• Jeff Morris and the Austin Floorball Club host a Beer Taste Benefit to raise money for a local floorball rink. The party's at the AMLI apartment complex clubhouse located at 2601 Scofield Ridge Pkwy. For a $30 donation, taste 10 big beers from around Austin and the world, plus a keg provided by brewers from North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery. Contact Morris for more details at jeff.morris@wholefoods.com or 632-7764; Thursday, Jan. 20, 7:30-11pm.

• Embrace the cold weather at the Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook-off and Dance Contest to benefit Caritas of Austin, held in the parking lot of Jo's Coffee (1300 S. Congress). Enjoy live music, dancing, and chili samples. For complete rules and registration details, call 657-9784 or e-mail chuck@joscoffee.com. Saturday, Jan. 22, 11am-4pm.

• Chef Danika Boyle of Petite Peche & Company presents her third salon dinner at Church House Studios (1161 Nickols Ave.), this one inspired by the food and music of Argentina. Seats cost $70 per person; make necessary reservations via danika@petitepecheandco.com. Saturday, Jan. 22, 7pm.

• Manny's Uptown Kitchen (9503 Research #650) hosts a new restaurant contest series called Austin Restaurant Throwdown promoting local restaurants and the charities they support. A panel of five celebrity judges will choose the best Reuben sandwich at the first event this weekend from entries prepared by Manny's Uptown Kitchen, NeWorlDeli, Fricano's Deli, and Garden Spot Cafe. The public can buy $4 tasting tickets to join in the fun. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2:30-4:30pm.

• Paggi House (200 Lee Barton Dr., www.paggihouse.com) hosts a five-course dinner paired with Zu Vodka cocktails. $75 per person; reservations necessary. Wednesday, Jan. 26, 6:30pm.

• Drop by Jax Neighborhood Cafe (2828 Rio Grande, 382-1570, www.jaxjoint.com) on Wednesday evenings this month; Jax is offering a slice of free pizza with any beer or wine order (limit: two per person). Wednesday, Jan. 26, 8pm to close. – V.B.W.