Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
ON THE PLATE
Sept. 16
To celebrate its commitment to rescuing pets in need, the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center is hosting a “yappy hour” charity cocktail party “for dogs and their people.” Bond with your precious pooch outside the home as you munch on yappetizers and drink canine-centric cocktails. Don’t forget to dress your pup in a smoking jacket! $50. 6–8 p.m. Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Ave., 206-355-4530. DOWNTOWN
Prominent area restaurants will assemble three-course prix-fixe menus using local produce and meats to support “Dine Out for Family Farmers,” a citywide celebration of Washington-grown food. Among the participants: Tom Douglas’ red-hot Greek spot Lola, the Food Network-featured Harvest Vine, and Teutonic titan Kaspar’s. Prix-fixe prices vary, as do hours. For a complete list of eateries, visit www.dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/pa/dineout. VARIOUS NEIGHBORHOODS
THE GRAPEVINE
Sept. 16
If Michelangelo liked it, it must have been good. The famous painter once offered several works of art in exchange for wine from Frescobaldi, which is not only one of Italy’s most ancient wineries but has been named Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits magazine eight times in the last decade. Sample Frescobaldi wines tonight at Il Fornaio. $10. 5:30–7:30 p.m. 600 Pine St., 206-264-0994. DOWNTOWN
Sept. 18
Harvest season is time for winemaking parties, and Olympic Wine Cellars is weighing in early with a grape-stomping contest accompanied by a grape toss and grapey music from the Blue Tropics. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 1–6 p.m. Olympic Cellars Winery, 255410 Hwy. 101, 360-452-0160. PORT ANGELES
Sept. 22
Sup and sip at a Campagne dinner featuring winemaker Eric Dunham and award-winning wines from Dunham Cellars. The French menu has yet to be announced, but chef Daisley Gordon is sure to craft something sumptuous. $90. 5 p.m. 86 Pine St., 206-728-2800. PIKE PLACE MARKET
IN THE MUG/GLASS
Sept. 17-19
It may not be Germany, but Fremont puts on a pretty keen Oktoberfest. This year’s edition includes a pumpkin-carving contest, the Brew Ha-Ha 5K Walk/Run, and a nearly endless supply of beer. $18. 4 p.m.–midnight Fri.; 11 a.m.–midnight Sat.; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. North 34th Street and Fremont Avenue North, 206-663-0422. FREMONT
Sept. 24
Ever had a bad martini? Most people have, but there will be bad martinis no more for the attendees of The Art of the Martini, hosted by Oliver’s and the Mayflower Hotel. Steve Burney, a 25-year veteran of bartending and regular winner of Seattle’s famous Martini Classic Challenge, will guide you in mastering the martini. Happy mixing. $44. 6–7:30 p.m. 405 Olive Way, 206-623-8700, ext. 2310.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Sept. 18
Explore the world of pesticide-free foods at Seattle Tilth’s Organic Harvest Fair: Featured activities include “SlugWorld, veggie bowling, and squash car racing.” Attendees are encouraged to bring homegrown veggies to be judged by a panel of local farmers. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meridian Park, North 50th Street and Sunnyside Avenue North, 206-633-5045, ext. 2, or www.seattletilth.org. WALLINGFORD
Sept. 18
Fall has finally arrived—and now that the uncharacteristic heat has departed, it’s time to enjoy a lovely autumn dinner. This morning at Yarrow Bay Grill, chef Vicky McCaffree will lead a class in creating a four-course meal that includes figs wrapped in prosciutto, pear watercress salad, and butternut squash pear soup—among many other dishes. $39. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 1270 Carillon Point, 425-889-9052. KIRKLAND
Sept. 19
You may not be sampling the eats of a quaint European bistro, but you can feel like you are at Arnie Millan’s food and wine lifestyle workshop, which includes a four-course dinner with wines to match each course. $65 6–9 p.m. Red Apple Wine Bar, 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 206-612-6547. FREMONT
Sept. 19
If you hanker for wine-lingo fluency, drop by Woodinville’s Purple Cafe & Wine Bar for a class titled Acids, Tannins, Dry, and Sweet. $40 ($75 per couple). 6:30–8:30 p.m. 14435 Woodinville-Redmond Rd., 425-487-3960. WOODINVILLE
Sept. 20
Before you sink your teeth into that luscious cinnamon roll, read this. The Seattle chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier is hosting an informative seminar called The Straight Skinny on Bad Fats. Kim Severson and Cindy Burke, authors of The Trans Fat Solution will help demystify the science of trans fat, and offer formulas for detecting it in packaged foods. After attending, you might want to discard that fatty cinnamon roll. $45 (including a copy of the cookbook). 6 p.m. 1716 Harvard, Seattle Central Community College Culinary Arts Lecture Hall
Sept. 20
Golf gurus can visit the course and take a swing at their culinary skills. The Golf Club at Newcastle offers monthly cooking classes, and this week’s topic is Ocktoberfest Preview. Each class begins with a get-to-know-you section, followed by three hours of cooking, and ends with bulging bellies for all. $75. The Calcutta Grill at the Golf Club at Newcastle 15500 Six Penny Lane, 425-793-5566. NEWCASTLE.
Sept. 21
It’s just you and your cute little studio apartment, and you ask yourself, “Will it be a cheese quesadilla once again?” Ask no more. NuCulinary Cooking Classes is offering Singular Sensations: Cooking for One. The class will be taught by Naomi Kakiuchi, and is sure to be hands-on. $50. 6 p.m. Uwajimaya Village, Cooking Kiosk, 600 Fifth Ave. S., 206-932-3855. INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT
Sept. 21 & Oct. 19
If your sweetie is out of town and bad breath is far from your worries, this one’s for you. Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is offering Garlic 101, a class that will reveal a few of Lombardi’s secret garlic recipes. Among the dishes: garlic martini and garlic apple crisp. Remember to bring gum—for your own sake. $20. 6 p.m. 220 N.W. Market St. BALLARD. 695 N.W. Gilman Blvd. ISSAQUAH. 1620 W. Marine View Dr. EVERETT. 206-783-0055.
Sept. 23
Twenty-one renowned local chefs (including Andaluca’s Wayne Johnson and Serafina’s John Neumark) are scheduled to attend tonight’s unusual cooking class at Salty’s on Alki Beach. The proceeds benefit seniors at Providence ElderPlace and Pike Place Market’s Heritage House; the format allows students to choose three chefs and work with each for 30 minutes. $60. Register at 6 p.m.; class begins at 6:30 p.m. 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., 206-283-9067. WEST SEATTLE
