MONDAY February 6

Thanks to a juggernaut of tweets, blog posts, and sneak peek videos, most local food peeps are well aware that Andrew Zimmern’s Seattle episode of Bizarre Foods airs tonight. His Puget Sound exploits included a trip to Marination Mobile, and the food truck and sibling restaurant concocted a special today-only menu item in honor of the TV host. It’s a kimchi fried rice with Spam, but in this case Spam stands for “Some People Are From Minnesota,” which happens to be Zimmern’s home state. Apparently Zimmern isn’t such a fan of this particular precooked meat product. Offer some proof that you hail from Minnesota and you can score a free Spam slider as well.

TUESDAY February 7

Central District youth organization Coyote Central has launched a monthly pop-up-ish dinner in its new professional kitchen, inviting notablelocal chef to put on a three-course meal (with wine) for about $50 a person. Marjorie chef Paul Hyman kicks things off. Other chefs on the calendar include Terra Plata’s Tamara Murphy, Wayne Johnson of (as of recently) Ray’s Boathouse, and Plum Bistro chef Makini Howell, recently deemed easy on the eyes over at Eater Seattle. Proceeds support Coyote’s culinary youth program, and middle-school-aged graduates assist with service and plating. Hyman’s dinner is $45, or $160 for four.

SUNDAY February 12

Pike Brewing brings together chocolatiers, winemakers, brewers, cheesemakers bakeries, and restaurants for the fourth annual ChocoFest. Pregame for Valentine’s Day with beers brewed specially for the occasion—Pike will be offering the XXXX Cocoa Cherry Porter—and maybe pick up some great last-minute gifts from local vendors, all while supporting FareStart. Call 206-812-6604 to reserve your spot.

This month’s Sunday supper at Ethan Stowell’s Tavolata features Garfield’s favorite. Chef Brandon Kirksey’s four-course menu offers two lasagnas: beef ragù and Swiss chard with mushroom. The communal-table dinner starts at 6 and costs $25 per person. Call 206-838-8008 to reserve one (or more) of the 26 seats.

TUESDAY February 14

Tom Douglas is hosting a special Valentine’s night at the Palace Ballroom, to help you and a special someone get a little bit closer—longing gazes and G-rated canoodling are encouraged. Warm up at 7 with cocktail hour and a truffle-making demo, then sit down at 7:45 for four courses including a third course served for two to share (if you want). Feeling footloose? Get down to the sounds of the Jacqueline Tabor Trio. Tickets are $75 per person plus tax and gratuity.

BEYOND

Feb 27 Chris Camarda and David Oldham of Andrew Will will be on hand at RN74 to give guidance in enjoying the Vashon Island–based winery’s vintages. The Behind the Bottle series brings in guest winemakers to demystify the sauce, while lead sommelier Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen explains the food pairings.

Feb 29 Book Larder and Tom Douglas are coming together to present a dessert party and conversation with the author of Talking With My Mouth Full, Top Chef judge, and host of Top Chef: Just Desserts: Gail Simmons. The $45 ticket includes desserts, a glass of sparkling wine, and a signed copy of her book. Perhaps a few glasses of that sparkling wine will inspire Simmons to drop a hint or two as to whether Seattle might actually host the next season of Top Chef.