Several readers called to ask where the Phantom Fork’s column was last week.

The answer is: After four years of seeking out places in Napa County where a couple can dine for $30 or less, the Fork has just about exhausted the local possibilities.

The Fork had eaten barbecue in Calistoga, hot dogs in Napa and pizza in American Canyon. What’s left?

The Fork was having to venture further afield to Fairfield, Vallejo and Sonoma, somewhat defeating the original mission, as many readers pointed out.

So the Fork has decided, not quite to take a hiatus, but to cut back, dine at home and write only when a new spot opens in the valley that fits the original requirements. We all hope that won’t be too long.

Meanwhile, we are mulling over our restaurant coverage in the Register and would  like to hear what else readers would like to find on our pages. We’ve heard suggestions that we up the price limit and revisit older Napa restaurants to give readers what they’ll find there these days — and at what price; we’ve also heard from parents who are looking for a place that isn’t fast food where they’ll be comfortable taking kids.

What would you like to read? Please send your suggestions to the Food Page editor Sasha Paulsen. You can reach her by phone at 256-2262, by e-mail at spaulsen@napanews or by mail at P.O. Box 150, Napa, CA 94559

 Looking for inspiration for Valentine’s Day?

 Chef Julie Logue-Riordan and Annie Baker, pastry chef at Mustard’s Grill will show how to make chocolate truffles flavored with Grand Marnier, almond, coconut, chili and more at a class at Churchill Manor Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $65 for the hands-on class, and each student will take home eight truffles.

 Other upcoming classes with Logue-Riordan include “The Cutting Edge: Knife Skills” ($55) held Feb. 22, March 20 or April 25; a St. Patrick’s Day dinner menu, March 17 ($125); a Napa Valley Spring dinner, March 31 ($125); Soup for Today’s Kitchen, April 3 ($85); California Salmon Dinner, April 21 ($125); and a two-day class on Napa Valley cooking and wine pairing, May 11 and 12 ($395).  

 For more information about the classes or to sign up, contact Logue-Riordan at 227-5036 or visit www.CookingWithJulie.com.

Now that Super Bowl madness is over, Copia is preparing for Mardi Gras Madness this weekend with Chef Andre Robin, a Louisiana native, who will be preparing a traditional shrimp boil — with shrimp, lobster, scallops, sausage, potatoes, artichokes and corn served with Southern rémoulade. He’ll also be adding in a Bourbon Street Bread pudding. The demonstration, plus lunch goes from noon to 3 p.m. and costs $95 per person, $85 for Copia members. To reserve a spot, call 259-1600.