Tequila, farm dinner, BBQ coming up

Cantina 1511 in Dilworth offers a Herradura Tequila dinner Aug. 12, four courses with paired cocktails from Mexico native and Herradura “international ambassador” Jesus “Chuy” Ostos. He’ll be on hand to discuss, too, and part of the proceeds will benefit the Council for Children’s Rights. Among the courses: Oaxacan stuffed meatballs with a Royal Margarita; sweet and spicy short ribs with Tequila Sunrise, and more. $45; 1511 East Blvd.; 704-331-9222Ö.

Grateful Growers Farms plans its “fairly annual” On-Farm Dinner for Oct. 16. Included in the $100 sticker price are a guided tour of the farm, tastings and hors d’oeuvres, a meal focusing on the farm’s pasture-raised meats and locally grown sides (guest chefs are planned), local craft beers, live bluegrass music and contra dancing, and a silent auction that will raise money for Friendship Trays. Also, the first 100 ticket buyers get a $5 coupon for the takeout-lunch Harvest Moon Grille. Tickets at the website: www.ggfarm.com.

Look for the renamed, new-sponsored N.C. official Memphis BBQ Network Championship Cook-Off Sept. 10-11. It’s now part of the Time Warner Cable BBQ and Blues Festival in uptown, from Charlotte Center City Partners, and the competition qualifies the professional-division winner to compete in the famous Memphis national competition. Registration for Backyard Grillers began July 19, and all 50 slots were filled within 30 minutes, according to CCCP, with 14 professional teams already signed up.