Wednesday, November 20: Sonoma Wine Bar is more than just wine — they’re co-hosting a three-course, five-beer dinner with Independence Brewing Company at the 801 Studewood location beginning at 5:30 pm. Only four seats remain available, and the cost per person is $45, so snag your spot now.

Wednesday, November 20: Kris Bistro, the restaurant operated by Culinary Institute LeNotre, will showcase wines from Spain and Portugal in a five-course meal. Tickets to the dinner are $78, and the event begins with a 6:30 pm reception. Call 713-358-5079 to attend.

Wednesday, November 27: The Falliday Leftover Throwdown (yes, contestants must use common holiday recipes with creative twists) will be held at Winter Street Studios (2102 Winter Street) 2 to 4 pm and will certainly stir up competition amongst some of Houston’s hottest chefs and most creative culinary teams. Tickets to the Falliday Throwdown, which benefits the Orange Show Center,  are $65. Admission includes a tasting of each of the 17 entries concocted by Bar Boheme, Beaver’s, Brooklyn Athletic Club, Cove, El Big Bad, Goro & Gun, L’Olivier, Latin Bites, Lowbrow, Mr. Peeples, Phoenicia, Prego, Roost, Triniti, Uchi and Underbelly. Both judges and ticketholders will vote for their favorites, and one winner will walk about with the golden gobbler.

Tuesday, December 3: The sixth annual Gingerbread Doghouse Competition, hosted by Lucky Dog Rescue at the Royal Sonesta Hotel (2222 West Loop South), is just a few weeks away. There is still time for both amateur and professional pastry chefs to participate in the contest. Attendees will enjoy light nibbles and cocktails with their $25 Lucky Dog donation while perusing the competing gingerbread doghouses on display and silent auction. To sign up as a doghouse competitor, email Jodie Eisenhardt at jodie@foodiehouston.com. Children are welcome to attend the event at no charge.