• Chef instructors and the student brigade of Ventana restaurant at the Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd., 339-3850) invite you to enjoy a six-course classical meal paired with the wines of the Frank Family Vine­yards. $100 per person, reservations necessary. Friday, Nov. 16, 7pm.

• Have your photo taken with a genuine Texas Longhorn at the Graze Fest at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market (Toney Burger Center parking lot on Highway 290 West; svfm@austin.rr.com) during their celebration of grass-fed and pasture-raised farm animals. Buy farm-raised beef, turkey, chicken, buffalo, pork, eggs, cheese, and vegetables for the Thanksgiving feast. Saturday, Nov. 17, 9am-1pm.

• Learn more about the arrival and launch of new Austin business Zhi Tea (www.zhitea.com) at a tasting of “rare, limited production, superior grade, single estate teas from India, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka” at Faraday’s Kitchen Store (1501 RR 620 N. Ste. A, 266-5666). Saturday, Nov. 17, 10am-3pm.

• Chili aficionados will want to sample the creations of competitors in the 2007 Chili Cook-Off and Open House at the Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd., 837-2665). The public is invited to tour the campus and taste the entries prepared by students. Chef instructors will decide first, second, and third place. Saturday, Nov. 17, noon-1pm.

• Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress, 444-7437) celebrates its second anniversary with the backyard Slice-o-Rama Pizza Carnival benefiting Young Texans Against Cancer. See a complete list of carnival events, contests, and prizes at www.homeslicepizza.com. Saturday, Nov. 17, noon-6pm.

• The Young Chefs Academy near Lakeway (2300 Loh­mans Spur #192, 512/699-4081) hosts an open house this weekend to introduce the franchise operation to area residents. Fran­chisee Joi Hyink invites guests to bring a toy for kids served by the Austin Children’s Shel­ter and sample foods, taste wines, watch cooking demos, and pick up school gift certificates. More info at www.youngchefsacademy.com. Saturday, Nov. 17, 5-7pm.

This article appears in November 16 • 2007.

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