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 month?), 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 bleeding-heart 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
Through Dec. 7
A banana chimichanga? Well, stranger things have happened. Chow Foods’ West Seattle outpost, Endolyne Joe’s, has gone south of the border. Join them for their new Mexican menu. By the way, if the chimi sounds too crazy, you can always go for some of Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream’s Mexican chocolate. Menu prices vary. 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. 9261 45th Ave. SW., 206-937-JOES. WEST SEATTLE
Oct. 7
Phinney Ridge residents may want to eat heartily at neighborhood restaurants today, as a portion of the day’s profits benefit local soup kitchens. Participating eateries include the Barking Dog Ale House, Red Mill Burgers, Yanni’s, the Santa Fe Cafe, and the Stumbling Goat. Menu prices vary. Hours, too. Call 206-783-2244 for a complete list of restaurants. PHINNEY RIDGE
Oct. 12
Progressive in more ways than one, the annual Feast at the Market is a mobile, forward-thinking dinner, and it benefits Pike Market Medical Clinic. Get a book of tickets as you enter, and proceed to appetizers at Campagne, a salad at Chez Shea, a main at Etta’s, and dessert at the Pink Door. Better yet, map out your own feast. $60. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at 1930 Post Alley. PIKE PLACE MARKET
THE GRAPEVINE
Through Oct. 9
What a deal: Taste two wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle and walk away from the Space Needle Pavilion (in the base of the tower) with a souvenir glass for a mere five bucks. 4–7 p.m. 203 Sixth Ave. N., 206-905-2100. DOWNTOWN
Oct. 9
The wines of Feudi di San Gregorio, an Italian winery in the Campania region, are the stars of today’s free tasting at Esquin Wine Merchants. Winery rep Pasquale Cognetta will be on hand to talk tannins and legs. Free. 1–4 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO
Oct. 11
The wines of Spain are anything but plain, as today’s Shoreline Community College class ought to demonstrate. $35. 7–9 p.m. 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-533-6700. SHORELINE
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. 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
BACK TO SCHOOL
Oct. 9
Cascadia chef Kerry Sear is always in tune with the seasons, and he’ll pass his creative wisdom on to you at a harvest-themed class featuring apples, squash, chestnuts, pheasant, venison, and other autumnal ingredients. $75. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 2328 First Ave., 206-448-8884. BELLTOWN
Oct. 11
Here’s one for the ambitious: A Mediterranean Cuisine cooking class, brought to you by Shoreline Community College. Mediterranean food comprises couscous from Morocco, Greek octopus, Egyptian lentil dishes, and much, much more. You’ll want to take lots of notes. $65. 6:30–9 p.m. 16101 Greenwood Ave N., 206-546-4634. GREENWOOD
Mashiko Sushi in West Seattle feels as much like an American neighborhood restaurant as the brewpub across the street, so it’s a safe bet that chef and owner Hajime Soto will pass along his nigiri knowledge with ease. Learn cutting, rolling, and presentation techniques at this NuCulinary class at Uwajimaya. Bring a sharp knife and your favorite apron. $75. 6 p.m. 600 Fifth Ave. S., 206-624-6248. INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT
Oct. 13
As we enter the season of soups, perhaps this year, you should consider making your own. RainCity Cooking School in Bellevue wants to show you how to create butternut squash and French onion soups, as well as mussel chowder. Fee includes dinner. $60. 6:30 p.m. 1883 145th Place S.E., 425-644-4285. BELLEVUE
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
GETAWAYS
Oct. 9-10
Cranberry pancakes, a cranberry cook-off, and a “big berry contest” should make this year’s Cranberry Harvest Festival in Grayland as memorable as any past edition, and possibly more so. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. Grange Rd. off State Hwy 105, 360-267-2003. GRAYLAND
