Here are some upcoming fun and noteworthy food and wine events. We hope to see you there!

Friday, October 5 The 28th Annual Caesar Salad Competition takes place 5 to 8 pm at the Four Seasons Hotel (1300 Lamar). This is the kookiest and most fun food competition of the year, and it benefits a scholarship fund for hospitality and culinary students. Tickets are $45 in advance ($50 at the door) and are now on sale. Admission includes all the salad you can possibly eat — in iterations you’ve probably never imagined — and wine to wash it down. Come get your garlic on. Note: The first 10 people to show up wearing a toga get in free!

Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7 The Original Greek Festival (3511 Yoakum) lures more than 40,000 Houstonians with delicious food, music and dancing. All food served at the festival  is cooked by the parishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, strictly adhering to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation. If you haven’t experienced the original Greek festival, plan on attending this weekend and get a huge serving of culture. For more information, visit the website.

Sunday, October 14 Haven is having a hoedown! Chef Randy Evans of Haven restaurant (2502 Algerian Way) will prepare a family-style fried-chicken dinner complete with all the Southern-style sides while guests enjoy live music. Dinner will begin at 6 pm. Seats are $125 each — the dinner benefits Urban Harvest — and guests can reserve seats by calling Callie at 713-880-5540.

Thursday, October 18 The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala will honor chef Michael Cordúa of Cordúa Restaurants at this year’s event, which begins at 6:30 pm at Hilton Americas (1600 Lamar). Dinner will feature food from  John Sheely (Mockingbird Bistro), Tyson Cole and Kaz Edwards (Uchi), Giancarlo Ferrara (Arcodoro), David Grossman (Branchwater Tavern), Barbara McKnight (Catering by Culinaire), Soren Petersen (Sorrel), Kiran Verma (Kiran’s) and Elouise Jones (Ouisie’s Table and The Bird and The Bear). To purchase tickets to the event or make a donation, visit the March of Dimes website.

Thursday, October 25 The 2012 Safe Home Gala benefitting Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse boasts an impressive culinary line-up for the annual walk-and-dine soiree, hosted at the home of Marie and Dr. Ed Borsage. Some of Houston’s most admired chefs including David Cordúa, Mark Cox, Neal Cox, Robert Del Grande, David Denis, Grant Gordon and Chris Shepherd (just to name a few) are offering three items each, along with cocktail and wine pairings, with sommelier Antonio Gianola on hand as well. Tickets are $250 and must be purchased in advance. For more information and to purchase a sponsorship or ticket, click here.

Thursday, October 25 Chama Gaúcha (5865 Westheimer at Fountainview) and Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods have collaborated in an effort to bring Brazil to Houston. A wine tasting and dinner feature premium wines from the renown cellars of Vinifera Imports. Guests will be served the traditional churrasco and prepared dishes, and nine wines will be showcased throughout dinner. Seats are $75, and guests are asked to arrive at 6:30 pm. To reserve a seat, call 713-244-9500.

Saturday, October 27 Houstonians are invited to have a taste of Italy at Hotel Granduca’s Italian Marketplace (1080 Uptown Park) 2 to 6 pm. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door, with proceeds benefitting Texas Children’s Hospital. “Merchants” at the market will include Granduca’s own Ristorante Cavour, Quattro, Moet & Hennessey, Nundini’s Chef’s Table Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ferrari of Houston, Maserati of Houston, Vespa of Texas, Lamborghini Houston, the Italian Cultural and Community Center and Salvatore Albelice Coffee & Gelato, plus many more. Come out and taste some authentic Italian food and wine. More information can be found here.

All of October: Ouisie’s Table and its sibling The Bird and The Bear are offering Pink Pancakes or a Pink Cocktail for the Cure at breakfast and lunch during the month of October as a fundraiser benefiting Reconstruction of a Survivor.