Need to brush up on your kitchen skills before guests start pouring in for the holidays? There are several Atlanta area cooking classes coming up that will help you create meals that shine this season.

11/6 - Stress Free Holiday Cocktail Party at Cook's Warehouse Midtown
Do-ahead stress-free ideas including Salted Toffee Almonds, Spicy-Sweet Walnuts, Chile Shrimp Bites, Andouille Sausage Puffs and more. You will also learn to make a couple of time saving party punches and a hot spiced cider that are real crowd pleasers. $45.

11/10 - Southern Favorites at Parish
Learn to make Pimento Cheese, Hickory "Smoked" Deviled Eggs and Curried Country Ham Salad. These fun southern dishes are sure to impress your out of town guests. Class includes a glass of bubbly. $40.

12/8 - Georgia Holiday Cheer at Parish
Make Million Dollar Eggnog, "Melted" Brie and Winter Fruits with Toasts, Creole Shrimp and Crab Dip. $40 for class and bubbly.

This Saturday, November 7, 2009, chili lovers will want to stop by Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp. The outdoor festival has all the makings of a great fall afternoon - live music, an artists market and plenty of yummy chili to taste. Purchase a spoon and get there early - the best chili runs out quickly! Chili tasting starts at noon.

If you'd rather sip on something more refined, try the Decatur Wine Festival. From 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., stroll around Downtown Decatur and taste over 350 wines from all around the world. Tickets are $30 online and are also available at the Decatur Package Store at 1220 Clairmont Rd.

At 11:25 p.m. with 75% of precincts reporting, the City of Atlanta is anticipating a runoff in the mayoral race. Currently Mary Norwood has 46% of the vote and Kasim Reed has 37% of the vote. A contestant must have over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff election.

Lisa Borders conceded just after 11 p.m., with only 14% of the vote at the time of this post.

The runoff election, if it happens, will be on December 1, 2009.

Don't forget to stop in to your local polling station and vote for our local elections, including Mayor of Atlanta, this Tuesday, November 3, 2009!