Aviary has an all-vegetarian dinner coming up and, though no stranger to vegetables on their regular menu, it is always interesting to see what a non-veggie-centric restaurant comes up with when they go all out. The set meal is seven courses and retains Aviary’s trademark French-Asian influence through what is an arresting menu—highlights include chanterelle ravioli with quince, chawanmushi with snap peas, nuts, and wood ear mushrooms, and tofu with bean paste, cantaloupe, sesame, and lime. It’s $45 which, considering the number of courses and quality of food, is something of a deal. Aviary, 1733 NE Alberta, January 15, 5–10 pm, 287-2400, aviarypdx.com
Meanwhile, Urban Farmer, usually known for its steaks, is hosting a seafood dinner. Chef Matt Christianson has invited his mentor, Jeremy Sewell from Boston, to cook an eight-course collaborative dinner that highlights East and West Coast ingredients and approaches. It’s another intriguing menu featuring the likes of roasted heirloom squash soup with salt cod beignets, Dungeness crab and Oregon black truffle risotto, and petrale sole, sea urchin custard, salt roasted pear, and long pepper. This one is more spendy—$80, but it includes a copy of Sewell’s book, The New England Kitchen: Fresh Takes on Seasonal Recipes. Urban Farmer, 525 SW Morrison, January 18, 6 pm, 222-4900, urbanfarmerportland.com
