Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events. Prices exclude tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
ON THE PLATE
Through Nov. 14
Celebrate the Italian region of Campania at Il Fornaio. This Southern Italian area is a great producer of durum wheat (the staple ingredient in dry pasta), so, in addition to the fact that it’s also adjacent to a bountiful shoreline, Campania is particularly known for dishes like trenette alla riminese (fresh thin pasta with shrimp, bay scallops, arugula, tomatoes, and shallots). 600 Pine St., 206-264-0994. DOWNTOWN
Nov. 13
All aboard for Yarrow Bay’s Cruise to the Stadium package. Enjoy a buffet brunch at the restaurant’s Bayshore Room before arriving at the UW football game in luxury and style, as the Yarrow Bay yacht takes you to and from the stadium. $65. Call for times. 1270 Carillon Point, 425-803-2941. KIRKLAND
Nov. 14
What’s better than a horoscope and a latte? Edge of Seattle Cooking wants you to believe that their Autumn Tea Parties are. Get your tea leaves read by Shreyas and enjoy tea and desserts with fine settings. $45. 2 p.m. 16400 216 Ave. N.E., 425-260-6213. WOODINVILLE
Nov. 15
You wouldn’t expect Tom Douglas to serve regular old birthday cake, would you? The Dahlia Lounge turns 15 tonight and to celebrate, every dinner guest gets—you guessed it—a free slice of that famous coconut cream pie. 2001 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142. DOWNTOWN
Nov. 18
Nothing beats eating great food for a good cause, and today 20 percent of lunch and/or dinner revenues generated by those participating in the third annual Chow Down for Belltown will go to helping the homeless. They can’t donate if you don’t eat, folks, so check out www.plymouthhousing.org or call 206-267-4720 to find out which Belltown establishments are participating this year.
Nov. 19
In conjunction with the Paul Taylor Dance Company performance at Meany Hall, the UW Club will host a dinner buffet featuring chicken with wild chanterelle mushrooms in a herb sauce, wild rice pilaf, and pumpkin bread pudding with cranberries in port wine. Shuttle to and from Meany Hall is included. Call for price. 5:30–7 p.m. UW Campus, call for location. 206-543-0473. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Nov. 20 and 21
Is it a Beaujolais Nouveau party or cassoulet night? At Au Bouchon, it’s both. Full menu also available. Prices vary. From 5 p.m. 1815 N. 45 St., 206-547-5797. WALLINGFORD
Nov. 26-28
Sure, it’s good to be home for the holidays, but it might also be great to be in Yakima for Thanksgiving. More than 40 wineries will be opening their doors and inviting you in, and local restaurants and shops will be hosting wine-pairing dinners and special events. Call 1-800-258-7270 or e-mail info@wineyakimavalley.org for more information.
THE GRAPEVINE
Nov. 12
Fidelitas is a Washington winery that’s obsessed, in a good way, with Bordeaux grape varieties. Taste their wares, paired with Kaspar’s elegant cuisine, at this winemaker’s dinner. $65. 7:30 p.m. 19 West Harrison, 206-298-0123. QUEEN ANN
Nov. 15
There are only 11 women in the world who have earned the title Master Sommelier. Andrea Immer is one of them; join her at Serafina for a wine dinner prepared by chef John Neumark and Immer, Bon Appetit‘s “Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year.” $95. Call for time. 2043 Eastlake Ave. E., 206-323-0807. EASTLAKE
Nov. 18
The first Beaujolais of the year always warrants a celebration; join Le Pichet and chef Jim Drohman for theirs. Sample 2004’s primeur offerings and enjoy live traditional music and Beaujolais sausage. (Normal menu will be suspended for the evening.) No cover charge. 6 p.m.–midnight. 1933 First Ave., 206-265-1499. DOWNTOWN
Nov. 20
Almost everyone could use a makeover—even old Italian wines. Fremont Red Apple Market and Wine Bar present new versions of old classics. Free. 3–6 p.m. 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 206-633-FOOD. FREMONT
BACK TO SCHOOL
Nov. 12–14
Keynote speakers Vandana Shiva and Jim Hightower will discuss sustainable agriculture in the Pacific Northwest at the 30th anniversary conference for Tilth. Over the weekend event in Portland, you may attend workshops, enjoy a food tour of Portland, and partake in organic meals. Visit www.tilthproducers.org for more information.
Nov. 14
We could all use some tricks around this time of the year. Catering whiz Shannon Herman (formerly of Lisa Dupar Catering, now of Thyme & Seasons) offers to save you a lot of grief by sharing with you her make-ahead hints at this Cook’s World class. $44. 1–4 p.m.2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 206-528-8192. UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
Nov. 15
Kinda tired of those same old Turkey Day dishes? After this Dish it Up! course you’ll have fresh, exciting dishes like potato and turnip baked gnocchi in your arsenal. $60. 6 p.m. 2425 33rd Ave. W. Suite B, 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA
Nov. 18
Do you wait all summer long for butternut squash? Café Lago chef Jordi Viladas does, so that he can prepare his tortelli di zucca. You can enjoy it on Friday and Saturday nights at Café Lago, or you can attend this Dish it Up! class and learn to make it yourself. Other Italian “comfort pastas” will be taught, as well. $65. 6-9 p.m. 2425 33rd Ave. W. Suite B, 206-281-7800. MAGNOLIA
Nov. 19
Now we can all be Iron Chefs—cast iron chefs that is. Mother-daughter team Sharon Kramis and Julie Kramis Hearne visit the Queen Anne Metropolitan Market with their new cookbook, The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook: Recipes for the Best Pan in Your Kitchen, and some really great recipes. Free. 4–6 p.m. 1908 Queen Anne Ave. N., 206-284-2530. QUEEN ANNE
Nov. 20
Scratch and sniff? Yeah, kind of. Culinary Communion’s casual seminar-style class on wines of the old world will include access to a 72-scent smell box that will aid your ability to detect scents in your glass. Class includes heavy appetizers. $70. 6–9 p.m. Call 206-284-8687 or e-mail info@culinarycommunion.com for address and neighborhood.
