Food Events

› Target presents a promotional cooking competition between Austin chefs Shawn Cirkiel of parkside and Paul Petersen of Vivo's Lake Creek location. TV personality and food critic Gail Simmons hosts the cook-off in the parking lot at Fourth & Congress. Friday, Oct. 14, 12:30-3:30pm.

› Three French Champagne producers team with chef Jason Donoho to present a Champagne and tapas tasting dinner at Fino (2905 San Gabriel). The tapas menu alone is $50, flights of three Champagnes are $40, and the tapas/Champagne combo is $65. Make necessary reservations at 474-2905. Friday, Oct. 14, 7:30pm.

› Enjoy a free concert with traveling roots musicians Coco & Lafe at the Cedar Park Farms to Market in the Lake­line Mall parking lot, as they play their way across the country at farmers' markets. Saturday, Oct. 15, 9am-1pm.

› Williams-Sonoma (9722 Great Hills Trail) hosts a new local Artisans' Market featuring nibbles and conversation with some of Austin's finest artisanal food producers: Saturday, Oct. 15, noon-4pm.

› It's About Thyme Garden Center (11726 Manchaca Rd.) hosts a Caribbean soul garden minifestival with gumbo-making instructions from Robin Marshall and music from the Executive Steel Band for $10. Saturday, Oct. 15, noon-5pm.

› Stephanie McClenny and Kate Payne will teach two classes about canning the Texas apple harvest at the Spirited Foods kitchen (1208 W. Fourth). The applesauce/apple butter and apple chutney classes are $60 each with a $4.27 registration fee. Reserve via Facebook or at 762-8039. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10am-12:30pm and 2-4:30pm.

› The Austin chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier hosts its third annual online charity auction known as Food Fight. Bid on 75 donated culinary experiences at www.austinfoodfight.org. The money goes to support Les Dames' yearly culinary scholarship programs. Oct. 17-28.

› Farmhouse Delivery's monthly Farmhouse Table Chef dinner series continues with chef Shawn Cirkiel at parkside (301 E. Sixth). Enjoy appetizers and signature cocktails before a five-course tasting dinner. $90 all inclusive; reserve at www.farmhousechefsdinner.eventbrite.com. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7:30pm.

› The Austin Film Festival presents the annual Food & Film Gala at the Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos). Bid on silent auction items while enjoying signature dishes and custom cocktails from many of Austin's finest restaurants. $90 for the public; $75 for AFF members and badge holders. Tickets at 478-4795. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7-10pm.