This week's food events

SAT 6 FISH HEADS, EEL BONES AND BEER
Experience the Japanese tradition of makanai ryori—a family-style spread traditionally served to restaurant staff—at this monthly feast. Chef Abe Hiroki sends out a parade of off-the-menu items like tuna collar and sea-bream-head soup. The price tag includes unlimited Sapporo. EN Japanese Brasserie, 435 Hudson St at Leroy St (212-647-9196). 10pm, $45.

SAT 6 V-DAY COOKING
Memoirists Elizabeth Bard (Lunch in Paris) and Giulia Melucci (I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti) will read from their food-themed tomes and whip up V-Day fare like moelleux au chocolat at this class-cum-book-launch. The Brooklyn Kitchen Labs, 100 Frost St between Leonard St and Manhattan Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-389-2982). 3pm, $25.

MON 8 BREAD 101
Blow off Balthazar and learn to make your own bakery-quality breads at this hands-on workshop. Former Gourmet food editor Ian Knauer will cover the basics of creating baguettes, focaccia and pain epi (a popular French style). Participants can munch on premade samples and take home what they bake. The Culinary Loft, 515 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts, suite 5A (212-431-7425). 6:30–9pm, $85.

MON 8 THE FUTURE OF FOOD JOURNALISM
Rub the crystal ball and peer into the future of food writing at this panel discussion. Eat Out editor Gabriella Gershenson joins Nick Fauchald (Tasting Table) and other industry pros to chat about how the decline of print affects their craft and the restaurant industry as a whole. Before the event, hobnob over complimentary cocktails from 6–7pm. Register at culintro.com and enter the discount code "table2010" to get $15 off the ticket price. The Gabarron Foundation, 149 E 38th St at Lexington Ave (800-883-3307). 7–8pm; $50, $35 with discount.

THU 11 CHOCOLATE AND WINE HAITI BENEFIT
Gear up for Valentine’s Day at Global Giving Circle’s chocolate and wine tasting. Indulge your sweet tooth with Merlot-infused bonbons from 2 Chicks with Chocolate, pair Chandon sparkling wine with Butter Lane’s minicupcakes and buy organic “Haiti Bars” ($1 from each purchase supports Partners in Health) for your sweetie. Tickets are available via globalgivingcircle.eventbrite.com; a portion of proceeds will benefit earthquake relief efforts. Hudson Terrace, 621 W 46th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-315-9400, hudsonterracenyc.com). 7–9pm, $40.

FRI 12–SUN 14 FOOD WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
This three-day affair offers wordsmithing sessions for both aspiring food writers and pros. Take part in workshops like “How to Make a Living as a Food Writer,” and don’t miss Eat Out’s own Gabriella Gershenson and Jordana Rothman, who will participate in separate panels. Advance registration is required via rsfoodwriters.posterous.com. Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Ave between 47th and 48th Sts (212-755-1400). Conference $195, workshops $50 each.

TUE 16 BEEFSTEAK DINNER
Don a butcher’s apron and paper hat and dig into non-stop food at this feast­—now celebrating its tenth edition. Think hunks of cheddar, lamb kidneys wrapped in bacon, and dry-aged sirloin smothered in blood-and-butter gravy. Unlimited Maker’s Mark, Brooklyn Brewery pilsner and jazz from the Blue Vipers of Brooklyn add to the raucous vibe. Beacon Restaurant, 25 W 56th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-332-0500, beaconnyc.com). 6:30pm, $175.

TUE 16 SUCKLING PIG HAPPY HOUR
Head to Tribeca for this mouthwatering take on happy hour. Every Tuesday, chef Marc Forgione sets up a suckling pig station in the bar area and offers guests the chance to build as many sliders as they can eat for $16. Snag two-for-one beers to complement the grub. Marc Forgione, 134 Reade St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts (212-941-9401). 6–9pm.

See more in Restaurants & Bars