Science Pub Portland: Cook’s Science
What: America’s Test Kitchen vets Dan Sauza and Molly Birnbaum visit Portland to blow your mind with flavor secrets, and to promote their book, Cook’s Science. They will divulge the secret to banishing the bitter from raw kale and unlocking the secrets of 49 other foods with their science-backed techniques. 
Where: OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave)
When: Tuesday, October 18, 7 p.m.
How Much: $5 (suggested donation) 

La Ruta del Toro: Cádiz 
What: The gray sands and pine forests of Andalusia come to you via sherry from Cádiz, Spain. Host Ignacio Hidalgo, a ninth-generation cellar master, will guide the tasting at John Gorham’s (Toro Bravo, Tasty N Sons) event space, with flamenco guitar and dancing to boot. 
Where: Plaza Del Toro (105 SE Taylor St)
When: Thursday, October 20
How Much: $90 ticket for dinner, $45 with extra drink pairings. Tickets here.

Choktoberfest!
What: Sweet tooth and beer belly join hand-in-hand at Choktoberfest. A celebration of both chocolate and beer, this festival brings together local breweries (Hair of the Dog, Laurelwood, Ex Novo, and others) and a handful of Portland’s best confectionaries. 
Where: Old Portland Hardware (1667 SE Tacoma St)
When: Friday, October 21, 6–9 p.m.
How Much: $20 advance here. $25 at the door. Ticket includes chocolate pairings, beer tastings, and appetizers. 21+ only. 

Lincoln x Clear Creek Distillery Dinner
Lincoln is getting together with the fruit brandy experts at Clear Creek Distillery for a three-course, two-cocktail menu. Expect curried pear soup with dates and foie gras, cider braised pork, and something called a “Pear Brandy 21 Gun Salute.”
Where: Lincoln (3808 N Williams Ave)
When: Wednesday October 19, 6:30 p.m.
How Much: $65

Ecliptic’s Third Orbit Anniversary Party
What: Allergic to fun, beer, and music? Then stay away from the Third Orbit Anniversary bash at Ecliptic Brewing, where they’ll premiere their seasonal cherry porter and tap a smattering of rare, small-batch beers. Live music will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end with a set from Fernando, the Oregon troubadour, at 8:30 p.m. 
Where: 825 North Cook St.
When: Saturday October 22, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
How Much: Donations suggested. 100 percent of proceeds go to the Jeremy Wilson Foundation, an emergency health and services organization for musicians.

Thali Supper Club 
What: Just thinking about Thali Supper Club makes us drift away to an aromatic land full of chutney, mint, and turmeric. An occasional Indian pop-up experience, Thali will host both a special brunch and dinner for Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights). Expect dishes like karahi gosht (goat, cinnamon, and garlic), poori and curried egg, and rice pudding with cardamom, almond, and cashew.
Where: Tournant (920 NE Glisan St)
When: Saturday, October 29 (brunch: 10 a.m.–noon; dinner: 6 p.m.)
How Much: Brunch $45; dinner $65. Tickets here.