guide you to the best stuff. 5 p.m. today, Nicholson's, 625 Walnut St., downtown, $39. Reservations suggested: 564-9111.

Papal splendor: The Cincinnati Museum Center's Saint Peter & the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes continues as the hot spot in town right now. Showing off the largest collection of art and artifacts from the Vatican ever to tour, it's full of papal robes, shoes, symbols of the office and tons more collected through the church's 2,000-year history. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, $18.50, $9.50 children 3-12, $13.50 seniors, $12.50 members, $6.50 child members. (513) 287-7000.

Keyboard magic: The World Piano Competition dishes up its Bach-Beethoven-Brahms Outreach Program, a concert series designed to introduce the masterworks of the classical piano repertoire to new audiences. 10 a.m. today, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., $5, free for students, teachers and senior citizens. 421-5342.

Wine dinners

Iron Skillet: Chef Laszlo Molnar will match a four course dinner and appropriate wines. The entree is pork tenderloin stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, apples and pistachio, topped with an apple jack bourbon glaze. Iron Skillet, 7 p.m. Tuesday, 6900 Valley Ave., Newtown, $40. 561-6776.

Phoenix: This one features winemaker Susie Selby pouring wines from Selby Winery in Sonoma County, Calif. On the menu: A four-course dinner paired with chardonnay, rose of syrah, pinot noir and merlot. 7 p.m. Wednesday, The Phoenix, 812 Race Street, downtown, $50.721-8901.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Hyde Park TGIFriday joins the live entertainment crowd with a new live music in the bar policy. Kick off is this week with local guitarist and long-time favorite Chris Dunnett and his Falamenco inspired classical guitar. 7 p.m. Tuesday, repeating Feb. 10 and 24, TGIFriday, 3780 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, no cover. 321-5121.

48 hours out: The Mercantile Library continues its tradition of trotting out prominent writers willing to share thoughts and insights into their work. This week, it's Norman Rush talking about Mortals, the story of Ray and Iris' dying marriage. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., downtown, $15 members, $18 nonmenbers, $40 members, $45 nonmembers for the series. 621-0717, reservations required.

Also 48 hours out: Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra conductor Misha Santora steps into the Schoenberg rep for the orchestra's new 20th century music series. On the bill: Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht, Op.4 (Transfigured Night); Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, $15. 723-1182.

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E-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com or fax: 768-8330.