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THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7
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Seattle Art Museum is making its new "Painted Visions of India and Pakistan" exhibition a feast for more than just the eyes. SAM's current Cafe menu is as Indian as a Bollywood flick, so you can get your tandoori-style chicken salad, your lamb korma, or even the unfortunately punny SAMosa plate either before or after you admire the many masterpieces on display. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thurs. 100 University St., 206-654-3100. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 31
Just when you thought the hamburger couldn't get fancier, Szmania's in Magnolia whips out an Angus beef burger with smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and "onion jam." Make no mistake: This gourmet burger, part of the restaurant's new summer menu, is intended to be savored with a glass of red wine. What's next? Bologna with chanterelles and a port reduction? Dinner from 4:30-10 p.m. Tues.-Sun. 3321 W. McGraw St., 206-284-7305.
AUGUST 20
Along with FareStart, the Boomtown Café is one of the best marriages of good intentions and culinary achievement in Seattle. The nonprofit eatery for low-income individuals is hosting a three-course dinner prepared by Chef Gavin Stephenson as a fund-raiser. On the menu: squash soup, seared salmon, and strawberry scrumptiousness. Eat up. $20. Seatings from 5:30-8 p.m. 513 Third Ave., 206-625-2989. PIONEER SQUARE
A six-course prix-fixe dinner at Dulce's Latin Bistro is certainly cause for celebration, but add a slew of wines from Syncline Wine Cellars, and you've got yourself an event. After all, nothing goes better with a 2001 syrah than duck breast and lavender sausage with a honey glaze. $75. 7 p.m. 1430 34th Ave., 206-322-5453. MADRONA
Hector's is celebrating its grand reopening in Kirkland with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a luscious list of specials (crab-stuffed prawns, pan-seared scallops, and old-fashioned prime rib among them). 5:30 p.m. 112 Lake St. S., 425-827-5959. KIRKLAND
AUGUST 20-21
The phrase "Gentlemen, start your zucchini!" will surely be uttered at two upcoming farmers markets when the Indy 500 of fresh vegetablesalso known as zucchini racingonce again graces our fair city. At the Columbia City market, there will be tomato tasting during the races; in Lake City, racers and their families will get the rare opportunity to "pet live alpacas." Yes, that's right: alpacas. Just for racing zucchini. Life is so beautiful sometimes. Free. 3-7 p.m Wed. at 4801 Rainier Ave. S. (Columbia City); 3-7 p.m. Thurs. at N.E. 127th St. and 30th Ave. N.E. (Lake City), 206-632-5234. COLUMBIA CITY AND LAKE CITY.
AUGUST 21
For those who find FareStart's usual menus a little too fancy, the chefs of Seattle's premier training restaurant are turning out a "down home 'diner style' meal" consisting of a relish tray, a bacon-cheddar burger (or a house-made veggie patty for our friends in PETA), and bananas Foster, just for kicks. $16.95. 5:30-7:45 p.m. 1902 Second Ave., 206-443-1233. BELLTOWN
AUGUST 22
Toujours Provence? Those who romanticize the region are wise to do so; its typical dishes comprise one of the tastiest mini-cuisines Europe has to offer. Feast on bouillabaisse, seared Muscovy duck, and more at Maximilien's lovely Provençal dinner. Flamenco-based Italian guitarist Andre Feriante will provide slightly incongruous musical accompaniment as you eat. $39. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 81A Pike St., 206-682-7270. PIKE PLACE MARKET
AUGUST 22-24
Anyone even approaching Chehalis this weekend should know the city is having its annual Garlic Fest yet again. Last year, roughly 12,000 Northwest residents ended up smelling atrocious thanks to the Fest; this year's new product, garlic and onion mustard, may prove positively fatal. $3/adult, free for kids under 12. Noon-8 p.m. Fri.; 1-8 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 2178 S. Scheuber Rd., 360-740-4411. CHEHALIS
AUGUST 23
God created meat. And He saw it was good. But then He said to Himself: "This could really use some time on the grill." So in His eternal wisdom He invented barbecue. And lo, there was much rejoicing. Rejoice along with "nationally recognized barbecue and grilling experts" at the Low & Slow "Light" BBQ Northwest Championship. Besides chicken, ribs, sausage, and the like, there will be root beer, ice cream, and artisan cheeses. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. University Way N.E. and 50th St., 206-448-8005. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
To honor the hard-working food producers at Oxbow Organic Farm, Wallingford's Jitterbug restaurant is presenting a four-course prix-fixe dinner featuring organic fruits and veggies in starring roles. $35. 5 p.m. 2114 N. 45th St., 206-547-6313. WALLINGFORD
Woodinville's farmers market will be alive with cookery this week, as Chef Jerry Traunfeld of the Herbfarm and other local culinary kahunas will be cookin' up a storm for lucky attendees. Free. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 13205 N.E. 175th St., 425-485-1042. WOODINVILLE
Take some organic blueberries with you into the mosh pit, or just chow down on pesticide-free peaches while the band destroys its instruments. These and other amusing scenarios may occur at Lollapalooza this year when the headbanger-friendly music festival unveils its inaugural farmers market for hard-rock enthusiasts. Local vendors can sell there at a day rate of $50, but they'll have to watch out for flying guitars while they're hawking their plums and whatnot. Noon-6 p.m. 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd., www.lollapalooza.com. AUBURN
AUGUST 28
