• Whole Foods Market (525 N. Lamar, 476-1206) will host a Celebrity Cook-Off on its plaza, featuring three chefs from Bravo’s hit reality series Top Chef, to benefit the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition. The event includes a reception before the cook-off and a drawing for $5,000 in KitchenAid appliances. Cost is $30; make reservations at www.gpac.org/austin-cook-off. Saturday, Sept. 13, 6-9pm.

• The Austin Museum of Art and A Taste of Italy in Austin invite you to an evening of Italian food, wine, design, and culture at the fifth annual Italian festival La Piazza Itali­anna on the grounds of Laguna Gloria Museum (3809 W. 35th, 458-8191). All proceeds benefit AMOA programs. Tickets are $10 at the gate; children 12 and younger are free. More info at www.atasteofitalyinaustin.com. Sunday, Sept. 14, 4-9pm.

• Austinites can stand up for members of our community living with HIV/AIDS by sitting down at one of their favorite restaurants when AIDS Services of Austin serves up its annual Dining for Life benefit. For a full list of participating restaurants that will donate 15% of their proceeds to ASA, go to www.asaustin.org; then dine like you mean it. Monday & Tuesday, Sept. 15-16. –V.B.W.

This article appears in September 12 • 2008.

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