NEWS

Pike Place Market is turning the big 9-8 this year, and Mayor Greg Nickels has kicked off the celebration by declaring Wed., Aug. 17, as Pike Place Market Day. Vehicles will be banned from Stewart to Virginia streets for an Out to Lunch concert featuring the nine-piece Latin rock band de Sol. And if you happen to have grabbed one of the 500 free tote bags that the Pike Place street team distributed the day before (at lunchtime), you may be one of the lucky 98 who get a coupon for a prize to pick up at the concert. There will be other festivities, too. 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

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

ON THE PLATE

Aug. 12

Enjoy Pike Place Market at the Sunset Supper, where you can sample and experience over 70 restaurants, wineries, breweries, and beverage companies. This is the 10th year for this event, which celebrates what the culinary experts in our region have to offer. After eating, dance to the soul/funk sound of Soul Provider and rest assured that all profits go to the Market Foundation and the Market’s human service agencies, like Pike Market Senior Center, Pike Market Childcare and Preschool, Pike Market Medical Clinic, and Downtown Food Bank. $65/general admission ($80/reserved seating, $150/Sunset Patron). 7:30–11 p.m. Pike Place Market, 206-774-5252 (www.pikeplacemarket.org).

Aug. 13

The Collins Pub is not only serving up Stone Brewing Company beers from San Diego, they’re pairing those brewskies with an elaborate five-course meal prepared by Chef Addam Buzzalini. Try Penn Cove mussels with eighth-anniversary Belgian golden ale, char-grilled elk chop or wild king salmon with imperial stout, or spot prawns with India pale ale. $45/person. 7–10 p.m. 526 Second Ave., 206-623-1016. PIONEER SQUARE

Aug. 17

Calling all vegans: Bo Rinaldi, coauthor of Vegan World Fusion Cuisine (a Nautilus 2005 Book Award finalist), will be giving a presentation and book signing. His book provides over 200 gourmet recipes to be made with natural ingredients and offers tons of information encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Free. 7–8:30 p.m. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way N.E., 800-587-6002. ROOSEVELT

Aug. 20

More than 20 members of the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association will compete in the “Battle of the Barbecues, Korean Style” at Shoreline’s Top Food & Drug Store. The winner will be determined by judges from the PNWBA, while the public will get free tips about grilling from the experts and enjoy free samples. Free. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 1201 N. 175th St., 206-533-2851. SHORELINE

Celebrate Creole culture at Cafe Rozella’s Cape Verde–Brazil Culture Night. Music, dancing, and drinks and food from Cape Verde and Brazil will abound. Free. 7 p.m. 9434 Delridge Way S.W., 206-763-5805. WEST SEATTLE

THE GRAPEVINE

Aug. 11

Learn about some of our region’s essential women in wine at this Esquin Wine Merchants event. Marie-Eve Gilla of Forgeron Cellars, Joy Anderson of Snoqualmie Winery, and others will be around for the tasting and good female company, though men are welcome, too. Free. 5–6:30 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO

Ten Mercer hosts a German wine dinner, pairing nine German wines with a four-course feast created by chef Doug Wilson. Rudi Wiest will elaborate on German wines ranging from Sekt (German sparkling wine) to various 2004 Kabinett rieslings. $65/person. 6:30 p.m. 10 Mercer St., 206-691-3723. UPTOWN

Aug. 11–Aug. 13

It’s all about the wining and dining at the Auction of Washington Wines Weekend. Attend one of many winemaker dinners throughout the region, or just stop by the silent auction and picnic or the 18th annual gala auction on Friday, with gourmet appetizers provided by chef Mike Davis of 26 brix. Winemaker dinner: $225/person; prices of other events vary. Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14111 N.E. 145th St. (Woodinville), 206-667-9463 (www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org). WOODINVILLE

Aug. 18

Give white wine a chance at Greenlake PCC, where you’ll have an opportunity to taste white wine varietals that go beyond the usual chardonnay. $5/person. 6:30–9 p.m. 7504 Aurora Ave. N., 206-547-1222, ext. 191. GREEN LAKE

Let your taste buds take a trip as Esquin Wine Merchants hosts a tasting of Argentinean wines like Torrontes, Malbec, and Bonarda. Free. 5–6:30 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO

Aug. 24

It’s best not to drink on an empty stomach, and if you attend the J. Christopher wine dinner at 35th Street Bistro, you’ll have a six-course menu to nibble on, including heirloom tomatoes, black cod, rabbit crêpes, and organic vegetables. On the wine list: pinot noirs, a sauvignon blanc, and a chardonnay, plus plenty of time to chat with winemakers Jay Somers and Rhonda Newell. $75/person. 6–9:30 p.m. 709 N. 35th St., 206-547-9850 (www.35bistro.com). FREMONT

BACK TO SCHOOL

Aug. 12

At a Dish It Up! class for young cooks, those 12 and up can learn how to concoct their own ice cream . . . and then take the results home to enjoy later. $45/person. 4–6:30 p.m. Magnolia Village, 2425 33rd Ave. W., 206-281-7800. WEST SEATTLE

Aug. 13

Learn to make perfect pizza with George Di Pasquale of Essential Bakery, who has spent lots of time learning about authentic methods and techniques. Everything from throwing to dough making and correctly using pizzatools and tasty toppings will be taught at Cook’s World. $50/person. 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 206-528-8192. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

Aug. 16

Transport yourself to the electrifying French Quarter with Louise Hasson of Bon Vivant as she shares her knowledge of zesty Creole-Cajun cooking. Learn to make New Orleans–style beignets, shrimp Arnaud, chicken and okra gumbo, and snap-bean salad. $39. 7–10 p.m. Call 206-525-7537 or visit www.bon-vivant.com for class locations and to register. LAKE CITY

Aug. 16, 23, 30

Learn all about baking bread with Culinary Communion, where instructor Gabriel Claycamp will teach you to create everything from French bread and brioche to cornbread and muffins. Mix, knead, shape, and bake the dough yourself; by the third class, you’ll be working it like a champ! $225/three classes. 6–9 p.m. Cuizam!, 11200 Kirkland Way (Suite 220), 206-284-8687 (www.culinarycommunion.com). KIRKLAND