In some instances you have to hope an event lives up to the effort and comprehension gone into the event's website—this is the standard to which I can reasonable expect Friday's (11/16) Celebrate Izakaya Festival to aspire, especially considering the names attached. From 5:30 to 9 pm at the Jupiter Hotel, this celebration of Japanese pub culture will draw culinary and alcoholic talent from the likes of locals Biwa, Wafu, Shigezo, Momokawa Sake, SakeOne, and Rogue Ales, among many others. The evening also features the completion of a live art installation by Taka Sudo, a Japanese artist currently living in Vancouver, B.C., in addition to serving as the launch of Tall Trees of Tokyo, Matt Wagner of Hellion Gallery's new book showcasing a collection of Japanese art compiled over his travels over the last 13 years which promises to "shine a light on the independent and new age Japanese artists that are quickly gathering a following around the world."

$45 admission covers all food, drink, and what sounds like an promising visual experience. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Japan­-America Society of Oregon, which (fun fact) is over 100 years old. I'm hoping that the stellar website and PR campaign for this particular event are not overselling it, and that it is indeed what I expect—one of the more interesting and well-rounded cultural food events of the year (to my personal but not exceptionally strange preferences, of course). Don't let me down, guys.

The Jupiter Hotel is located at 800 E Burnside.