If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, look no further than your taste buds. There are so many culinary events on Houston’s calendar for October that it could make a person dizzy … or just really, really full.

Monday, October 21, 6:30 pm: Chef Jose Hernandez (you’ll remember him from Philippe and Triniti) over at La Balance Cuisine — the new French hideaway in Katy — emailed us last week with an announcement of an upcoming seven-course truffle and wine dinner. If the aromatic ‘shrooms are your thing, book your reservations now — the cost is $160 per person. Call 281-206-7974 to save your seats. For more information and to peek at the menu, check out the event page.

Wednesday, October 23, 6 to 8 pm: Brennan’s of Houston is known as an ideal restaurant when you’re celebrating something special. Now you can pick up some tips on hosting a celebration in style at home with the Passport to the Perfect Cocktail Party. Admission of $45 gets each guest four mini-seminars that each include the cocktail recipe and demonstration from Brennan’s bartenders, cocktails and food pairings. To attend, visit the Brennan’s website.

Saturday, October 26, noon to 10 pm: The Houston Margarita Festival is back — this time with 17 different margaritas for attendees to sample, as well as barbecue, Mexican food and Cajun food. Held at Discovery Green the event will include live music all day as well as a salsa and limbo competition. Group discount tickets are available, as well as $10 Designated Driver tickets, which we think is pretty cool. Guests, of course, must be 21 years of age or older and can purchase tickets (as well as find all important event information) on the Margarita Festival website. Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s SideDish as we’ll be giving away tickets to the second annual celebration of the national mixed drink of Texas. 

Saturday, October 26, noon to 6 pm: French Country Wines in the Village recently expanded into the space next door to their original 2433 Bartlett location and invite you to come check out the new tasting cellar. Even better, they’ll be pouring French wine in their usual complimentary Saturday samples fashion, but this time $2 from each bottle of rosé sold goes to The Rose, a local organization that facilitates mammograms and women’s breast health care for members of the community who are uninsured or unable to receive care elsewhere. If you’re drinking something else, $1 from every other bottle of wine sold will also go to The Rose, so customers are supporting the charity no matter what they choose to take home. For information about French Country Wines and their new expansion, click here.

Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 pm: AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) hosts its annual Home Safe Home tasting event with chefs John Sheely (Osteria Mazzantini and Mockingbird Bistro), Kiran Verma (Kiran’s), Neal Cox (Olivette) and several others behind the evening of wine-ing and dining. Guests can now purchase tickets ($250 each) with all proceeds going to AVDA.