Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider Tasting at Saraveza

What: Learn all about Portland’s newest fermentation craze from Carolyn Winkler of Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider. She’ll be speaking the cider gospel and pouring cider samples (including their best seller Hallelujah Hopricot, a Belgian wit-style cider steeped with coriander, bitter orange peel and paradise grains).
When: Wednesday, May 15 from 5 pm until 8 pm.
Where: Saraveza, 1004 N Killingsworth St
How Much: Free samples and regular menu available.

Paley’s Place Anniversary Dinner with Jason Barwikowski

What: Paley’s Place 18th anniversary continues with the return of alum Jason Barwikowski of Woodsman Tavern for a five-course feast. Courses from Barwikowski (think pickled shrimp and avocado in gelée and nori-wrapped tempura halibut) will be featured alongside an array of dishes from Paley’s crew including Executive Chef Patrick McKee, Pastry Chef Michelle Vernier and Vitaly Paley.
When: Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 pm.
Where: Paley’s Place, 1204 NW 21st Ave.
How Much: $125 per person for five courses, wine pairings, and gratuity. Reservations can be made at http://vitalyandjason.eventbrite.com/.

St. Honoré Day Celebration at St. Honoré Boulangerie

What: Francophiles unite at this annual celebration of the Patron Saint of baking, St. Honoré. Special pastries like Alsatian Tarte Flambée and Lychee Raspberry Saint Honoré will complement live French jazz and wine and cheese pairings.
When: Thursday, May 16 from 5:30 to 8 pm
Where: St. Honoré Boulangerie, 2335 NW Thurman St
How Much: $12.95 includes samples of various St. Honoré breads, pastries, cheeses, and condiments paired with French wines and a full glass of your favorite wine.

Free Grand Central Baguettes on Bike to Work Day 

What: On Bike to Work Day, May 17, Grand Central Bakery will offer a free Rustic Baguette to all bike commuters who stop by their Portland bakery-cafes. Insider tip: Freshly baked baguettes arrive at the cafes around 10 am, so time your visit to get one just out of the oven.
When: Friday, May 17
Where: All Portland and Seattle-area Grand Central Bakery cafes (find a bakery location).
How Much: Free!

Pix 10 Year Anniversary Par-tay

What: Pix Pâtisserie is celebrating 10 years with a special fête featuring live music, Champagne specials and sabering, a cupcake stomp and raffles. Full music lineup can be found on the Pix Pâtisserie website.
When: Saturday, May 18 from 2 pm until 2 am.
Where: Bar Vivant, 2225 E Burnside St.
How Much: Free admission, special prices on Champagne pours.

Breakside Brewery’s 3rd Anniversary Block Party

What: An outdoor party to commemorate Breakside’s 3rd anniversary, featuring live music, barbecue and (of course) beer. Per tradition, Breakside brewers will unveil three special release beers: Duck Duck Drunk Porter, HopfenWeisse, and a Blood Orange Cascadian Dark Ale.
When: Saturday, May 18 from noon to 7 pm
Where: Breakside Brewery, 820 NE Dekum St
How Much: Tickets cost $15 and include a commemorative tasting glass and 5 drink tickets for the outside tent.

Paulée Restaurant 1 Year Anniversary Celebration with “Flights and Bites”

What: Wine Country hotspot Paulée will jumpstart summer with its 1 year anniversary celebration. In honor of the restaurant’s new neighbors (upcoming tasting rooms for Evening Lands, Le Cadeau, and Tertulia) executive chef Sean Temple will serve four special bites alongside four AVA-specific flights (including one NW beer flight).
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th and Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27 from 11 am until 9:30 pm.
Where: Paulée Restaurant, 1410 N Highway 99W, Dundee
How Much: Prices vary; flights range from $9-20 with food pairings $12-16.

Association Monthly Dinner Series #3 with Scott Ketterman and Jelly Helm

What: Portland’s newest monthly dinner series welcomes Crown Paella’s Scott and Emily Ketterman and ‘inspired conversation’ from Jelly Helm of Jelly Studios for its third installment. Enjoy family-style paella paired with wines selected by Union House Bottle Shop and dessert from Marushka Chocolate.
When: Sunday, May 19 from 7 pm until 11 pm.
Where: Union/Pine, 525 SE Pine
How Much: $70 per person includes wine pairings. Vegetarian menu available. Tickets can be purchased via Brown Paper Tickets.

Cocktail Pairing Dinner with Ransom and Firehouse

What: Join Connor Martin, Firehouse’s longtime chef de cuisine/bartender, and Tad Seestedt, Ransom’s winemaker/distiller, for a five-course dinner featuring aperitifs, digestifs and cooking with spirits. Showcased spirits (both in the glass and on the plate) will include Ransom’s Gewürztraminer Grappa and award-winning Old Tom. Menu highlights include clams in Ransom's botanical broth with grilled bread and bourbon-barrel chip smoked steak with pistachio bread salsa, creamy polenta, roasted spring onions and asparagus.
When: Monday, May 20 at 6 pm
Where: Firehouse, 711 NE Dekum St
How Much: $70 person, including pairings and gratuity.  

"A Bridge to Change" Benefit Dinner at Andina

What: Andina will partner with local non-profit Health Bridges International (HBI) for two dinners to support HBI efforts in Peru. The five-course dinner will feature local twists on Peruvian classics like papitas rellenas, roasted Yukon potatoes stuffed with Oregon mushrooms, ramps, and chèvre and bavette steak seasoned with tres ajíes.
When: Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30 pm
Where: Andina Restaurant, 1314 NW Glisan
How Much: $150 per person (including gratuity and wine pairings), $80 of which is a tax-deductible donation. For tickets and information, contact Benjamin Grass of Health Bridges International at 608-354-7567 or [email protected]  

Grassa Preview Dinner with Portland Food Adventures

What: Preview and prepare pasta from Lardo Chef Rick Gencarelli’s upcoming spot Grassa. Attendees will get a hands-on pasta-making lesson from Gencarelli himself then enjoy a multiple-course meal family-style.
When: Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 pm.
Where: Grassa, 1212 SW Washington St
How Much: $75 per person (includes multiple-course meal, beverages, and fresh pasta and sauce to take home).

Zenger Farm's Food Scouts Program Kickoff 

What: Portland's largest educational farm is launching a farmers market club for kids to teach children ages 5-12 about basic nutrition, gardening, farming, and more. Each registered food scout will receive $2 in wooden tokens every week to be used for fresh produce and plants at the market. Expect musical performances and fun family activities like jam making and a martial arts demonstration.
When: Sunday, June 16 from 11 am to 4 pm. 
Where: Lents International Farmers Market, SE 92nd and Foster Rd. 
How Much: Parents or guardians can register their children at the Lents International Farmers Market on Sundays. 

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!