NEWS

Many local restaurants are serving up aid to Gulf Coast hurricane victims in the month of September. For a complete list of benefit dinners and other food-related fund-raising efforts, see www.seattleweekly.com/resources/katrina.php.

Confidential to all Francophiles left wondering where in the world they’d get their cassoulet after Wallingford’s Au Bouchon closed abruptly in May: The answer is Capitol Hill. Chef Christian Potvin is now in the kitchen at XO Bistro.

Food and/or beverage news? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com

Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.

ON THE PLATE

All of September

It’s time for the second annual Dinner at 8 which, for an entire month, celebrates 26 of Seattle’s restaurants with a special dinner menu featuring three courses with a selection of starters, entrées, and desserts for $20 (doesn’t include drinks, tax, or gratuity). Many restaurants from last year like Ten Mercer, the Cellar Bistro, and Bick’s Broadview Grill are returning, and other restaurants like Dulces Latin Bistro and Ibiza Dinner Club have been added for this year. For a full list of participating restaurants visit www.seattleweekly.com/dinnerat8.

now

The modern Thai restaurant and bar, Toi, has extended its dining hours. The kitchen will close at midnight Monday through Friday, and at 11 p.m. on Saturday. The entire menu will be available, as will all appetizers and, of course, their large array of cocktails. 1904 Fourth Ave., 206-267-1017. DOWNTOWN

Friday, Sept. 9

Ten Mercer is hosting a Winemakers Dinner with Kym Davey of Australia’s Davey Family Vineyards. 2004 Red Knot Shiraz (McLaren Vale) and 2004 Pink Knot Rose (McLaren Vale) will be served, as will grilled opah salad, chipotle rubbed New York steak, tiramisu, and a variety of wines appropriately paired with each course. $65/person. 10 Mercer St., 206-691-3723 or www.tenmercer.com. QUEEN ANNE

Sunday, Sept. 11

Check out The Incredible Feast Where the Farmers Are the Stars at the West Seattle farmers market. Seventeen farmers will partner with 17 local chefs and create original dishes for guests to sample. There will also be food-inspired games, music, and the opportunity to purchase local wine and beer. All proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance. $35/adult, $5/child. 4–7 p.m., California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street, 206-728-4220. WEST SEATTLE

Monday, Sept. 12

Support Marc Papineau, sommelier at Earth & Ocean restaurant, in his fight against throat cancer by attending this one-night, fund-raising dinner. This coursed wine dinner is coordinated by the manager of Earth & Ocean, John O’Brien. It will feature chefs from Le Pichet, Harvest Vine, Lark, and Earth & Ocean, among others, and sommeliers from Rover’s, Campagne, Acme Wine, Teahouse Kuan Yin, and Whitehouse-Crawford (just to name a few). Activities include a silent auction, a raffle of wine and food packages, and music from the jazz group Far Corner. $100 donation/person. 6 p.m., Lisa Dupar’s Julep, 2022 Boren Ave., 206-464-3050 for reservations. DOWNTOWN

Wednesday, Sept. 14

35th Street Bistro hosts an informal and informative wine dinner for those wanting to learn more about wines hailing from the Champagne region. A six-course meal will be prepared by chef Steve Smrstik and will include tuna tartar, lobster salad, pan seared monkfish, foie gras, veal scaloppine, and fig and triple cream-cheese tartlet, all paired with various wines, of course. $100/person. 6 p.m., 709 N. 35th St., 206-547-9850. FREMONT

Friday, Sept. 16

Celebrate Latin American culture at Café Rozella with live music, dance, and food from Mexico and Latin America! Sept. 16th is Mexican Independence Day; join the salsa dancing or chow down on some Latin food. Free (donations accepted). 7 p.m., 9434 Delridge Way S.W., 206-763-5805. WHITE CENTER

THE GRAPEVINE

Sunday, Sept. 11

Celebrate the harvest season at Chateau Ste Michelle with Festival of the Grapes, where you can taste wines and sample various artisan cheeses and chocolates. Join in the Grape Stomp or just kick back and listen to the history of the winery and learn about the secrets of winemaking. Also on the agenda: live music and an artwalk featuring members of Cottage Lake Artists Guild. $25/person includes tasting, festivities and a logo wine glass. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 14111 N.E. 145th St., 425-415-3300. WOODINVILLE

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Experience Walla Walla wines, sampling from wineries like Leonetti Cellars, Woodward Canyon Winery, L’Ecole No. 41, Pepper Bridge Winery, Buty Winery, and Cayuse. Learn the history of these ventures while sipping on vintage and unreleased wines at Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar. $60/person. 6:30–8:30 p.m., 205 108th N.E., 425-456-0010. BELLEVUE

Every Sunday, Sept. 11- Sept. 25

Learn about wines from all over Italy with Sommelier Arnie Millan. The first class will cover the southern region of Italy with wines from Sicily to Sardinia, the second class covers the central area from Tuscany to Abruzzi, and the third class will explore northern Italy with wines from Piedmont, Lombardy and other regions. $49/person per class or $135 for the series. 4–6 p.m., except Sept. 25, which is 1–3 p.m., Warwick Hotel, 401 Lenora St., 206-612-6547. DOWNTOWN

Thursday, Sept. 22

Remlinger Farms hosts the first annual Taste of the Farm wine festival where visitors can sip while enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres, and schmoozing with local vintners. Admission gets you a punch card for up to five samples of wines from four different Seattle-area winemakers. Leave the kids at home this time so you can really enjoy yourself. And for every sold bottle of Meow wine (a locally made Merlot), a donation will be made to the Humane Society for Seattle/King County. $5/person. 5–8 p.m., 32610 N.E. 32nd St., 425-333-4135. CARNATION

Friday, Sept. 23

The Museum of History and Industry is hosting the Multifaith Works wine tasting. Enjoy Apex, Barnard Griffin, Chandler Reach, Hightower, Hyatt, Walla Walla, Willis Hall, Pepper Bridge, Pleasant Hill, Seven Hills, and Waterbrook wines. Appetizers, a silent auction, and music are in the lineup, and all proceeds will benefit Multifaith Works, which provides services for people living with AIDS, MS, and other illnesses. $60/person. 7 p.m. McCurdy Park, 2700 24th Ave. E., 206-324-1520. MONTLAKE

BACK TO SCHOOL

Saturday, Sept. 10

Cuizam!’s Delicious Pies: It’s All About the Crust teaches students how to craft pies using tricks of the trade, and then hone their skills at making and baking. Take a pie home with you and some pie crust that can be used for future desserts. $75/person (but your spouse can show up for free). 6–9 p.m., 11200 Kirkland Way, Suite 220, 425-822-1767. KIRKLAND

Sunday, Sept. 11

It’s all about knowing the basics when it comes to making your own comfort food, which is why Salud! at Whole Foods Market is teaching how to make creamy roasted tomato soup with fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, and cinnamon croissant bread pudding with homemade caramel sauce and ice cream. $25/person. 5–8:30 p.m. 888 116th Ave. N.E., 425-462-1400. BELLEVUE

Tuesday, Sept. 20

Local author Susan Volland will prepare and explain recipes from her latest book, Cooking for Mr. Right, while encouraging others to share stories about food and relationships. Learn how to make walnut drambuie shortbread cookies, smoked chicken and sweet potato chowder, crunchy duck salad, and pixie schticks, and pick up a copy of the book (included in the class fee). $65/person. 6:30–8 p.m. Kathy Casey Food Studios, 5130 Ballard Ave. N.W., 206-784-7840. BALLARD