11th Annual Portland Beaujolais Nouveau Fête

What: Every year, at midnight on the third Thursday of November, restaurants, wine bars, and bistros around the world open the first of 65 million bottles of fresh and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau—and Portland hosts one of America’s largest parties. This year, the Heathman Restaurant & Bar will host the 11th Annual Portland Beaujolais Nouveau Fête, a collaboration between the French-American Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Française of Portland. The event will feature a wine and art auction, an abundant buffet, and plenty of stations pouring Beaujolais Nouveau flown in from France just days earlier.
When: Friday, November 16th at 6 pm.
Where: Heathman Restaurant & Bar 1001 Southwest Broadway
How Much: General admission tickets are $70 per person. A limited number of $50 tickets are available for young professionals (ages 21-35) who are first-time attendees, and a few VIP tables seating eight are available for $1,250. To reserve tickets, visit the Beaujolais Nouveau website.

Izakaya: A NW Celebration of Japanese Pub Culture

What: A multi-sensory festival showcasing local and international saké, shochu, beer, Japanese cuisine, artist instillations, and DJ's. Individual hotel rooms at the Jupiter Hotel will be transformed into themed, interactive spaces, featuring dishes inspired by traditional Japanese pub fare and Gigantic Brewing’s exclusive brew made specific for Izakaya.
When: Friday, November 16th from 5:30 to 9 pm 
Where: The Jupiter Hotel 800 East Burnside Street
How Much: $40 per person until Nov 2nd. $45 after Nov 2nd. Proceeds from Izakaya will benefit the Japan-America Society of Oregon. Tickets available here.

Bloody Mary Tasting at the Parish

What: Pearl District hot spot The Parish will welcome New Deal Distillery, House Spirits, Bull Run Distillery, Aria Gin, NW Distillery, Ransom Spirits, and Clear Creek Distillery for a local Distiller's Bloody Mary taste-off. Attendees will have the chance to taste through seven different Bloody Mary concoctions and enjoy gulf-inspired brunch dishes.
When: Sunday, November 18th from 11 am to 2 pm
Where: The Parish 231 NW 11th Ave
How Much: $15 per tasting flight

Double Mountain Hoppy Beer Dinner at Olympic Provisions

What: Olympic Provisions chef Alex Yoder and Double Mountain Brewery team up for a special dinner celebrating the flavors of fall's eats and drinks. The family-style dinner will feature a smorgasbord of charcuterie, four courses of autumnal flavors, and beers like crisp Kolsch, rich winter celebration Fa La La La La, fresh hopped Killer Green, Killer Red Fresh Hop IRA, and more.
When: Sunday, November 18th at 6 pm
Where: Olympic Provisions Southeast at 107 Southeast Washington
How Much: $65 per person. To book your seat, call 954-3663 or email [email protected].

Holiday Cocktail Class at Riffle NW

What: To celebrate the release of their fall cocktail menu, Riffle NW is hosting a DIY cocktail class featuring three seasonal cocktails that incorporate spices you'd find in your pantry. Chef Ken Norris will whip up some small bits for attendees to soak up the booze and inspire at-home holiday hors d'oeuvres.
When: Sunday, November 18th from 3:30 to 5 pm
Where: Riffle NW 333 Northwest 13th Avenue
How Much: $20. Reservations are required and space is limited, call 503-894-8978.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Departure

What: Get a bird's eye view of the lighting of the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree from heated decks on the fifteenth story of the Nines Hotel. Guests will enjoy a special tree lighting menu from chef Gregory Gourdet (think ginger mulled cider, fried honey buns with dates and cinnamon, duck skewers with orange and pomegranate, and maple cranberry sugar cookies) in addition to the full dinner and happy hour offerings. 
When: All night Friday, November 23rd. Lighting takes place at 5:30.
Where: Departure, on the 15th floor of The Nines Hotel (525 SW Morrison Street).
How Much: Special menu prices start at $2, regular menus available.

Know about a great event coming up that should be on our radar? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a shout over on Twitter at @allisonejones. Now get out there and start eating!