Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
ON THE PLATE
Through Oct. 31
Since you’re already itching to vote (who can wait another two weeks?), Cascadia has developed two prix-fixe dinners to appeal to Donkeys and Elephants alike. Republican fat cats can get fatter on Maine lobster bisque (à la Kennebunkport) and barbecue Texas beef short ribs, while Democrats feed their passion for social justice with Boston clam chowder and herbed free-range chicken with potatoes and Heinz ketchup (à la Teresa Heinz Kerry). Whatever your vote in this epicurean election, three courses for $25 is a pretty impressive New Deal. $25. 2328 First Ave., 206-448-8884. BELLTOWN
Oct. 16
The annual Husky Brunch at Yarrow Bay Grill is kicking into gear again with the UW football season. Eat orange-macadamia French toast, veggie quiche, apple-link sausage, and other gridiron faves on a cruise from the restaurant’s Kirkland location to Husky Stadium. $65. Service begins three and one half hours before game time; ship sails one and one half hours before kickoff. 1270 Carillon Pt., 425-803-2941. KIRKLAND
Oct. 17
Who doesn’t love the bubbly? Union chef Ethan Stowell and wine director Reinier Voorwinde have paired a six-course dinner with various champagnes. Brilliant. $95. 6 p.m. 1400 First Ave., 206-838-8000. DOWNTOWN
Oct. 18
Join celebrated cookbook, chef, and teacher Anne Willan at Kasper’s to toast her latest, The Good Cook. Takes one to know one, and chef Kasper Donier is sure to serve up a fabulous Willan-inspired meal. $95. 7 p.m. 19 West Harrison, 206-298-0123. QUEEN ANNE
Oct. 19
Beef and Bordeaux-style reds? They were made for each, darling. Ruth’s Chris Steak House brings Washington winemaker and Master of Wine Bob Betz—and five courses of food—in to prove it. $85. 6:30 p.m. 565 Bellevue Square, 425-451-1550. BELLEVUE
THE GRAPEVINE
Oct. 16
Seastar chef John Howie is this year’s special guest at Sip, Swirl, and Savor, SecondStory Repertory’s annual wine and food fund-raiser. Howie will prepare two of his favorite appetizers live to accompany a host of regional wines for the tasting. Semiformal attire requested. $55. 7–10 p.m. One Microsoft Way (Building 34), 425-881-6777. REDMOND
Oct. 17
Blended wine? Is that some new frozen Starbucks concoction? No, but you’d be forgiven for thinking so. Wines that blend, say, cabernet franc and merlot might count as meritage wines, but don’t take it from us, take Purple House’s meritage/Bordeaux blends wine primer. $40. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 14435 Woodinville-Redmond Road, 425-487-3960. WOODINVILLE
Oct. 19
Find out why Red Mountain wine is called “the big wine from the little mountain,” and learn about the unique climate and landscape of the area from wine experts Kara DeBill and Erik Leidholm at Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar. Oh, and yes, you get to taste these big wines, too. $60. 6:30 p.m. 205 108th Street N.E., 425-456-0010. BELLEVUE
Oct. 20
You do have a discerning palate and Ray’s Boathouse wine director David Carreon wants to help you find it as he presents the Fundamentals of Wine. Join Carreon at Ray’s for an evening of tasting, testing, and discovery. $30. 5 p.m. 6049 Seaview Ave. N.W., 206-789-3770. BALLARD
BACK TO SCHOOL
Oct. 18
Sambar’s cocktails are so good, we won’t tell anyone if you’re there just for the booze. Should you want to actually learn something, Le Gourmand chef Bruce Naftaly will give instructions for a harvest dinner, highlighted by a gingerini from the bar next door. $60. 6–8:30 p.m. 2425 33rd Ave. W., 206-281-7800. BALLARD
Oct. 19
Without grilling and broiling, civilization would have lurched to a halt long ago, and tonight’s Rain City Cooking School class celebrates the dual arts of making meat masterfully moist. You’ll prepare London broil with chianti-rosemary sauce, plus Parmesan-garlic mashed potatoes and a few other delightful courses. $65. 6:30 p.m. 1883 145th Pl. S.E., 425-644-4285. BELLEVUE
Do you fondue? You’ll be able to after taking Dish It Up!‘s crash course on not just cheese and chocolate fondue, but fondues that include wild mushrooms, pork scallopini, and broccoli, too. Perfect for the holidays. $60. 6–8:30 p.m. 2425 33th Ave. W., 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA
Oct. 20
What was Helen of Troy’s food fetish? Culinary historian Eugenia Van Vliet knows, and she’ll tell you all about it, and more, in a seminar called Dinners With Famous Women. $44. 6:30–9:30 p.m. 2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 206-528-8192. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Local cookbook author Cynthia Nims knows Northwest cooking, and her latest book, Wild Mushrooms, proves she knows a thing or two about mycology, too. Learn to make crab and chanterelle mushroom risotto and more at this Dish It Up! event. $55. 6–9 p.m. 2425 33th Ave. W., 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA
