– Learn how to cook Indian food. Chef Kusuma Rao, who does pop ups, private catering and tuition under the Ruchikala banner, will host a three-hour class teaching about spices, curry building and how to set up a basic Indian pantry. The class includes a vegetarian dinner and recipes to take home. Ruchikala, The Basic of Indian Cooking, Masala Pop, 1640 3rd, Friday 14th & Saturday 15th, 7pm, $50 (plus booking fee); details and booking here
– Attend SE Wine Collective’s annual Harvest Supper. In the kitchen preparing a seasonal three-course meal is Katy Millard, who’s known for her popular Coquine pop-up dinners—she’ll be cooking up a main course of pheasant with wild mushrooms, farro verde, chestnuts, and pine-nut vermouth jus—while all 10 of the collective’s wineries feature in the wine pairings (though it’s slightly disappointing that the cheese/dessert course is served with tea. Eh?). SE Wine Collective, 2425 SE 35th, Sunday 16th, 6pm, $75 (including wines), sewinecollective.com
– Go cider tasting. Carts on Foster are having their annual free Cider Sampling—brewers, food and live music are promised, with full glasses available at the Pod Bar. Check their Facebook page for updated details. Carts on Foster, 5205 SE Foster, Saturday 15th, 11 am–6 pm, free
– Indulge at The Northwest Food and Wine Festival. There are over 50 restaurants and food vendors, 600 wines, a pate showcase and a special focus on oysters, mushrooms and sausages. Home-grown liquors also feature and there are mini cocktail classes. The only downside is that you have just three hours to get round it all, unless you want to spend an extra $20 for the privilege of fewer bodies and an extra hour. 2014 Northwest Food and Wine Festival, DoubleTree by Hilton Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah, Saturday 15th, 5–8 pm, $75; VIP admission (from 4 pm) $95, nwwinefestival.com
– Taste and shop for Thanksgiving wines. Vino is hosting a free tasting featuring six local wineries, including Love & Squalor, Cameron Winery, Andrew Rich Wines and Seufert. There will be 16-odd wines to try, from Rieslings to Pinots, at different price pointslus, 10 percent off single bottle purchases and smart advice for sorting your holiday wines. Vino, 137 SE 28th, Saturday 15th, 12–6 pm, free
