"Cooking With Grains and Legumes": Kusuma Cooray demonstrates the versatility grains and legumes have in cooking. Participants will see how Cooray incorporates the two healthy items into everything from salad to dessert. From 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Lyon Arboretum, Upstairs Classroom. Cost: $20.50. Call 988-7378.

Chili cookoff: Beans, no beans. Hot, mild. Anyone can find a chili to their liking at the 13th Annual Compadres/Ward Centre South Pacific Chili Cookoff. While dining on chili, enjoy entertainment by Mike McGraw of the Piranha Brothers, noon; and Willie K., 3 p.m. There also will be a hog calling contest, a best legs contest for men prior to Willie K's performance, and "Miss Chili Pepper" at 2:30 p.m.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Garden Office Building Parking Lot, across from Ward Centre. Tickets cost $12, presale; and $15 at-the-door. Presale tickets available at Compadres Mexican Bar and Grill or call 591-8307. Attendees also have a chance to win a mainland trip.

Recipes from Mexico: In celebration of Mexico's Independence Day (Sept. 16) and Revolution Day (Nov. 20), In One EAR Publications is offering "Bilingual Cooking: La Cocina Bilingue," an authentic cookbook featuring recipes for Mexican food in their original Spanish form with English translation.

The cookbook, which normally sells for $12.95, contains over 100 recipes of main dishes, salads, desserts, appetizers and more. From now until Nov. 25, the cookbook is available for $5 with free shipping. To get a copy, send a check or money order to: Bueno, Department H, P.O. Box 637, Campo, Calif., 91906.

"September Fest": What do you know about beer? Test your beer knowledge in a blind taste test being offered by Andrew's and Cereal and Fruits Ltd., 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, at Andrew's in Executive Center on 1088 Bishop St.

Participants will be able to sample Compare Apollo, Dos Equis Amber, Harp, Bass Ale, Guiness Stout, Beck's, Singha and Grants, plus enjoy a variety of sausages, pizza and other foods. Cost: $20 (tax and gratuity not included). RSVP by Sept. 12 at 539-3115.

Learn the basics: Dr. Donald Soviero, master chef and author of "La Vera Cucina Italiana - The True Cooking of Italy," will hold a six-week class on Italian cooking. Students will learn the historical background, general methodology, and leave the class with the ability to prepare Italian basics --bread, pasta, sauces, soups, meat, poultry, game and desserts -- that capture the country's unique flavors. Soviero will also provide a book featuring recipes and wines, and students will have a graduation banquet to conclude the class.

Classes will be noon-4 p.m. Saturdays, beginning Sept. 20. Cost: $600 (must be paid in advance). For reservations call 532-3030.

For kids (and parents too): Dole Food Co. has gone online to help families reach their "5 A Day" goal.

From now until Sept. 30, surfers can check out Dole's Web site http://www.dole5aday.com. The site offers a "5 A Day Challenge" and a picture that can be printed for young children to color.

From 3 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 16-18, the site will have a "5 A Day Virtual Classroom" for elementary school children.

On Sept. 17, students can e-mail President Clinton, advising him of the importance of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Also, children ages 12 and younger can participate in the "Getting My Family To Eat 5 A Day" contest. Entrants must put their creativity to work in a story, essay, painting or poster. The top five entries will be awarded prizes. Deadline is Oct. 15 and entries can be sent via e-mail to fiveaday@Ibev.net or to: Dole Nutrition Program, 155 Bovet Road, Suite 476, San Mateo, Calif., 94402.