Taste the World Oct. 7

Looking for a bit of international flavor and intrigue? East Charlotte offers the newest version of its "Taste of the World" tour Oct. 7, with 21 restaurants on its list of participants.

Here's how it works: You attend an opening reception at the VanLandingham Estate. Then you're ferried by bus to three of the 21 (to date) possibilities, to enjoy a sampling of cuisine. You don't get to pick which you attend, but you're guaranteed to get three different cuisines; possibilities range from Vietnamese to Brazilian, Middle Eastern to Indian. You end up at a closing reception back at the VanLandingham. The evening goes from about 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the final reception beginning at 9. Tickets are $30 and you can get them here.

Participating restaurants so far: Ben Thanh (Vietnamese), Brazas (Brazilian), Dim Sum (Chinese), Fu Lin (Asian/Indian fare), Jerusalem (Middle Eastern), Carolina Kebap (Turkish/Mediterranean), Namaste (Indian), Pollos Mario (Colombian), Portofino (Italian), Woodlands (Indian), Saigon Bistro (Vietnamese), Jamile's (Somalian and more), Mama's (Caribbean), El Pulgarcito (Salvadorean), The Motherland (West African), Sadie's (Southern!), The Landmark (classic diner), Lang Van (Vietnamese), Carnitas Guanajuato (Mexican), Cocina Latina (Mexican), Linares (Mexican), Mily and Lalo (Peruvian) and Three Amigos (Mexican).