› Aviary Lounge (2110 S. Lamar) hosts a South Lamar block party: Eight stores will donate a portion of purchases to benefit the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Complimentary food and drinks. Friday, March 9, 6-9pm.
› Circle Brewing (2340-B W. Braker) celebrates its first anniversary with samples of new beers and food from local food trucks. Saturday, March 10, 1-5pm.
› Brooklyn Brewery brings the Food Experiments National Tour to the ND at 501 Studios (501 N. I-35) with the Taco Experiment, where a panel of judges (including myself) will pick the best tacos. Sunday, March 11, noon-3pm.
› The Bacon Takedown is back. Local cooks will compete for prizes with their best and most outrageous bacon dishes at Shangri-La (1016 E. Sixth), judged by Hilah Johnson and Addie Broyles. $10 to taste entries. Sunday, March 11, 2-5pm.
› Lucy’s Fried Chicken (2218 College Ave.), Real Ale Brewing, and SoundSpike host four days of fried chicken, beer, and live music on the patio. Wednesday-Saturday, March 14-18, noon-6pm.
› As a promotion for her newest book, author Gesine Bullock-Prado and her publisher have declared March 14 Pie It Forward Day. They’re encouraging bakers all over the country to share a pie with someone and to enter a contest for to win cool prizes. Learn more at www.abramsbooks.com/pieitforward. Wednesday, March 14.
› Winemaker Blair Fox of Fess Parker Vineyards will present new wines for tasting at Crú – A Wine Bar (11410 Century Oaks Terrace) in the Domain. $20; reserve at 339-9463. Thursday, March 15, 5:30-7:30pm.
This article appears in March 9 • 2012.