Ciola’s Italian-American Restaurant (1310 RR 620 S., 263-9936; www.ciolas.com) invites you to one of its biannual Big Night celebration dinners with food, wine, and music from the popular foodie cult movie. Cost is $75, and reservations are necessary; Thursday, Oct. 19, 7pm.
Waterloo Uncorked offers a wine tasting, silent auction, and dance complemented by a spread of delectable appetizers prepared by the chefs of Eastside Cafe at the Dell Jewish Community Center (7300 Hart). The evening benefits the Waterloo Counseling Center. Tickets are $40 in advance at www.waterloocounseling.org, $50 at the door; Saturday, Oct. 21, 7-11pm.
The Oktoberfest celebration at North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery (10010 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 467-6969) benefitting the Austin YMCA and Central Texas Dachshund Rescue offers plenty of family fun. Enjoy a mouthwatering selection of German foods paired with handcrafted beers, join in the games and contests, listen to live music, and shop for distinctive arts & crafts. $2 admission, extra for games and contests. Saturday, Oct. 21, noon-9pm; Sunday, Oct. 22, noon-6pm.
Learn about cooking with Thai herbs from local restaurateur Saphachai “Sap” Apisaksiri of Madam Mam’s at It’s About Thyme Garden Center (11726 Manor Rd., 280-1192). The class is free; Sunday, Oct. 22, 2pm.
Immerse yourself in a multicourse chocolate feast during a special screening of Lasse Hallström‘s delightful celluloid confection, Chocolat, at the Alamo Drafthouse South for $50; www.originalalamo.com, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7pm.
Romp and Stomp to celebrate Texas Wine Month at Central Market North (4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000) with wines from 22 Texas vintners plus foods from several area vendors and five top Austin chefs. Live music on the deck. $10 at the store info desk; Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30-9pm.
Austin will be represented by Amy’s Ice Creams, Ranch 616 restaurant, artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade, and the Chronicle‘s own Claudia Alarcón at the Blue Star Contemporary Center’s Arts & Eats tasting event at the Tobin Estate (3316 Oakwell Court) in San Antonio. This year’s theme is Dia de los Muertos, with artists and restaurant chefs collaborating to create food and art that exemplify the theme. Tickets $75 at 210/227-6960; Thursday, Oct. 26, 7-11pm.
This article appears in October 20 • 2006.