Karen Brooks' Mighty Gastropolis Reading at Powell's

What: An intimate reading and book signing featuring Karen Brooks' The Mighty Gastropolis: Portland: A Journey Through the Center of America's Food Revolution. Get the behind the scenes story of the book straight from the author, and grab a signed copy of the book that Thomas Lauderdale, founder of Pink Martini, calls, "a hilarious, heart-warming, punk-rock portrait of a daringly creative Mecca showing the rest of America a better way to eat and live."
When: Friday, January 4th at 7:30pm
Where: Powell's City of Books at 1005 West Burnside St.
How Much: Free.

Owen Roe Winemakers Dinner at The Riverview

What: A five course meal from Chef Ryan Hampton and Sous Chef Trevor Peck to complement five Owen Roe wines. Assistant Winemaker Garret Plocher will be on hand to answer questions and lead tastings. Dishes are set to include Roquefort Waldorf Salad paired with 2010 Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir and Rack of Lamb with twice-baked potatoes and chanterelles paired with the 2008 Yakima Valley Red.
When: Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30 pm.
Where: The Riverview at 29311 SE Stark Street in Troutdale
How Much: $60 per person, including all food and wine. All wines featured will be available for purchase at discounted prices. For reservations, call 503-661-3663

West Coast Premier of "I Love to Eat"

What: Playwright James Still's one-man play about the life of James Beard (called, appropriately, “I Love to Eat”) will make its West Coast debut in Portland at the Gerding Theater. The Portland Center Stage production will a followed by a tasting hosted by the much-anticipated James Beard Public Market, featuring Oregon James Beard Foundation Award winning chefs Philippe Boulot, Greg Higgins, Corey Schreiber, Gabriel Rucker and Caprial Pence.
When: Friday, January 11th. Play begins at 7:30, followed by the tasting.
Where: The Gerding Theater at the Armory at 128 NW 11th
How Much: Tickets to both the play and the tasting are $125, and proceeds will benefit the James Beard Public Market. Purchase tickets by visiting the Portland Center Stage box office or calling the box office at 503-445-3700 and providing the code “James Beard Public Market Event.” Tickets are not available online and are available for a limited time.

Urban Farmer and Bergström Wines Pairing Dinner

What: Chef Matt Christianson will put a twist on traditional winemaker dinners with six courses, each composed of several small bites meant to complement the flavors of the Bergström wine selections (including a 2010 Pinot Noir ‘Cumberland’ Willamette Valley paired with a "Duck, Duck, Goose" plate composed of crispy duck breast, duck confit, foie gras, burnt maple, parmesan, quince, apple, rosemary soup, and mushrooms). Winemaker Josh Bergström will serve as a guide through the red and white tastings.
When: Thursday, January 17th at 7 pm
Where: Urban Farmer at 525 SW Morrison
How Much: $150 per person, including six courses  wines, and gratuity. Call the restaurant at 503-222-4900 for reservations. 50 seats are available.

Scott Paul 2013 Burgundy and Champagne Seminars

What: Educational and engaging seminars led by Scott Paul winemaker and importer Scott Wright, exploring the history, wine politics, labeling systems, and classic flavor characteristics of French wine regions, sipping fine Chablis, standouts from the Côte d’Or, and plenty of Grower Champagnes along the way.
When: Burgundy 101 (Saturday January 19th, 6 to 8 pm). Champagne 101(Saturday February 16th, 6 to 8 pm). Finding the Hidden Values in Burgundy (Saturday March 16th, 6 to 8pm).
Where: Scott Paul PDX event space and tasting room at 2537 NW Upshur St in Portland
How Much: $50 to $69, depending on class. Price includes seminar, wines, and snacks. Visit the Scott Paul Website for more information. Reservations are required, and can be made by emailing Kelly Karr or calling 503-319-5827.

Mexican BBQ Night at Mi Mero Mole

What: A special dinner celebrating regional Mexican barbacoa, including Cochinita Pibil (achiote-rubbed pork marinated in sour orange juice and pit-cooked in plantain leaves), Barbacoa de Borrego (spice-rubbed lamb pit-cooked in maguey leaves), Chorizo Ahumado (smoked Mexican sausage), and Colitas de Pavo (smoked turkey tails). The meats will be served with consomme, sides, tortillas, and dessert.
When: Monday, January 21st at 7 pm
Where: Mi Mero Mole at 5026 SE Division
How Much: $25 per person, including all food. Reservations are required, reserve a spot via email or call the restaurant at 503-232-8226. No vegetarian options 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!