Bayou Billy

When Chef Billy Robertson talks about food and cooking, his smile gets as wide as the muddy Mississippi. Given what went down in his home state of Louisiana — it’s a wonder he’s able to smile at all.



I smile every time I visit his Olympia restaurant Cicada. His inventive Northwest/Cajun menu is loaded with gourmet touches. Delicious.



Robertson will teach Down on the Bayou with Billy cooking class Monday, Jan. 28 at the Bayview School of Cooking.  I hope he gives up his recipe for The Big Easy. The breakfast dish — green eggs and ham, a jalapeno scramble with corn tortillas and fixings — is extraordinary. — Jake de Paul



[Bayview School of Cooking, Monday, Jan. 28, 6-8:30 p.m., $50, 516 W. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.1448]

Nibbles

Senora Deborah Jackson-White will lead a cooking class titled Order-In Mexican Favorites Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Bayview School of Cooking. The beer sampling is free, but the 6 p.m. class will set you back $40. To register, call 360.754.1448.



Stadium Bistro announced its Valentine’s Day dinner menu, a five-course beauty titled “Lovers Dinner.” Lobster Louie, Muscovy duck consume, beef filet, oxtail and beef cheek Napoleon, black cod and three desserts are a few of the highlights. It’s $70 per person.  Direct your questions at 253.683.4150.



99 Bottles holds a tasting of its top five best-selling beers of 2007 Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. It’s only $1. 99 Bottles is at 35002 Pacific Hwy. S. in Federal Way.



Chef Ben Marcus will demonstrate how to cook a Mardi Gras dinner Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Urban Gourmet on Sixth Avenue. The 6:30 p.m. class is $65 per person. For more details, call 253.272. 3111.